Golden Syrup Dumplings

This is a recipe for old-fashioned Golden Syrup Dumplings.

Around the world, dumplings are the comfort food of choice for many and come in various sweet and savoury versions. They're filling and just seem to make the world that little bit better!

The sweetest choice in dumplings 

Golden syrup dumplings are a dessert loved for generations here in Australia.

Like all dumplings, the key element is the dough. Yummy, scrummy, DOUGH. 

Here, the pieces of dough are simmered in a golden syrup mixture until cooked.

You will hardly be able to wait for the 20 minutes of cooking to pass. These dumplings smell just amazing as they're simmering away in your kitchen.

Nana Ling's Recipe for Golden Syrup Dumplings

This recipe comes from the pages of Nana Ling's handwritten recipe books and is dated October 1939.

Do keep scrolling for the tested and tweaked recipe, though, as I found more water was needed in the recipe (and it's a whole lot easier to follow!)

The ingredients

To make these sweet little treats you'll need:

• SR flour (or plain/all purpose flour + baking powder)
• salt
• butter
• egg
• milk
• water
• brown sugar
• golden syrup (this is readily available in supermarkets in Australia, New Zealand and the UK and can be found in the international aisle in US and other locations – or substitute maple syrup, honey or corn syrup).

Precise quantities for ingredients can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

How to make Golden Syrup Dumplings

Start by sifting the flour and salt together into a mixing bowl.

Cut butter into cubes and rub the butter into flour mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumb consistency.

Whisk the egg with the milk and add to the dry ingredients. Stir with a butter knife to combine.

Break the dough into eight portions and gently shape into balls.

Place the water, sugar and golden syrup into a large frying pan that has a lid.

Stir over heat and bring to the boil.

Place the eight balls into the boiling mixture and reduce to a simmer.

Place lid on the frying pan and cook for 20 minutes.

Take a quick peak if you're worried the mixture might be sticking to the bottom of the pan or burning, otherwise leave the lid on the pan while cooking.

Once cooked, spoon syrup over the tops of the dumplings.

If syrup seems too runny after cooking time has elapsed, allow to simmer uncovered for a minute or two at the end to allow to thicken.

Serve straight away with cream or ice cream and let your worries slip away – even if it's for just a moment.

Recipe FAQs

Q. Can I freeze them?

They freeze okay, but are definitely more delicious served immediately.

Q. Can I make these in a camp oven?

These are perfect camping food. Follow the same instructions and be sure to keep the lid on the camp saucepan or dutch oven while cooking.

Q. What is Golden Syrup?

It's a thick, golden-coloured ingredient often used in Australian baking (such as the iconic Anzac Biscuit) and is made by the process of refining sugar cane into sugar.

Q. Where can I find it?

It's readily available in supermarkets in Australia, New Zealand and the UK and can be found in the international aisle in US and other locations.

Q. I don't have Golden Syrup. What else can I use?

Use corn syrup, maple syrup or honey.

Q. Do you have other old-fashioned dessert recipes?

Many! If you like this one, you might also like:

• Sticky Date Pudding
• Mulberry Pie
• Chester Cake
• Creme Caramel.

Or check out the entire Desserts collection here.