Boxcar Children'S Cherry Dumplings
Cheery cherry-filled dumplings wrapped in flaky crescent dough offer a delightful treat perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, appealing to all ages with their fruity goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and divide it into 4 rectangles.
- Roll each piece to make it slightly larger.
- Place 1/3 cup of cherry pie filling in the center of each dough rectangle.
- Bring opposite corners up over the cherry filling and pinch to seal, forming a dumpling.
- Repeat with the remaining two corners to fully enclose the filling.
- Place the dumplings into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon sugar on top of each dumpling.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cherry filling or using a different fruit like blueberries or peaches. If you don’t have crescent rolls, use puff pastry instead for a flakier texture. Make sure to seal the dumplings well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking. These dumplings can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cherry dumplings warm, dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving with a side of Cranberry Marshmallow Salad to balance the flavors. These dumplings are delightful for family gatherings or casual weeknight desserts.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cherry dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 20-30 seconds, but the oven method helps maintain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Boxcar Children'S Cherry Dumplings contains roughly 146 calories, with 3g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Simply pit and chop about 2 cups of fresh cherries, then toss them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a filling similar to cherry pie filling. This will provide a fresher taste and a different texture.
Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dumplings in advance, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to a day. Just be sure to bake them right before serving for the best texture. If you want to prepare them even further in advance, consider freezing the unbaked dumplings and baking them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I do if the dumplings are too sweet?
If you find the dumplings too sweet, try reducing the amount of sugar in the cherry filling or on top of the dumplings. You can also serve them with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream or a scoop of tart frozen yogurt to balance the sweetness. A drizzle of lemon juice over the top before serving can also enhance the flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).