If you’ve ever spent a lazy afternoon at your grandma’s kitchen table—waiting for something warm, sweet, and slightly messy to land on your plate—this dish will take you right back. Or maybe, like many of us, you’re craving something comforting and homemade after a long day. These soft dumplings filled with juicy plums and a touch of creamy ricotta might be just the thing you didn’t know you needed.
Forget fancy pastries and delicate tarts. This dessert is unpretentious, a little rustic, and 100% heartwarming. It’s the kind of thing that doesn’t demand perfection—just a bit of care and some love for simple, honest ingredients. 💛
🍽 What are ricotta plum dumplings, really?
They’re little balls of tender dough, made with ricotta cheese instead of traditional potato or semolina. Inside each dumpling is a surprise—half (or sometimes even a whole!) ripe plum, bursting with juice. When cooked and coated in butter-toasted breadcrumbs or sprinkled with sugar, these dumplings become something magical.
They’re usually served warm, sometimes with sour cream, sometimes with a bit of cinnamon sugar, and always with big smiles. Think of them as part comfort food, part celebration, and entirely satisfying.
They’re especially popular in Central and Eastern Europe, but this version adds a creamy twist thanks to the ricotta in the dough—giving them a softer, lighter bite than traditional recipes.
🧺 Ingredients that make all the difference
You won’t need anything exotic, but each ingredient plays its part. The magic happens when simple things come together in just the right way.
🍇 The plums
Choose plums that are ripe but not mushy. The kind that gives slightly when you press them. You want them sweet, but with just enough tang to cut through the richness of the dough. Red and purple-skinned plums are ideal—not only for their flavor but for the color contrast they bring to the plate.
Cut them in half, take the pit out, and if you’re feeling fancy, tuck a pinch of cinnamon sugar or a tiny drop of honey inside before sealing them in the dough. Little things make a big difference.
🧀 Ricotta cheese
This is what sets the dough apart. Ricotta makes it soft, delicate, and just a little tangy. Whole-milk ricotta works best, and if it’s a bit too wet, let it drain in a cheesecloth or fine sieve for 30–60 minutes.
The dough becomes incredibly smooth, almost creamy, and easy to work with. Some people use cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese, but ricotta brings a lightness that others just can’t match.
🧂 Other essentials you’ll need
You’ll also need:
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- A bit of sugar
- Melted butter (yes, please)
- A splash of milk
- Pinch of salt
- Vanilla or lemon zest if you’re feeling extra
Nothing fancy. Just good, honest ingredients.
👩🍳 Let’s get cooking: step-by-step guide
Don’t stress — this recipe is flexible. Even if your dumplings aren’t perfect spheres, they’ll still taste amazing. Promise.
1️⃣ Mix the dough
Grab two bowls. In the first, mix ricotta and eggs. Whisk it until it’s smooth-ish. In the second, combine your dry stuff — flour, sugar, and salt.
Now gently mix the wet into the dry. Add the butter and a little milk if it feels too thick. The dough should be soft, not sticky. If it’s a mess, just add a touch more flour.
Wrap it in cling film, throw it in the fridge (or just leave it on the counter if it’s not too hot), and let it rest for 30 minutes. That gives the dough time to relax — kinda like you should while waiting.
2️⃣ Prep the plums
Wash, dry, and halve the plums. Take out the pits. If they’re tart — sugar ’em. Maybe a pinch of cinnamon if you’re into that. Some people even sneak a sugar cube or a bit of jam into the middle. Go wild.
3️⃣ Assemble
Roll the dough into little balls, golf ball-sized. Flatten each into a small circle. Place the plum half (cut side in) into the middle, and gently wrap the dough around it. Pinch to seal — really press those edges.
You’re looking for a smooth, sealed dumpling. If one leaks — hey, it happens.
4️⃣ Boil time
Bring a big pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Drop in the dumplings, a few at a time. When they float — that’s your signal. Let them simmer for another 2–3 minutes just to be safe.
Scoop them out with a slotted spoon. Try not to break them (they’re delicate creatures).
✨ Serving ideas – from classic favorites to creative twists
The classic way to enjoy these dumplings is pretty straightforward: after boiling, you toss them in buttered breadcrumbs that have been toasted to a nice golden brown. Then, sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top. That warm buttery aroma combined with the sweet scent of sugar really makes your kitchen smell like a little bakery. It’s cozy and comforting—hard to resist! 🍞✨
But honestly, you don’t have to stop there:
- Try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside for a lovely contrast—warm dumplings and cold creamy ice cream are a perfect match. 🍨
- Or serve them with a spoonful of crème fraîche or yogurt if you want a bit of tang to balance the sweetness. 🥄
- Drizzle some honey or berry syrup on top to make the dish feel a bit more special and elegant. 🍯
- For some extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pistachios—adds a nice crunch! 🥜
- If you want to impress, garnish with fresh mint leaves or even some edible flowers—pretty and fragrant. 🌿🌸
And if you happen to grab one cold from the fridge the next morning? Totally understandable. Sometimes leftovers just hit differently.
❄️ Storage and make-ahead tips
If you want to prep ahead, it’s easy. Shape the dumplings and lay them out on a tray so they don’t stick together, then pop the tray into the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer the dumplings to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for about three months.
When you’re ready to cook, just drop the frozen dumplings straight into boiling water—no need to thaw. Give them an extra minute or two cooking time to make sure they’re heated through.
Leftover cooked dumplings can stay in the fridge for a few days. When reheating, use the microwave for convenience or heat them gently in a pan with a little butter to bring back some crispiness.
❤️ Why we love these dumplings (and you will too)
These dumplings? They’re not just dessert — they’re pure comfort in every bite. Soft dough hugging juicy plums with creamy ricotta inside, it’s like a little warm hug from the inside out. They remind you to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the small, simple pleasures that make life sweet.
No need for a fancy occasion or special event. All you really need is some quiet time in the kitchen, a handful of ripe plums, and a bit of patience. There’s something really nice about making something from scratch that fills the whole room with warmth — and your heart, too.
So the next time you spot some ripe plums sitting on your counter and feel a sweet craving creeping in, go ahead and try this recipe. It just might become your new favorite comfort food — the kind you keep coming back to because it feels like a little slice of home.
