Blueberry dumplings, aka blueberry grunt, are a simple and comforting country-style dessert that can be easily made using either fresh or frozen blueberries or mixed berries. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat that’s sure to please.

Blueberry dumplings (blueberry grunt) served with vanilla ice cream.

Blueberry Dumplings vs Blueberry Grunt

Blueberry dumplings and blueberry grunt essentially refer to the same dish, known by different names. Although similar to a cobbler, these differ in their cooking method. Instead of baking like a cobbler, the grunt is traditionally prepared on the stovetop.

The blueberry grunt, popular in North Atlantic regions like Nova Scotia, places a layer of blueberries beneath biscuit dough. People traditionally cook this dish in a tightly sealed Dutch oven on the stove. Many believe the distinctive name “grunt” originates from the audible ‘grunting’ sound the berries make under the steaming biscuits in the pot.

Summer Fruits Dessert

This recipe is perfect for using any summer fruits that are suitable for baking, such as blueberries, blackberries, peaches, nectarines, plums, and more.

For my version, I used a mix of blueberries and blackberries, but you can use either type of berry you prefer. Serve your blueberry dumplings warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly and comforting treat.

You can use frozen berries as a substitute if fresh fruit is not available; simply adjust the amount of water in the recipe accordingly.

What is a good substitute for buttermilk in this recipe?

You can use a mixture of plain yogurt and a small amount of milk to achieve the same loose consistency as buttermilk. Alternatively, if using regular milk, omit the baking soda from the recipe.

Watch Blueberry Dumplings Recipe Video

More Easy Fruit desserts

Blueberry dumplings served with vanilla ice cream in a bowl.
Blueberry dumplings are served with vanilla ice cream.

Blueberry Dumplings (Blueberry Grunt)

Servings: 6 people
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Blueberry dumplings (aka blueberry grunt) are a simple and comforting country-style dessert that can be easily made using either fresh or frozen blueberries or mixed berries. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Recipe Video

Ingredients

  • 4 cup blueberries, or mixed berries, fresh or frozen
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • pinch cinnamon
  • 4 tbsp water

For the dumplings

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • pinch salt
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk*, see note below

Instructions 

  • Place the berries in a pot, add the sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, pepper & water; toss to combine. Bring the berry mixture to a boil.
  • Meanwhile, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir in the melted butter. Add the buttermilk and stir with a fork to form a sticky dough.
  • When the berries are boiling, lower the heat to a simmer, uncover, and spoon the dough over the fruit, dividing the dough into 4-6 portions. Cover with a lid tightly and cook for 15 minutes.
  • Spoon the dumplings and some of the berries into serving bowls. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

*You can substitute the buttermilk with a mixture of plain yogurt and a little milk to get a similar consistency.
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Author: Holly Ford
Calories: 228kcal, Carbohydrates: 52g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 3mg, Sodium: 190mg, Potassium: 135mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 32g, Vitamin A: 95IU, Vitamin C: 11mg, Calcium: 78mg, Iron: 1mg
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