Description
Maple Dumplings are a delightful plant-based dessert combining soft, fluffy dumplings infused with the natural sweetness of maple syrup (natural) and a tender filling featuring mashed sweet potatoes or pumpkin. This simple recipe uses pantry staples, offers quick preparation, and can be customized with various toppings and flavor variations, making it a perfect family-friendly treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (natural)
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter (optional)
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes or pumpkin
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (such as agar)
Toppings (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons smoked turkey bacon crumbles or smoked turkey slices
- Extra maple syrup (natural) for drizzling
- Toasted chopped pecans or walnuts
- Ground cinnamon or powdered plant-based sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add the plant-based milk and maple syrup (natural), stirring gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If desired, fold in melted plant-based butter for extra richness. Cover and let the dough rest for 5 to 10 minutes to activate the baking powder and ensure fluffy dumplings.
- Make the Filling: While the dough rests, mix the mashed sweet potatoes or pumpkin with maple syrup (natural), cinnamon (if using), and the natural gelling agent. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth but firm enough to hold its shape inside the dumplings.
- Assemble the Dumplings: Pinch off portions of dough and flatten each into a small disk. Spoon a generous amount of filling into the center of each disk. Fold the dough around the filling and pinch the edges securely to form round dumplings, ensuring they are tightly sealed to prevent leaking during cooking.
- Cook the Dumplings: Bring a pot of lightly sweetened water or gentle broth to a simmer. Gently drop the dumplings into the simmering liquid and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until they float to the surface and look puffy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them carefully and place them on a warm plate.
- Serve with Maple Syrup Drizzle: Drizzle the warm dumplings with extra maple syrup (natural). Optionally, sprinkle with smoked turkey bacon crumbles or smoked turkey slices for a balanced savory-sweet flavor. Garnish with toasted nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered plant-based sugar if desired.
Notes
- Allow the dough to rest before cooking to activate the baking powder for lighter dumplings.
- Do not overfill the dumplings to avoid bursting during cooking.
- Maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil when cooking to keep dumplings intact.
- Use natural maple syrup (natural) to enhance authentic flavor without artificial sweetness.
- Test-cook one dumpling first to check the filling firmness and dough texture before cooking all dumplings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: North American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 dumplings
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: maple dumplings, plant-based dessert, sweet potato dumplings, pumpkin dumplings, natural maple syrup dessert