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Growing up in Transylvania, I had the opportunity to taste Bavarian-inspired recipes, and coated sweet cheese dumplings represent an extremely simple, but tasty and soft dessert that you can enjoy without worrying that it might be unhealthy.
The original Austrian recipe β βTopfennockerlβ – you can be often found slightly different, with flour in the composition for sweet cheese dumplings, but today I will present you an extremely simple version, where you will use only 6 ingredients to make these delicious sweet cheese balls.
Choosing the right ingredients for sweet cheese dumplings
As I have already said, I will present you a semolina dumplings dessert that is extremely easy to make, using only 6 ingredients, to which other common ingredients can be added, according to your taste, which are available to anyone.
So, the necessary list of ingredients for cooking these sweet cheese dumplings is:
- sweet cheese, which can be ricotta or a type of cheese similar in taste and texture
- eggs
- semolina
- sugar / honey
- breadcrumbs
- butter / vegetable oil
In addition, for a special flavor, you can add almonds, walnuts or a little vanilla.
Full step-by-step sweet cheese dumplings recipe
Coated sweet cheese dumplings β 6 ingredients Austrian dessert perfect for kids and adults
Equipment
- 1 Thermomix / Bowl and spatula
- 1 Pot
- 1-2 Spoons
- 1 Skimming spoon
- 1 Large plate
- 1 Pan
Ingredients
- 700 g sweet cheese – ricotta or similar
- 2-3 pcs eggs
- 200 g semolina
- 130 g brown sugar / honey
- 150-200 g breadcrumbs
- 100 g butter
- 1 tsp salt
- water
- Optional: almonds vanilla extract
Instructions
I used the Thermomix to make the composition for the sweet cheese dumplings, but you can easily use a bowl and a spatula to obtain the same amazing semolina dumplings dessert.
- First, place into the mixing bowl the ricotta cheese (if necessarily, squeeze it into your hands to release the excess of water), the eggs, the semolina and 80 gr sugar/ honey;
- Mix the composition until it gets creamy. I used the Thermomix for 3 MIN β SPEED 4 COUNTERCLOCKWISE;
- The composition for the semolina dumplings should be able to stay on the spatula, without falling off;
- Now, place a pan on the stove. Melt the butter in the heated pan;
- Then, add the breadcrumbs and the rest of the sugar/ honey;
- Optional: If you choose to add almonds, like I did, grind them with the Thermomix 10 SEC β SPEED 10 and add them into the pan with the breadcrumbs and the sugar/ honey;
- Stir this crust for several minutes, until the breadcrumbs become golden brown;
- Now, place a pot filled with water on the stove and heat it; Add 1 tsp salt;
- Once the water is gently boiling, use a small spoon, soak in into the hot water and then begin to shape the dumplings;
- Place the dumplings into the boiling water by letting them to slip gently from the spoon;
- Cook the dumplings for 3-4 minutes each, then use a skimming spoon to take them out from the pot and place them into the pan with the crust;TIP: Once the sweet cheese dumplings are cooked enough, they will rise to the surface of the boiling water.
- Using a spatula, roll the dumplings through the crust, so they will be fully coated on each side;
- Repeat this process until all the composition is used;
- Serve the cheese dumplings warm, just like that, or add some cream and fruit jam
Nutrition
The secret for the best sweet cheese dumplings
The secret to making the best sweet cheese dumplings is to use the correct proportions for each ingredient. Please keep in mind that the quantities mentioned in the recipe presented above are indicative, because everything depends on the size of the eggs, the graininess of the semolina, and the texture of the cheese used.
Practically, in order to obtain dessert semolina dumplings that are soft, but still do not crumble during the cooking process, it is important to pay attention to the texture of the composition for sweet cheese dumplings. The ultimate test is that this composition can be handled with one or two teaspoons, but not so hard that you can mold it in your hands.
After all, these sweet cheese dumplings are similar in texture to those used in the Vegetable Soup with Dumplings recipe.
Another important aspect is to make sure that the water in the pot is boiling soft when you place the sweet cheese dumpling into the pot to cook them.
Kid-friendly sweet cheese dumplings
This light semolina dumplings dessert can be easily adapted to a diet recommended for very young children who do not consume sugar or for people with special diets, for example those who prefer NO SUGAR recipes. This can be achieved by replacing sugar with honey, or even with stevia powder.
Regardless of whether you use honey, stevia powder or sugar, the purpose of these sweeteners is to sweeten the dish a little, because after all we are talking about a dessert recipe.
In addition, if you wish, you can also prepare a fruit sauce to add to these sweet cheese dumplings or even strawberry jam.
We prefer to enjoy these semolina dessert dumplings simple, without adding jam on top of them. I love the fine texture wrapped in the slightly crispy crust of these sweet cheese dumplings, especially when they are warm.
Serving and presentation
Sweet cheese dumpling with a crust of breadcrumbs and sugar are served as such, or with a little fruit sauce or fruit jam on top.
As I already said, I prefer to serve them simple, while they are still warm, because semolina dumplings dessert is a perfect choice for me, with a fine texture on the inside and a sweet and crunchy crust on the outside.
But this recipe can also be served cold, without any problems, even if the texture inside the dumplings hardens a little when they cool down completely.
Being a dessert with a little sugar, but which can be prepared with NO SUGAR, I think that it can successfully be a sweet snack between meals, but together with a glass of milk it could successfully replace a light breakfast or dinner.
FAQβs
What is βTopfennockerlβ Austrian dessert?
βTopfennockerlβ represents an Austrian dessert consisting in boiled sweet cheese dumplings, coated in a crispy crust made of breadcrumbs and sugar. The dumplings are made of sweet cheese (ricotta or similar), eggs, semolina (and flour) and sugar (or honey). The semolina dumplings dessert is boiled in water and then rolled through the breadcrumbs and sugar crust. They can be served simple or topped with cream and fruit jam.
How to make homemade sweet cheese dumplings?
The homemade sweet cheese dumplings are made of sweet cheese (ricotta or similar), eggs, semolina and sugar (or honey). All you need to do is mix these ingredients, then form the dumplings with a small spoon (or two spoons), boil them in water and then roll them through the breadcrumbs and sugar crust. They can be served simple or topped with cream and fruit jam.
How to make semolina dumplings dessert?
The homemade semolina dumplings are made of sweet cheese (ricotta or similar), eggs, semolina and sugar (or honey). All you need to do is mix these ingredients, then form the dumplings with a small spoon (or two spoons), boil them in water and then roll them through the breadcrumbs and sugar crust. They can be served simple or topped with cream and fruit jam.
What sweet cheese is good for Austrian sweet cheese dumplings?
The best sweet cheese than you can use for the Austrian sweet cheese dumplings in ricotta. Also, curd cheese could be a great choice, and even cottage cheese, if you choose to make a slightly sour dessert. No matter which sweet cheese type you will choose, it is important to squeeze the cheese into your hands before using it for these sweet cheese dumplings, thus removing the excess of water.
How to serve Austrian sweet cheese dumplings?
Austrian sweet cheese dumplings can be served simple, without any other toppings. I love to eat this semolina dumplings coated in breadcrumbs and sugar just like that, while they are still warm. If you crave for a topping, cream and fruit jam could be the best choice for this delicious and light dessert.
Are Austrian sweet cheese dumplings healthy?
In my opinion, the Austrian sweet cheese dumplings represent a healthy dessert. On one hand, this dessert recipe gives you the opportunity to make a sweet delight without sugar, by replacing it with honey or stevia powder. On the other hand, the ingredients required for this amazing Austrian recipe are all extremely healthy. So, it is really easy to conclude that this sweet cheese dumpling recipe represents a healthy choice, suitable for macro friendly recipes.
Can you freeze Austrian sweet cheese dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze the Austrian sweet cheese dumplings, by placing them into containers or bags suitable for freezing. But it is important to understand that once frozen, the texture of the semolina dumplings will completely change. So, I highly recommend to serve them in the day you cooked then or in the following days, while storing them into the refrigerator.
