Meta Description: Learn how to make traditional Hungarian Plum Dumplings, or Szilvásgombóc, with soft potato dough, juicy plums, cinnamon sugar, and buttery breadcrumbs.
Hungarian Szilvásgombóc, or plum dumplings, is a classic comfort-food dessert made with tender potato dough wrapped around sweet plums.
The dumplings are cooked until soft, then coated in buttery toasted breadcrumbs and finished with cinnamon sugar. 🇭🇺💜
It’s a simple, comforting recipe that brings together soft potatoes, juicy fruit, warm cinnamon, and a delicious buttery coating.
Ingredients
For the Dumplings
500 g potatoes
150–200 g all-purpose flour
1 egg
Pinch of salt
10–12 small ripe plums
2–3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Breadcrumb Coating
100 g breadcrumbs
50 g butter
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
How to Make Hungarian Plum Dumplings
1. Cook the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into pieces.
Boil them in salted water until completely tender. Drain well and allow them to cool slightly.
Mash until smooth, with no large lumps.
2. Make the Dough
Add the egg, salt, and enough flour to the mashed potatoes to form a soft dough.
Start with less flour and add more gradually. The dough should be soft but manageable.
Avoid adding too much flour, as this can make the dumplings heavy.
3. Prepare the Plums
Wash and halve the plums, removing the pits.
Mix the sugar and cinnamon together.
Place a little cinnamon sugar into the center of each plum.
4. Form the Dumplings
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the potato dough out.
Cut it into squares large enough to wrap around each plum.
Place one prepared plum in the center of each piece of dough.
Bring the edges together and gently seal, then roll between your palms to create a smooth ball.
5. Cook the Dumplings
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a gentle boil.
Carefully add the dumplings in batches.
When they rise to the surface, continue cooking for a few more minutes until the dough is fully cooked.
Remove them with a slotted spoon.
6. Prepare the Breadcrumbs
Melt the butter in a large pan.
Add the breadcrumbs and toast gently until golden and fragrant.
Stir in the sugar and cinnamon.
7. Coat and Serve
Gently roll the cooked dumplings in the buttery breadcrumbs until completely coated.
Serve warm with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Tips for Perfect Szilvásgombóc
Use Starchy Potatoes
Potatoes with a higher starch content generally make a better dumpling dough.
Don’t Overwork the Dough
Mix just until the ingredients come together. Overworking can make the dumplings dense.
Drain the Potatoes Well
Excess moisture can make the dough sticky and require too much flour.
Seal the Dumplings Carefully
Make sure there are no openings in the dough so the plum filling stays inside while cooking.
Variations
You can experiment with different fillings or toppings while keeping the classic potato dough.
Try adding:
Extra cinnamon sugar
Ground walnuts
A little powdered sugar
Toasted breadcrumbs
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Szilvásgombóc mean?
Szilvásgombóc means Hungarian plum dumplings. “Szilva” means plum and “gombóc” means dumpling.
Can I use frozen plums?
Yes, although fresh ripe plums generally provide the best texture. If using frozen fruit, thaw and drain it well first.
Can I prepare the dumplings ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the uncooked dumplings ahead and keep them refrigerated for a short period before cooking.
Are Hungarian plum dumplings served hot?
They are traditionally enjoyed warm, especially with buttery breadcrumbs and cinnamon sugar.
Final Thoughts
Hungarian Plum Dumplings (Szilvásgombóc) are a wonderful example of simple ingredients creating a memorable dessert. 🇭🇺❤️
Soft potato dough, juicy plums, toasted buttery breadcrumbs, and cinnamon sugar make every bite comforting and delicious.
Would you enjoy these warm with a little extra cinnamon sugar? 🍑🤤
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