Blackberry Dumplings

8 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 1 h 30 m Total: 1 h 45 m Intermediate
5.0/5 (2)
Blackberry Dumplings
Snakes and Blackberries go hand in hand. If you have ever picked blackberries you probably know that, already! This old-fashioned Southern dessert features fresh blackberries simmered into a sweet syrup with tender drop dumplings. The picture shown is the blackberries cooking before adding the dumpling.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • BLACKBERRIES
  • 1 gallon blackberries
  • 4 cups sugar (may need 5 cups)
  • 3 quarts water
  • DUMPLINGS
  • 1 1/2 cup self-rising flour
  • 3 tbsp melted margarine or butter
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 2 tbsp sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Boil blackberries, sugar, and water until water starts to thicken slightly, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, on medium heat. Trust it will thicken.
  2. Stir flour, milk, sugar, margarine and eggs until well beaten. Drop by teaspoons into hot liquid. Turn dumplings once when cooked or you could spoon the filling over the dumplings and then flip them over.
  3. Continue to cook until all dumplings are cooked. If mixture becomes too thick, add water and boil until liquid becomes hot again.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why are my dumplings falling apart?

A: Make sure the blackberry mixture is at a full boil before dropping in the dumplings. Don't stir too vigorously after adding them - let them set for a minute or two before gently turning.

Q: Can I use frozen blackberries?

A: Yes, frozen blackberries work well. Don't thaw them first - add them frozen and they'll release their juices as they cook. You may need slightly less sugar depending on how sweet they are.

Q: My syrup is too thin even after cooking. What do I do?

A: Continue simmering with the lid off to allow more evaporation. The sugar and pectin in the berries will naturally thicken the syrup as it reduces. Be patient - it can take the full 1 1/2 hours.

Tips and Techniques

The dumplings will puff up and expand as they cook, so don’t crowd the pot. Work in batches if needed. The syrup will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t over-reduce it or it will become too thick when served.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • self-rising flour: all-purpose flour plus 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • margarine: butter
  • blackberries: blueberries or dewberries

Equipment Needed

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Teaspoon for dropping dumplings

Historical Context

Blackberry dumplings are a beloved Southern dessert that dates back to when families would forage wild blackberries in summer. The mention of snakes refers to the reality that blackberry bushes often grow in areas where snakes like to hide - a hazard every berry picker knows well.