Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- a pinch salt
- 12 ounces milk
- 20 ounces floura little more for dusting
Cherry Syrup + Cherry Stuffing
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup cherries1 cup of cherry syrup/juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Toppings
- 3 tablespoons buttermelted
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons greek yogurt
If you love desserts that are both comforting and a little indulgent, you’re going to fall in love with Gourmet Cherry Dumplings. These steamed dumplings are soft, fluffy, and filled with a luscious cherry filling that’s naturally sweet and slightly tangy. Topped with melted butter, honey, and a spoonful of Greek yogurt, every bite delivers a perfect balance of richness and freshness.
I make these dumplings whenever I want a dessert that feels fancy but is still approachable. Over the years, I’ve perfected the recipe so that the dough is light, the cherry filling is juicy, and the toppings bring everything together.
In this post, I’ll share all my tips, tricks, and advice so you can make these dumplings at home, whether for a weekend brunch, a special dinner, or just because you deserve something delicious.
Lights Out. It Is Recipe Video Time
Watch the full cooking process:
Watch the quick recipe teaser:
💡 Hit play. Unmute for sound. Leave a comment.
Recipe steps
Step 1. Activate the yeast5 minutes Warm the milk slightly - just lukewarm, not hot, around 100-110°F (38-43°C). Add the yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes frothy. This ensures the yeast is active and ready to make the dough light and fluffy. |
Step 2. Make the dough, let the dough rise10 minutes In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour with the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Transfer it to a floured surface and knead gently for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Avoid over-kneading, as it can make the dumplings dense. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This step is key for light, airy dumplings. |
Step 3. Prepare the cherry filling10 minutes While the dough rises, make the cherry syrup. In a small saucepan, combine cherry juice, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Stir well and cook over medium heat until the syrup thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. |
Step 4. Combine cherries3 minutes Combine cherries with one tablespoon of cornstarch. |
Step 5. Shape the dumplings10 minutes Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently and divide it into 8-10 equal pieces. Shape the dough into a log, then cut into pieces. |
Step 6. Cut dough and make dumplings15 minutes Place a spoonful of the cherry filling in the center of each circle. Carefully fold the edges over the filling and pinch to seal tightly. |
Step 7. Steam dumplings20 minutes Prepare a steamer or a pot with a steaming rack and bring water to a gentle boil. Place the dumplings on parchment paper or lightly greased trays, leaving some space between them. Steam the dumplings over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, until they are cooked through and puffy. Avoid opening the lid during the first 8-10 minutes to prevent them from collapsing. (Repeat the process with the rest of dumplings). While the dumplings are still warm, drizzle 3 tablespoons melted butter and 3 tablespoons honey over them. Finish with a spoonful of Greek yogurt on top. |
Step 8. Serve2 minutes Serve dumplings immediately for the best flavor and texture. |
If you love desserts that are both comforting and a little indulgent, you’re going to fall in love with Gourmet Cherry Dumplings. These steamed dumplings are soft, fluffy, and filled with a luscious cherry filling that’s naturally sweet and slightly tangy. Topped with melted butter, honey, and a spoonful of Greek yogurt, every bite delivers a perfect balance of richness and freshness.
I make these dumplings whenever I want a dessert that feels fancy but is still approachable. Over the years, I’ve perfected the recipe so that the dough is light, the cherry filling is juicy, and the toppings bring everything together.
In this post, I’ll share all my tips, tricks, and advice so you can make these dumplings at home, whether for a weekend brunch, a special dinner, or just because you deserve something delicious.
Which season is this recipe best for?
The best season for gourmet cherry dumplings is late spring to summer, when cherries are at their peak. Fresh cherries give the syrup a vibrant color, juicy texture, and natural sweetness.
If you want to make these dumplings outside cherry season, canned cherries are a reliable substitute; that’s what I do.
I always notice that when cherries are in season, the aroma alone makes the kitchen feel magical, and the dumplings taste brighter and fresher.
Where can I buy the ingredients for this recipe?
Most of the ingredients for this cherry dumpling recipe are easy to find. Milk, flour, sugar, butter, and Greek yogurt are pantry and fridge staples.
Cornstarch and yeast are in the baking aisle of any grocery store.
Fresh cherries are often available at farmers’ markets, grocery stores, or specialty produce shops during the summer.
For honey, choose a mild, floral variety that won’t overpower the cherries. The better your ingredients, the better your dumplings will taste.
Can I substitute the ingredients in this recipe?
Yes, some ingredients can be substituted without compromising flavor too much.
Milk can be replaced with almond, oat, or other plant-based milk for a dairy-free version, though the dough may be slightly less rich.
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, plain yogurt or crème fraîche works beautifully, and the topping will still be creamy and tangy.
For cherries, frozen or fresh can be used, just be mindful of extra liquid.
Honey can be swapped for maple syrup, and butter for plant-based margarine, although the flavor will shift slightly.
I like to make substitutions thoughtfully, so you still get that gourmet taste even with small adjustments.
Can I make this recipe part of a menu?
Absolutely. Steamed Cherry Dumplings are versatile and can be served as a standout dessert, a sweet brunch dish, or even a comforting treat after a light meal.
They pair beautifully with lighter mains, such as salads, roasted chicken or duck, or fish, because their sweet-tart flavor provides a perfect contrast.
For brunch, I love placing them alongside Truffle Mushroom Eggs Benedict or pancakes. Their presentation is impressive: soft, glossy dumplings, a drizzle of syrup and butter, and a dollop of Greek yogurt and cherry syrup on top.
You can even make mini versions for a dessert buffet – they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
Recipe tips & tricks
Here are our tips for perfecting this recipe:
- Start by warming the milk slightly before combining it with yeast and sugar. This wakes the yeast gently and helps the dough rise perfectly.
- Knead just until smooth – overworking the dough makes it dense.
- For the cherry filling, cornstarch is essential to thicken the syrup, so mix it well with sugar and stir over medium heat until glossy and thick.
- When forming dumplings, seal edges tightly to prevent leakage during steaming.
- Steam over gentle heat so dumplings cook through without bursting.
- For toppings, drizzle melted butter and honey while the dumplings are still warm, then finish with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
How long can I store this recipe leftovers?
These gourmet steamed cherry dumplings are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored carefully for later enjoyment. Place cooled dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Store the cherry syrup separately if possible to preserve the texture. When reheating, avoid microwaving; instead, steam gently or heat in a covered skillet with a splash of water.
Once warm, drizzle with melted butter, honey, and a fresh spoon of Greek yogurt, and they will almost taste as good as the first day.
Proper storage and gentle reheating are key to preserving the soft, airy texture of the dough.
Which drinks would you pair it with?
Cherry dumplings are naturally sweet, slightly tangy, and rich from butter and yogurt, so drinks should complement or balance these flavors.
For brunch or festive occasions, a lightly chilled Portuguese Vinho Verde adds a crisp, refreshing contrast, while a floral Moscatel de Setúbal beautifully echoes the sweetness of the cherries and honey, making the entire experience feel effortlessly elegant and refined.
Sparkling water with lemon or a lightly sweetened iced tea creates a refreshing contrast.
Hot beverages like black tea, Earl Grey, or green tea enhance the richness of the butter and dough while balancing the sweetness.
Our gourmet cherry dumplings are a treat worth every step. From the soft, airy dough to the sweet, tangy cherry syrup and the rich, creamy toppings, they’re a dessert that feels elegant but is surprisingly approachable with our live cooking stream.
Don’t forget to subscribe so you can join me live in the kitchen and connect with me as we cook these delicious recipes together.
I love making dumplings because they’re perfect for special occasions, brunches, or simply enjoying at home when you want something really indulgent. With these tips, tricks, and my detailed guide, you can create dumplings that are soft, flavorful, and visually stunning.
Whether served warm with a cup of tea, shared with friends, or enjoyed quietly at home, they bring a little bit of magic to the table.
