Tender, pillowy, and filled with sweet, juicy apricots, these Gluten-Free Apricot Dumplings are a delightful European-inspired dessert that feels both comforting and elegant. Wrapped in a soft gluten-free potato dough and coated in buttery toasted crumbs, each dumpling hides a warm apricot center that becomes wonderfully soft during cooking.

Perfect as a dessert, brunch treat, or special occasion bake, these dumplings are naturally satisfying and can be served warm with powdered sugar, cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream. Despite their impressive appearance, they’re surprisingly simple to make and are sure to become a favorite for anyone who loves fruit-filled desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Completely gluten-free
Soft, tender potato dough
Sweet and juicy apricot filling
Traditional European comfort food
Perfect for summer apricot season
Freezer-friendly
Beautiful presentation

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Yield

8 dumplings

Ingredients

For the Potato Dough

1 pound (450 g) russet potatoes
1 cup (120 g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
¼ cup (30 g) tapioca starch
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Filling

8 fresh apricots, pitted
8 sugar cubes or 2 tablespoons brown sugar

For the Crumb Coating

½ cup (60 g) gluten-free breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon

For Serving

Powdered sugar
Whipped cream
Vanilla ice cream
Additional cinnamon

Equipment Needed

Large pot
Potato masher or ricer
Mixing bowls
Slotted spoon
Skillet

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Place potatoes in a pot and cover with water.

Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender:

20–25 Minutes

Drain thoroughly.

Peel while still warm and mash until smooth.

Allow to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Apricots

Wash and dry the apricots.

Cut each apricot halfway around and remove the pit.

Place:

1 Sugar Cube

or about ½ teaspoon brown sugar into the center of each apricot.

Close the apricots gently.

Step 3: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine:

Mashed potatoes
Gluten-free flour
Tapioca starch
Egg
Melted butter
Salt

Mix until a soft dough forms.

If the dough feels sticky, add a little more gluten-free flour.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover and refrigerate for:

20 Minutes

This makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 5: Shape the Dumplings

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions.

Flatten each piece into a circle approximately:

4 Inches (10 cm)

wide.

Place an apricot in the center.

Wrap the dough around the fruit and seal completely.

Roll gently into a smooth ball.

Step 6: Boil the Dumplings

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a gentle boil.

Water Temperature

Approximately:

212°F (100°C)

Carefully lower the dumplings into the water.

Reduce to a gentle simmer.

Cook for:

12–15 Minutes

The dumplings are done when they float to the surface and remain there for several minutes.

Step 7: Prepare the Crumb Coating

While the dumplings cook, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Add:

Gluten-free breadcrumbs
Sugar
Cinnamon

Cook for:

3–4 Minutes

until golden and fragrant.

Step 8: Coat the Dumplings

Using a slotted spoon, remove the dumplings from the water.

Allow excess water to drain.

Roll each warm dumpling in the toasted breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.

Step 9: Serve

Serve warm with:

Powdered sugar
Cinnamon
Whipped cream
Vanilla ice cream

Tips for Success

Use Starchy Potatoes

Russet potatoes create the lightest dough.

Cool the Potatoes

Warm potatoes can make the dough too sticky.

Seal Thoroughly

Ensure there are no openings in the dough to prevent splitting during cooking.

Simmer Gently

Avoid a rolling boil, which can break delicate dumplings.

Variations

Plum Dumplings

Replace apricots with fresh plums.

Peach Dumplings

Use small peeled peach halves.

Cherry Dumplings

Fill with sweet cherries and a pinch of sugar.

Nutty Crumb Coating

Add finely chopped almonds or walnuts to the breadcrumb mixture.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for:

Up to 3 Days

Freezer

Freeze cooked dumplings for:

Up to 2 Months

Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Warm gently in a skillet with a little butter or microwave for 1–2 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Approximate per dumpling:

Calories: 220
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 120 mg

Values may vary based on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned apricots?

Fresh apricots are recommended because canned fruit is often too soft and may leak during cooking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before shaping.

Why are my dumplings falling apart?

The dough may need more flour, or the water may be boiling too vigorously.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes. Use dairy-free butter and gluten-free dairy-free breadcrumbs.