Caramel dumplings

Caramel dumplings are a delightful dessert featuring fluffy dumplings cooked in a sweet caramel sauce. This simple recipe creates a warm and comforting treat, perfect for any occasion.

01 Feb 2026
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

2 tbsp butter
2 cups water
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup self-raising flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk (1% fat)

Indulge in the sweet and comforting delight of caramel dumplings, a classic dessert that boasts gooey caramel sauce enveloping soft, fluffy dumplings. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleasing finish to a meal, this recipe is simple yet irresistibly delicious.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Caramel Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, add 2 cups of water and 1 cup of brown sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved. Once dissolved, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer while you prepare the dumplings.

2. Make the Dumpling Batter:
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of self-raising flour and 1/2 cup of sugar.
- Add 2 tbsp of melted butter, 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract, and 1/3 cup of milk to the dry ingredients.
- Stir until just combined, ensuring not to over-mix the batter. The mixture should be thick but smooth.

3. Cook the Dumplings:
- Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the simmering caramel sauce. Space them out evenly to allow room for the dumplings to expand.
- Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure the dumplings cook evenly.

4. Serve:
- Once the dumplings are cooked through and puffed up, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Serve the caramel dumplings warm, spooning some of the caramel sauce over each serving.

Whether served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on their own, caramel dumplings are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Their rich caramel flavor combined with the tender dumplings makes for an unforgettable treat.

Caramel dumplings FAQ:

What is the baking time for caramel dumplings?

Caramel dumplings are not baked; they are cooked on the stovetop. You'll need to simmer them for about 15 minutes after dropping the batter into the caramel sauce.

How do I know when the dumplings are done cooking?

The dumplings are done when they have puffed up and appear cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid while cooking to ensure even doneness.

Can I store leftover caramel dumplings?

Yes, you can store leftover caramel dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

What can I substitute for self-raising flour in this recipe?

You can substitute self-raising flour with all-purpose flour mixed with baking powder. Use 1 cup of all-purpose flour, adding 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder to achieve similar results.

What kind of chocolate or cocoa can I use instead of brown sugar?

While brown sugar is key to the caramel flavor, you could experiment with a chocolate sauce for a different taste. However, this will change the intended flavor profile significantly.

Tips:

- Use cold butter when mixing the dough to ensure the dumplings stay fluffy.

- For a richer flavor, try using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.

- Serve the dumplings warm for the best taste and texture.

- To add a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts over the dumplings before serving.

- If the caramel sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of milk or cream.

Nutrition per serving

6 Servings
Calories 360kcal
Protein 3.53g
Carbohydrates 80g
Fiber 0.75g
Sugar 60g
Fat 4.72g

Caramel dumplings