If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the countryside, this Country Peach Dumplings Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, juicy peaches wrapped in flaky, buttery dough, all bathed in a fragrant cinnamon and vanilla syrup that soaks into every nook and cranny. It’s sweet but never overpowering, with just the right amount of spice to make it truly memorable. This recipe is simple enough to whip up on a weeknight yet impressive enough for a special occasion, offering the perfect combination of homey comfort and timeless Southern charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the ripe peaches that bring natural sweetness and juiciness, to the cold butter that ensures perfectly flaky dough. The warming spices and vanilla syrup elevate the dish, tying everything together with nostalgic flavor.
- 4 large ripe peaches: Peeled and pitted, these juicy fruits are the star of the dish.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the tender, flaky dough.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the dough rise to a light texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor balance in the dough.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold): Cut into small cubes for that perfect flaky dough texture.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture, making the dough tender.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the syrup and balances the fruit’s tartness.
- 1 cup water: Forms the base of the syrup.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant note to the syrup.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle, comforting spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon with a hint of warmth.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted into the syrup for richness and shine.
How to Make Country Peach Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This preheating ensures the dumplings bake evenly and the dish is ready to catch all that delicious syrup.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This combination is the foundation of your dough, so mixing it thoroughly helps create an even rise and great texture.
Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to rub the butter in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step is key to flaky dumplings — the cold butter creates little pockets that melt during baking.
Step 4: Add Buttermilk and Form Dough
Pour in the buttermilk gradually, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want tender dumplings, not dense ones.
Step 5: Roll and Cut Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into approximately 4-inch squares—these will be just large enough to wrap around each peach.
Step 6: Wrap the Peaches
Place one peeled, pitted peach in the center of each dough square. Carefully fold the dough over the peach, pinching and sealing the edges to create a neat packet. These pockets will trap all the juices and steam during baking.
Step 7: Prepare the Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts. The fragrant syrup will soak into the dumplings as they bake, making each bite a perfect blend of sweet and spicy.
Step 8: Assemble and Bake
Pour the syrup into your prepared baking dish, then nestle the dumplings inside, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the dough is golden brown and the peaches are tender inside.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
After baking, let the dumplings cool for a few minutes so the syrup thickens slightly. This makes serving easier and lets the flavors deepen.
How to Serve Country Peach Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream brings a luscious cool contrast to the warm dumplings. You can also sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for a pretty finishing touch that echoes the flavors within.
Side Dishes
If you want to keep the focus on the dumplings, serve them with a simple cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a more indulgent spread, pair with vanilla yogurt or a light salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming rustic dessert, serve the dumplings straight from the baking dish in individual bowls ladled with syrup. You could also turn this into a dessert parfait by layering cubed dumplings, syrup, and whipped cream in a glass for a stunning presentation that highlights each delicious component.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover dumplings covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them in their syrup to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover dumplings by wrapping each individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat dumplings gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add a little extra syrup or butter before serving to bring back that fresh-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
While fresh peaches give the best flavor and texture, canned peaches can work in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well so the dough doesn’t get too soggy.
What’s the best way to peel peaches?
A quick way is to blanch the peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge them into ice water. The skins will slip right off, making peeling fast and easy.
Can I substitute the buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade version works well in the dough.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but results may slightly vary. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.
How can I prevent the dough from sticking when rolling?
Lightly flour your rolling surface and the dough, and work quickly to keep the butter cold. If the dough gets too soft, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before continuing.
Final Thoughts
This Country Peach Dumplings Recipe is truly a celebration of simple, comforting flavors that come together to make something special. Whether you’re welcoming guests or treating yourself after a long day, these dumplings offer that perfect blend of sweet, flaky, and fragrant that feels like tradition on a plate. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new go-to dessert for every season!
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Country Peach Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Country Peach Dumplings are a comforting and delightful dessert featuring ripe peaches wrapped in tender biscuit dough, baked in a fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg syrup. This classic Southern recipe combines juicy fruit with a lightly sweetened dough and a warm, spiced syrup, making it perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet family treat.
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 large ripe peaches, peeled and pitted
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt to combine the leavening agents and seasoning evenly throughout the dough.
- Incorporate Butter: Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the texture resembles coarse crumbs, which ensures a flaky dough.
- Add Buttermilk and Form Dough: Gradually add the buttermilk to the flour mixture, stirring gently until the dough just comes together; avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll the dough into a roughly 1/4-inch thick rectangle, which will be cut into squares to wrap the peaches.
- Cut Dough Squares: Cut the rolled dough into approximately 4-inch squares, large enough to neatly wrap around each peach.
- Assemble Dumplings: Place a peeled and pitted peach in the center of each dough square, then fold the dough over the peach, sealing it to form a neat packet.
- Prepare Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers.
- Arrange Dumplings in Syrup: Pour the warm syrup into the prepared baking dish, then place the dumplings into the syrup, spaced slightly apart to allow even cooking.
- Bake: Bake the dumplings in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the peaches are tender.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the dumplings cool for a few minutes to let the flavors settle and to safely handle.
- Serve: Serve warm, drizzled with the syrup from the baking dish. Optionally, top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Peeling peaches is easier if you blanch them briefly in boiling water for 30 seconds and then plunge into ice water.
- Do not overwork the dough to keep dumplings light and flaky.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a homemade buttermilk substitute.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the syrup.
- Leftover dumplings can be reheated gently in the oven and served with cream.
