Czech fruit dumplings (knedliky)

Name: Czech fruit dumplings (knedliky)
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: Plums 10; Type 00 flour 1.6 cups; Cow's milk ricotta cheese ½ cup; Butter 2 tbsp; Egg yolks 1; Fine salt 1 pinch; Sugar for filling to taste; Butter to taste; Cow's milk ricotta cheese to taste; Powdered sugar to taste; Poppy seeds to grind to taste

it de es br fr

Vegetarian

Difficulty: Average
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 5 min
Serving: 10
Cost: Low
Note (cooking time refers to a single piece)

PRESENTATION

Czech fruit dumplings, or ovocné knedlíky, are a real treat from the heart of Central Europe. Seriously good. Unlike the potato gnocchi most folks might imagine, this Czech version uses creamy ricotta in the dough, making every bite super soft and slightly tangy. They're typically filled with fresh fruit like juicy plums, strawberries, or apricots. And the surprise? A sweet and moist center. You can’t go wrong. Often enjoyed as a main dish in the Czech Republic, these dumplings also work beautifully as a dessert.

Top them with melted butter and a sprinkle of powdered sugar—so so good. It’s one of those traditional Czech desserts that's really special because you get a warm, tender dumpling with a fresh fruit center. Pretty simple, right?

In the Czech Republic, many families have their own way of making yeast dough dumplings. And listen, you’ll find all sorts of twists depending on the region or what's in season. Some folks like using local tvaroh (a fresh cheese similar to ricotta), while others switch up the fruit based on what's ripe. Thing is, these dumplings always turn out fluffy and golden when served hot, and the combo of soft dough and sweet fruit really really hits the spot. You might even see them called Czech sweet dumplings in some cookbooks.

They pair perfectly with a spoonful of sour cream or a drizzle of honey if you want to mix things up. And you know what? Exploring the many fruit knedlíky variations is a fun way to see just how creative Czech cuisine can get with something as simple as dumplings. Whether you’re making them for a family meal or just because you want to try something a bit unique, this ovocné knedlíky recipe brings a little taste of the Czech Republic right to your table. It's a delicious way to enjoy the richness and creativity of Central European cooking, offering a comforting and delightful experience that's both traditional and adaptable. For sure.

INGREDIENTS

For 10 dumplings: Plums 10; Type 00 flour 1.6 cups (200 g); Cow's milk ricotta cheese ½ cup (125 g); Butter 2 tbsp (25 g); Egg yolks 1; Fine salt 1 pinch; Sugar to taste - for filling

For garnish: Butter to taste; Cow's milk ricotta cheese to taste; Powdered sugar to taste; Poppy seeds to taste - to grind

Preparation

How to prepare Czech fruit dumplings (knedliky)

To make Czech fruit dumplings (knedliky), first melt the butter in a saucepan and let it cool 1. Meanwhile, pour the flour into a bowl along with the egg yolk 2 and the ricotta 3.

Add a pinch of salt 4 and start mixing the ingredients with a wooden spoon, then add the melted butter 5 and continue to mix. Transfer the mixture to a floured work surface and knead for 5 minutes until you get a smooth and firm ball 6. If the mixture is too runny, you can add a little flour; otherwise, add a splash of milk.

Flour the work surface and divide the dough in half, then form 2 logs 7. Divide each log into 5 parts 8 and form balls 9.

At this point, wash the plums, make a cut on one side 10, and remove the pit while keeping the rest of the fruit whole 11. Fill the central cavity with a teaspoon of sugar 12, then close the fruit.

Take the balls of dough and flatten them with your fingers to create disks of even thickness 13. Wrap the dough disk around the plum 14 until it is completely covered 15.

Roll the ball on the work surface to make it smooth and even 16. While repeating the same operation with the other plums, bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Immerse the dumplings with a slotted spoon 17 and simmer for about 5 minutes, without stirring. When they float to the surface, drain the dumplings and transfer them to paper towels 18.

Garnish the knedliky with melted butter to taste 19, a little crumbled ricotta, ground poppy seeds 20, and powdered sugar 21: your Czech fruit dumplings are ready to be enjoyed!