Southern Blueberry Dessert Dumplings is an old-fashioned, homey dessert that’s pure fruity bliss! This recipe is a great summer alternative to cobbler since you don’t need to turn on your oven.
Southern Blueberry Dessert Dumplings is an old-fashioned, homey dessert that’s pure fruity bliss! #blueberries #dessert #dumplings #recipe #homemade
This is an old Southern recipe that I don’t see much anymore. Actually, I had forgotten about it until I was talking with a friend about old recipes. A flood of memories came back, I remember my great-grandmother making Blueberry Dumplings when I was little.
I’m sure when you think of dumplings you think of savory Chicken ‘n Dumplings. Blueberry Dumplings are sweet dessert dumplings. Actually, they taste like blueberry cobbler except the bread is soft instead of being ‘crusty’. In addition, they’re cooked on the stovetop versus in the oven. The dough is ‘boiled’ in sweet blueberry juice instead of being baked. The result is a soft, fluffy, sweet dumpling in a delicious, jammy blueberry sauce.
Southern Blueberry Dessert Dumplings
- This is a quick and easy dessert that can be made from start to finish in less than 30 minutes.
- You can use fresh or frozen berries.
- As well, you can substitute blackberries instead of blueberries.
- Actually, you can use any fruit or fruit combination. A cherry blueberry combination would be excellent!
- Don’t leave out the lemon zest and juice. It really brightens the dessert!
I used frozen blueberries and the 2 cups of water provided just enough liquid. Additionally, the flour from the dumplings thickened the sauce slightly so I didn’t add any corn starch.
In my opinion, this dessert is best served warm with really good vanilla ice cream.
While you’re here, check out these recipes
- Small Batch Blueberry Muffin
- Angel Food Fat-Free Blueberry Cake
- Streusel Topped Blueberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
- 19 Scrumptious Blueberry Recipes
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary based on products used.

Southern Blueberry Dessert Dumplings
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Save To Your Recipe BoxIngredients
For the sauce
- 1 quart blueberries fresh or frozen
- 2 cups water
- 1 and ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large lemon zested then juiced
For the dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter cold
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
For the sauce
- In a large pot, combine blueberries, 1 and ½ cup sugar, and 2 cups of water. Bring to a low boil.
For the dumplings
- While the sauce is coming to a boil, mix the dumplings.
- In a medium bowl, stir flour, 2 tablespoon sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest together.
- Cut the butter into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender or fork. When the mixture resembles wet sand, stir in the milk to form a dough.
Cook the dumplings
- With the sauce at a low boil, drop ½ tablespoon dough into the sauce working as quickly as you can.
- Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low or simmer. Cook on low for 20 minutes (more if needed). Don't remove the lid and do not stir until 20 minutes. Check the dumplings at 20 minutes for doneness. The dumplings should be fluffy and cooked through with no doughy centers when done.
- Gently stir in the lemon juice. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and/or fresh whipped cream.
Nutrition
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Audrey Tiffany says
I used blackberries and it looked just like my mama use to make but the dumplings seemed to be a little too doughy and heavy and they had a grainy texture..but I still ate them..
Kelli Gilliland says
Wow! My husband said this is one of the best desserts he has ever had. It is really good.
Paula says
thanks so much!
Sarah says
Was thinking the other day of some of the stuff my Nanney(grandmother) use to make and her strawberry dumplings came to mind. I’ve made them once, maybe twice, years ago . She passed away in May and now I can’t get her recipe. This looks very similar. Thank you
Gail says
Just like my mother used to make. I’ve been searching for this recipe for years.
Paula says
Yay!!! My granny made something similar with blackberries. It took me a while to get the recipe right. It’s a shame they didn’t write down those wonderful recipes.
Elizabeth says
Quick and simple. The lemon adds a POP of enhanced flavor
Miko says
I’m so happy to see this recipe because my great aunt use to make these for me and she passed 8 years ago. Looks just like hers. Thank you.
Kim says
I was trying to get the blueberry dump cake recipe and it said unable to load. probably my computer. can you forward it to me or send me the link?
Paula says
Hey Kim, yes. Here’s the link: https://www.callmepmc.com/blueberry-cream-cheese-dump-cake/