Cranberry Dumplings
A warm, comforting dessert featuring tart cranberries and fluffy dumplings, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy winter evenings, offering a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
- Cover and boil until cranberries are cooked.
- Make the batter for dumplings by mixing flour, baking powder, salt, and enough milk to make a drop batter.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the cranberry sauce.
- Cover and boil for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the batter. If you want to reduce sugar, try substituting half the sugar with a natural sweetener like agave syrup, adjusting the liquid accordingly. Ensure the batter is not too thick; it should be a drop consistency to cook evenly in the sauce. This recipe can also be adapted for other fruits like blueberries or chopped apples.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cranberry dumplings warm, drizzled with a bit of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness. They pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside savory dishes like Maple Sausage Balls to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cranberry dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water or additional cranberry sauce to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short bursts, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Dumplings contains roughly 923 calories, with 5g protein, 244g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1006mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
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 frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. The cooking time may remain the same, but keep an eye on the sauce to ensure it thickens properly.
What can I substitute for flour if I want a gluten-free option?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum to help the dumplings hold together. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still work well in this recipe.
How can I make the dumplings fluffier?
To achieve fluffier dumplings, ensure that your baking powder is fresh and not expired. Also, try beating the batter lightly to incorporate air before dropping it into the sauce. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to denser dumplings.
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).