Blackberry Dumplings Recipe
Introduction
Blackberry dumplings are a comforting, sweet treat that combines juicy blackberries with tender, fluffy dough. This easy skillet dessert is perfect for sharing and makes a cozy finish to any meal.

Ingredients
- 1 pound (454g) blackberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240mL) water
- 1 Tablespoon (15mL) lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) sifted flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter (cold and cut into pieces)
- ¾ cup (180mL) buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a 9″ or 10″ skillet, combine the blackberries, 1 cup sugar, water, lemon juice, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and ¼ cup sugar.
- Step 3: Add the cold butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs about the size of peas.
- Step 4: Stir the ½ teaspoon vanilla extract into the buttermilk. Pour the buttermilk mixture over the flour and butter mixture, stirring just until moistened and a shaggy dough forms.
- Step 5: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough evenly over the simmering blackberry sauce. Use about a tablespoon per dumpling.
- Step 6: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil, reduce heat to low, and let the dumplings cook for 12-14 minutes, until cooked through and the sauce thickens. Avoid lifting the lid while cooking.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or on their own.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh blackberries when in season for the best flavor, or frozen blackberries when fresh ones are not available.
- Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dumpling dough for a spiced twist.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special dessert.
Storage
Store leftover dumplings covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze well; keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and warm individual servings in the microwave.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other berries or fruits in this recipe?
Yes, this recipe works well with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries mixed together. You can also try stone fruits like peaches or plums for a different flavor.
How can I tell when the dumplings are fully cooked?
The dumplings should be set and firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. An internal temperature of around 195ºF (91ºC) indicates they are done.
PrintBlackberry Dumplings Recipe
This homemade Blackberry Dumplings recipe features a luscious, simmered berry sauce topped with tender, fluffy dumplings cooked right in the skillet. It’s a comforting, old-fashioned dessert perfect for showcasing juicy blackberries, served warm with optional ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Blackberry Sauce
- 1 pound (454g) blackberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240mL) water
- 1 Tablespoon (15mL) lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Dumplings
- 2 cups (240g) sifted flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter (cold and cut into pieces)
- ¾ cup (180mL) buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Blackberry Sauce: In a 9″ or 10″ cast iron or cooking skillet, combine blackberries, sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir to mix evenly.
- Simmer Sauce: Place skillet over medium heat and bring the fruit mixture to a gentle simmer while preparing the dumpling dough.
- Make Dumpling Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and sugar. Add cold butter pieces to the flour mixture, then use a pastry blender to cut the butter in until you have coarse, pea-sized chunks.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Stir vanilla extract into the buttermilk, then pour the mixture evenly over the flour and butter. Stir gently just until the dry ingredients are moistened and a shaggy dough forms.
- Assemble Dumplings in Sauce: Drop the dumpling dough by tablespoonfuls evenly over the simmering blackberry mixture in the skillet. Spread them out using a spoon or scoop.
- Cook Dumplings: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil, reduce heat to low, and let dumplings simmer for 12-14 minutes until cooked through and an internal temperature of at least 195ºF (91ºC) is reached. Avoid peeking to retain heat and moisture.
- Serve: Once dumplings are cooked and sauce thickened, remove from heat and let cool slightly. Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or on their own. Store leftovers refrigerated up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Notes
- Use a digital instant-read thermometer to ensure dumplings are fully cooked.
- Do not lift the lid during cooking to maintain steam and proper temperature.
- Leftover dumplings freeze well; thaw before reheating in microwave.
- If fresh blackberries are not available, frozen berries work perfectly.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar as a quick homemade buttermilk.
Keywords: blackberry dumplings, blackberry dessert, dumplings recipe, stovetop dessert, berry dumplings

