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    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Easy Golden Syrup Dumplings | Winter Dessert Recipe

    Published: Jun 4, 2021 by Lucy · This post may contain affiliate links · 71 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    Homemade golden syrup dumplings are so simple to make...  you won't be able to resist these fluffy dumplings smothered in sweet syrup and served with ice-cream or custard. 

    Homemade golden syrup dumplings are so simple to make...  you won't be able to resist the fluffy dumplings smothered in sweet syrup and served with ice-cream or cream. A delicious dessert ready to eat in just over 20 minutes.

    A bowl of golden syrup dumplings with ice-cream.

    When it comes to comfort food, you simply can't beat a bowl of golden syrup dumplings.

    Along with butterscotch self-saucing pudding, lemon delicious and homemade apple pie, these dumplings are the perfect way to end a cold and rainy winters day.

    Dessert really is the perfect answer to the winter blues.

    A Classic Australian Dessert

    Golden syrup dumplings are a classic, old fashioned dessert here in Australia (as well as in other parts of the world, including the UK).

    They have continued to remain popular over the years, largely due to the fact that they are made from basic ingredients and therefore totally budget friendly.

    My recipe is based on a combination of the classic CWA (Country Womens Association of Australia) and Women's Weekly recipes.

    It's a simple and delicious recipe that your whole family will love!

    Why You're Going To Love This Recipe

    What's not to love about fluffy little dumplings covered in a sweet syrup?

    • Budget-Friendly - an entire batch of golden syrup dumplings will set you back just a couple of dollars!
    • Made From Pantry Staples - there's no need to make a trip to the supermarket - I can almost guarantee you'll already have all the the ingredients at home.
    • Last Minute Dessert - this is my go-to dessert when it gets late at night and I start craving something sweet.
    • Perfect Comfort Food - when it comes to winter comfort food, these dumplings are at the top of the list.

    What You Need

    To make these classic sweet dumplings, you'll need 6 basic ingredients: 

    Note: please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the ingredient quantities and the full detailed method.

    For The Golden Syrup Dumplings:

    • butter - you can use either salted or unsalted butter for this recipe
    • self-raising flour - use store-bought self raising flour or make your own by sifting 2 teaspoons of baking powder through every 1 cup of plain all-purpose flour
    • milk - for the best result, I recommend using full fat milk
    • golden syrup - golden syrup is a cane sugar syrup popular in Australian, New Zealand and British baking recipes. If golden syrup is not available where you live, you can replace it with corn syrup, honey or maple syrup.
    Individual bowls with self-raising flour, golden syrup and milk.

    For The Syrup Sauce:

    • water
    • butter - again, you can use either salted or unsalted butter for this recipe
    • golden syrup - see tips above
    • brown sugar - choose either regular light brown sugar or dark brown sugar. The dark brown sugar will give a richer, caramel flavour
    Bowls with water, butter, golden syrup and brown sugar on a marble bench.

    Step By Step Instructions

    Just 5 minutes prep time is all it takes!

    Note: please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the ingredient quantities and the full detailed method.

    Step 1 - Make Crumbs 

    Mix together the self-raising flour and butter until they resemble breadcrumbs.

    Butter and self-raising flour in a bowl.
    Self-raising flour and butter in a bowl mixed to make crumbs.

    Step 2 - Make A Paste

    Mix through the milk and golden syrup until the mixture is a thick and sticky paste. 

    Golden syrup and milk added to self-raising flour in a bowl.
    A spoon in a bowl of sweet dumpling mixture.

    Step 3 - Bring Syrup To The Boil

    Heat the water, brown sugar, butter and golden syrup in a saucepan over high heat until it boils, then reduce to a simmer. 

    A saucepan on a gas cook-top with simmering sweet syrup.

    Step 4 - Cook The Dumplings

    Place spoonfuls of the mixture into the simmering syrup, cover and leave to cook for 15-20 minutes (or until cooked through). 

    Tablespoons of golden syrup dumpling mixture going into a saucepan of simmering syrup.
    Golden syrup dumplings boiling in a saucepan of sweet syrup.

    Golden Syrup Substitutes

    Golden syrup is a sweet syrup made from sugarcane. It's readily available in most major supermarkets in the UK and Australia. 

    If you can't buy golden syrup, here's a few similar ingredients you can substitute it with:

    • honey
    • maple syrup
    • corn syrup

    Note: Corn syrup will give the most authentic, buttery and sweet flavour out of the different substitutes.

    A bowl filled with golden dumplings, sweet syrup and a scoop of ice-cream

    Expert Tips & FAQ

    Can you freeze leftover dumplings?

    No - these are best served immediately after cooking. 

    Can you make golden syrup dumplings ahead of time?

    These dumplings should be made, cooked and served immediately. 

    What can I use instead of golden syrup?

    You can substitute golden syrup with honey, maple syrup or corn syrup.

    Serving

    Pour the sweet syrup over the top of fluffy dumplings and serve hot with ice-cream or cream. 

    Can I make these if I don't have a stove-top?

    Yes, you can make them in the oven or a slow cooker.

    Related Recipes

    Winter is the perfect excuse to bake (and eat!) ALL of the delicious sweet puddings and comfort desserts.

    Here's a few more of my favourite recipes:

    • Old Fashioned Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding - calling all chocoholics! This rich and delicious recipe is for you!
    • Pecan Pie - my all-time favourite 'last minute dessert'. This will be ready to eat in just 30 minutes!
    • Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel Sauce - the ultimate comfort food. Make sure you pour LOTS of caramel sauce over the top... YUM!
    • Apple Crumble - everyone's favourite apple crumble dessert could not be easier to make (or eat).

    Or check out my collection of winter dessert recipes...

    WANT EVEN MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Facebook or Instagram. And if you love baking, then please come and join my Facebook cooking club group or subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

    These super easy golden syrup dumplings are sure to become a family favourite! Serve hot with a big scoop of ice-cream for the perfect dessert.

    Easy Golden Syrup Dumplings

    These super easy golden syrup dumplings are sure to become a family favourite! Serve hot with a big scoop of ice-cream for the perfect winter dessert.
    5 from 60 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Baking
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 serves
    Calories: 548kcal
    Author: Lucy - Bake Play Smile

    Ingredients

    Dumplings:

    • 50 g butter
    • 1 ½ cups (225g) self-raising flour
    • ¾ cup (185g) milk
    • 2 tbs golden syrup

    Sweet Syrup:

    • 2 cups water
    • 50 g butter
    • ⅓ cup (120g) golden syrup
    • ¾ cup (160g) brown sugar
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Use your fingers to rub the butter through the self-raising flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. 
    • Add the milk and golden syrup and stir to form a thick paste. 
    • Meanwhile, place the syrup/sauce ingredients into a large saucepan and bring to the boil. Reduce to a simmer and add tablespoonfuls of the mixture. 
    • Allow the sauce to come back to a simmer and then cover for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. 

    Notes

    RECIPE NOTES & TIPS
    Storing: These dumplings are not suitable to freeze and are best made and served immediately after cooking. 
    Size of dumplings: You can make the dumplings as small or large as you like but increase cooking time if larger than a tablespoon (please note that they will 'fluff up' due to the self-raising flour). I use a tablespoon and place dollops of the mixture into the simmering syrup. 
    Golden syrup substitutes: If you can’t buy golden syrup, you can substitute it with honey, maple syrup or corn syrup. 
    How to check if your dumplings are ready: You can test if your dumplings are cooked by inserting a skewer into the middle. If it comes out clean, they're ready.
    Serving: Serve immediately after cooking by pouring the sweet syrup over the top of the fluffy dumplings and serve hot with ice-cream or cream. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 548kcal | Carbohydrates: 94g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 145mg | Potassium: 138mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 51g | Vitamin A: 465IU | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 0.7mg
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @BakePlaySmileBlog or tag #BakePlaySmile!

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    Comments

    1. Bev says

      December 19, 2024 at 5:01 pm

      5 stars
      Making for grandkids for our Christmas lunch

      Reply
    2. Karen King says

      August 07, 2024 at 2:24 pm

      5 stars
      Best, by a country mile. Thankyou.

      Reply
    3. Sue Stitt says

      July 20, 2024 at 8:54 pm

      5 stars
      Family loves them & so easy to make

      Reply
    « Older Comments
    5 from 60 votes (42 ratings without comment)

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    I’m Lucy! A mum, a wife, a food blogger and a lover of all things to do with food! I love creating delicious, no-fuss Thermomix and conventional recipes the whole family will love. Classic baking favourites, lunch box snacks, quick and easy family dinners and more!

    More about me →

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