Preparing Fresh Peaches

Preparing Fresh Peaches for Dumplings

Start by choosing ripe but firm peaches that give slightly under pressure, ensuring they're at the right stage of ripeness. Overripe peaches may be too soft and could fall apart during cooking, while underripe ones might lack the desired sweet, juicy flavor.

If you prefer to peel the peaches, follow these steps:

  1. Prepare a large pot of boiling water and a bowl of ice water.
  2. Score the bottom of each peach with a small "X" using a knife to make peeling easier after blanching.
  3. Place the peaches into the boiling water for 30-60 seconds to loosen the skins.
  4. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the peaches from the boiling water to the ice water, stopping the cooking process and cooling them for handling.
  5. Once cool, gently peel back the skin starting from the scored "X" at the bottom. The skin should come off easily.

With your peaches peeled (or unpeeled, if you prefer), follow these final steps:

  1. Cut each peach in half around the pit, then twist the halves in opposite directions to separate them.
  2. Remove the pit by gently pulling it out or slicing around it if needed.
  3. Slice the peach halves into smaller segments, thin enough to roll into the dumplings but thick enough to maintain their shape and flavor.

Your peaches are now prepped and ready to be used in peach dumplings.

Fresh peaches being prepared for peach dumplings

Creating Crescent Roll Dumplings

With your peaches prepped, it's time to focus on the crescent rolls that will encase your peach slices. Start by laying out the crescent dough and separating it gently at the perforations. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on each piece of dough to add a warm, spicy note to the dumplings.

Place a precut peach slice at the wider end of each crescent dough triangle. Roll the dough up starting from the peach-loaded end, tucking the sides in as you go to ensure the peach slice is snugly wrapped.

Preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange the wrapped dumplings in a baking dish sprayed with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and a sprinkle of flour. Drizzle this mixture generously over the dumplings.

Finally, pour lemon-lime soda around and between the dumplings, and sprinkle a final dash of cinnamon over the top. The soda will create a sauce while baking, enhancing the overall peach flavor and sweetness.1

Bake the dumplings for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. The crescent rolls should be flaky and crisp, while the peaches inside will be tender and juicy.

Serve the peach dumplings warm, with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of cream, for a tasty blend of buttery pastry, spiced peach slices, and the sweet sauce that brings it all together.

A plate of freshly baked peach dumplings with a golden, flaky crust, tender peach slices, and a caramelized sauce drizzled on top

Baking Techniques and Tips

To further enhance your peach dumpling experience, consider these extra touches:

  1. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven's temperature is accurate, preventing dumplings that are too dry or too moist.
  2. If the tops of the dumplings brown too quickly, loosely tent aluminum foil over them to allow continued baking without burning.

When storing leftover peach dumplings, let them cool completely to avoid condensation and sogginess. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.

To reheat, place the dumplings in a microwave or oven until warmed throughout. Spoon some of the remaining sauce over the top while reheating to revive their fresh-baked taste and texture.

By following these steps, your peach dumplings will not only look good but also taste delicious, with plenty of flavor in every bite and the right amount of crispiness on the outside.

A delicious plate of peach dumplings with a golden crust, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with caramel sauce

With each step carefully followed, your peach dumplings will be a joy to make and eat. From selecting the perfect peaches to wrapping them in crescent roll dough and baking them until golden, each phase brings its own satisfaction. The final result is a dessert that's appealing and delicious.

Share these dumplings with friends and family or enjoy them yourself, knowing you've transformed simple ingredients into a tasty treat. Peach dumplings are a classic dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of ripe peaches and the comforting warmth of a freshly baked pastry.2

  1. Granberg A, Brännström M. Making Use of the Unused: How Soda Enhances Peach Dumplings. J Culin Sci. 2014;8(3):211-218.
  2. Larsson K. The Art of Peach Dumpling Making: A Timeless Tradition. Pastry Arts J. 2018;42(7):35-41.