Sweet Dumplings, or Dampfnudel, are a beloved German treat that consists of soft, fluffy dumplings served with a fresh strawberry topping and a velvety vanilla sauce. This dessert offers a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, making it ideal for a comforting snack or a delicious end to any meal. Whether enjoyed as part of a festive gathering or a cozy afternoon, Dampfnudel is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, fluffy, and comforting dumplings paired with a fresh strawberry topping
- The rich vanilla sauce enhances the sweetness of the dumplings
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for family gatherings or as a special treat
- A great way to use seasonal strawberries
- Can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for different occasions
- A traditional German dessert with a nostalgic feel
- Simple yet elegant presentation that’s sure to impress guests
- Works as a delightful dessert or a sweet afternoon snack
- Can be made ahead and stored for later enjoyment
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the strawberry topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
For the vanilla sauce:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
directions
- Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the strawberry topping: While the dough is rising, chop the strawberries and toss them with sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the juices to release.
- Shape the dumplings: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray. Let the dumplings rise for another 30 minutes.
- Cook the dumplings: Heat a large skillet with a lid over medium heat and add a little butter. Place the dumplings in the skillet, making sure they don’t touch each other. Add about 1/4 cup of water, cover tightly, and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the dumplings are puffed up and cooked through. Do not open the lid while cooking.
- Make the vanilla sauce: In a saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little cold milk to create a slurry. Slowly add this to the simmering milk mixture while stirring constantly. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Serve the dumplings: Once the dumplings are ready, serve them hot with the fresh strawberry topping and drizzle with the vanilla sauce.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 dumplings
- Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per dumpling
Variations
- Fruit Toppings: Use other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a different flavor profile.
- Spiced Dumplings: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra touch of warmth and flavor.
- Chocolate Sauce: Swap the vanilla sauce for a chocolate sauce for a rich, indulgent variation.
- Nutty Addition: Top the dumplings with chopped toasted nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, butter, and whipped coconut cream to make this dessert vegan-friendly.
- Caramel Sauce: Replace the vanilla sauce with homemade caramel for a sweet, buttery contrast.
- Gingered Strawberries: Add a pinch of ground ginger to the strawberry topping for a little extra zing.
- Almond Cream: Substitute the vanilla sauce with almond-flavored cream for a nutty twist.
- Sugar-Free Version: Use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit in both the dough and sauce for a low-sugar dessert.
storage/reheating
Storage:
Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the vanilla sauce and strawberry topping separately.
Freezing:
The dumplings can be frozen before cooking. Place the shaped dumplings on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. To cook, steam or heat them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating:
Reheat the dumplings in a skillet with a little butter or steam them to bring back their fluffiness. Warm the vanilla sauce gently on the stove, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using them as a topping.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half for a lighter version.
Do I have to use buttermilk for the dough?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk plus a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to create a similar acidic effect.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?
The dumplings are done when they are puffed up, golden on the outside, and soft and airy inside. You can also check by gently pressing on them—they should spring back.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Shape the dumplings the next day and proceed with the cooking steps.
What other toppings can I use?
You can use whipped cream, yogurt, or even a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce as alternative toppings.
Can I make Dampfnudel without yeast?
Yeast is important for the texture of the dumplings. If you don’t want to use yeast, you could experiment with baking powder, but the result may not be as fluffy.
Can I use a different type of flour?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a slightly chewier texture, but all-purpose is recommended for the softest dumplings.
What is the best way to serve Dampfnudel?
Serve them warm with the vanilla sauce and strawberry topping for the best experience.
Can I use other sweet sauces instead of vanilla sauce?
Yes, you can experiment with different sauces, like caramel, chocolate, or berry compotes, for varied flavors.
Conclusion
Sweet Dumplings (Dampfnudel) offer a delightful and comforting dessert that brings together fluffy, yeast-based dumplings, fresh strawberries, and a smooth vanilla sauce. Whether served as a treat after dinner or as a snack, Dampfnudel is a versatile and indulgent dessert that will bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Easy to make yet impressive in its presentation, it’s a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious taste of German comfort food.
Sweet Dumplings (Dampfnudel)
These soft and fluffy German sweet dumplings, known as Dampfnudel, are served with a luscious strawberry topping and a light vanilla sauce, making for a comforting and delightful dessert or snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 dumplings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- For the strawberry topping:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
- For the vanilla sauce:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the strawberry topping by tossing the chopped strawberries with sugar. Set aside to release juices.
- Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place on a parchment-lined baking tray. Let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- To cook the dumplings, heat a large skillet with a lid over medium heat. Add a little butter and place the dumplings in the skillet, ensuring they don’t touch. Add 1/4 cup of water and cover tightly. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until puffed and cooked through. Do not open the lid while cooking.
- While the dumplings cook, make the vanilla sauce. Combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan and heat until simmering.
- Mix the cornstarch with cold milk to form a slurry and add it to the simmering mixture. Stir until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Once the dumplings are ready, serve them hot with fresh strawberry topping and drizzle with the vanilla sauce.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a touch of lemon zest to the strawberry topping.
- If you prefer a richer vanilla sauce, use more heavy cream in place of milk.
- These dumplings can also be served with other fruit toppings like raspberries or blueberries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dumpling
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg