Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Boil until completely tender.
Drain and allow them to cool enough to handle. Peel the potatoes and mash them thoroughly while still warm. Let them cool completely.
2. Make the Potato Dough
Place the mashed potatoes in a large bowl. Add the egg, salt, and flour.
Mix until a soft dough forms. Avoid adding too much flour—the dough should be soft and pliable but not excessively sticky.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead until smooth.
3. Prepare the Plums
Wash and dry the plums. Make a small cut and remove the pits while keeping the plum as intact as possible.
Mix the sugar and cinnamon together.
Place a little cinnamon sugar inside each plum.
4. Wrap the Plums
Divide the potato dough into approximately 12 portions.
Flatten each portion into a small circle. Place a prepared plum in the center and carefully bring the dough around it.
Pinch the edges together completely and gently roll the dumpling between your hands until smooth.
Repeat with the remaining plums.
5. Cook the Dumplings
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a gentle boil.
Carefully place the dumplings into the water in batches. Stir gently once or twice so they don’t stick to the bottom.
When the dumplings rise to the surface, continue cooking for about 3–5 minutes.
Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain well.
6. Make the Breadcrumb Coating
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant.
Stir in the sugar and cinnamon.
7. Coat the Dumplings
Add the cooked dumplings to the toasted breadcrumbs and gently roll them around until completely coated.
How to Serve Szilvásgombóc
Serve the dumplings warm with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar. The combination of tender potato dough, sweet-tart plum, and buttery breadcrumbs makes every bite incredibly satisfying.
Helpful Tips
Use floury potatoes for a lighter, more manageable dough.
Let the mashed potatoes cool before adding the flour and egg.
Don’t overwork the dough, or the dumplings can become dense.
Seal each dumpling carefully so the plum doesn’t escape during cooking.
Toast the breadcrumbs slowly for the best flavor.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 35 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: About 1 hour Servings: 6 Cuisine: Hungarian Category: Dessert
Szilvásgombóc is a wonderful example of traditional Hungarian comfort food—humble ingredients transformed into soft, sweet dumplings with a delicious buttery breadcrumb coating.
