Sweet Apricot Dumplings with Caramelized Breadcrumbs
Delight in the taste of Austria with these delectable Sweet Apricot Dumplings, known as Marillenknödel. This classic dessert features fresh apricots stuffed with sugar, enveloped in a soft, cottage cheese dough, and finished off with a buttery, caramelized breadcrumb topping. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a comforting treat any time of year, these dumplings are sure to impress your guests and provide a taste of European tradition one bite at a time.
N/A
Servings
437.5
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
5 tablespoons (melted)
cottage cheese
1 cup (drained and sieved (8 oz.))
salt
1 pinch (to taste)
eggs
2 (slightly beaten)
all-purpose flour
2 cups (plus more for dusting)
fresh apricots
1 - 1.5 lb (washed, dried, and pitted)
sugar cubes
12 - 14 (to stuff apricots)
water
2.5 quarts (for boiling)
butter or margarine
1/3 cup (for breadcrumbs)
fine dry breadcrumbs
1 cup (for sautéing)
granulated sugar
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 5 tablespoons of melted butter, the sieved cottage cheese, a pinch of salt, and the slightly beaten eggs. Mix well until combined.
2
Gradually add enough flour to form a soft, pliable dough. Once the dough is formed, shape it into a roll, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3
While the dough rests, wash and dry the fresh apricots. Cut each apricot in half and carefully remove the pit. Place one sugar cube between each pair of apricot halves and set them aside.
4
In a large pot, bring 2.5 quarts of water to a gentle boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water.
5
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the rested dough to about 1/2 inch thick. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares.
6
Take one stuffed apricot (with the sugar cube in between) and place it in the center of a dough square. Gently fold the corners of the dough over the apricot and pinch to seal it completely.
7
Carefully drop the dumplings into the gently boiling water. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until they rise to the surface and are tender. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and drain on paper towels.
8
In a medium skillet, melt 1/3 cup of butter or margarine. Add the fine dry breadcrumbs along with 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and sauté over medium heat until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and fragrant.
9
Serve the dumplings warm, generously sprinkled with the caramelized breadcrumb mixture.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
62.5g
Carbs
11.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the traditional name for Sweet Apricot Dumplings?
These dumplings are traditionally known as Marillenknödel in Austria.
What are the main components of this dessert?
The dessert consists of fresh apricots stuffed with sugar, wrapped in a cottage cheese dough, and topped with caramelized breadcrumbs.
How much cottage cheese is required for the dough?
The recipe requires 1 cup (8 oz.) of drained and sieved cottage cheese.
How much butter is used in the dough?
The dough uses 5 tablespoons of melted butter.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 slightly beaten eggs.
How much flour is needed for the dough?
You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, plus additional flour for dusting the surface.
How many apricots should I prepare?
The recipe suggests using 1 to 1.5 lbs of fresh apricots.
What is used to fill the center of the apricots?
A sugar cube is placed inside each apricot after the pit is removed.
How long does the dough need to rest?
The dough should rest for 30 minutes before being rolled out.
How much water is needed to boil the dumplings?
You will need 2.5 quarts of water for boiling.
Should I add anything to the boiling water?
Yes, add 1 teaspoon of salt to the boiling water.
How thick should the dough be rolled out?
The dough should be rolled to a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
What size should the dough squares be?
The dough should be cut into 2-inch squares.
How do you seal the dumplings?
Fold the corners of the dough square over the apricot and pinch to seal it completely.
How long do the dumplings need to cook?
The dumplings should boil for 8 to 10 minutes.
How do I know when the dumplings are done?
They are finished when they rise to the surface of the water and are tender.
How should I remove the dumplings from the boiling water?
Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them and drain them on paper towels.
What ingredients are needed for the breadcrumb topping?
You will need 1/3 cup butter or margarine, 1 cup fine dry breadcrumbs, and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
How do you prepare the caramelized breadcrumbs?
Sauté the breadcrumbs and sugar in melted butter over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant.
Should these dumplings be served hot or cold?
The dumplings should be served warm.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 437.5 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 18.75g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 62.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides 11.25g of protein.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 11 distinct ingredients.
Is margarine an acceptable substitute for butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine for the breadcrumb mixture.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for fine dry breadcrumbs.
Do I need to peel the apricots?
No, the instructions only specify washing, drying, and pitting them.
What type of cheese is best for the dough?
Cottage cheese that has been drained and sieved is required for the dough.
How many sugar cubes are needed?
The recipe suggests having 12 to 14 sugar cubes ready to stuff the apricots.