Hungarian Szilvás Gombóc, or Plum Dumplings, are one of the country’s most beloved traditional desserts. Made with soft potato dough wrapped around juicy fresh plums, these delicate dumplings are boiled until tender, then coated in buttery toasted breadcrumbs and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Every bite combines fluffy potato dough, sweet-tart fruit, and warm spices, making this comforting dessert a favorite during late summer and autumn when plums are in season.
The dish shown in the image features classic Hungarian plum dumplings generously coated with golden toasted breadcrumbs and filled with rich plum jam, creating an authentic homemade presentation found in Hungarian kitchens.
Why You’ll Love This Hungarian Plum Dumplings Recipe
- Authentic Hungarian comfort food
- Soft and fluffy potato dough
- Sweet, juicy plum filling
- Crispy buttery breadcrumb coating
- Perfect for dessert or a sweet main course
- Traditional family recipe
- Freezer-friendly
- Delicious served warm with cinnamon sugar
What Are Hungarian Szilvás Gombóc?
Szilvás Gombóc (pronounced SEE-lvash GOM-bots) literally means “plum dumplings.” These traditional Hungarian dumplings are prepared using a soft potato-based dough wrapped around whole fresh plums or thick plum jam. The dumplings are gently boiled until tender before being rolled in toasted breadcrumbs browned in butter.
In Hungary, they are often enjoyed as a dessert, a meatless lunch, or a comforting family meal. While plums are the most traditional filling, variations using apricots, cherries, strawberries, or sweet cottage cheese are also popular.
Ingredients
For the Potato Dough
- 1 kg (2¼ lbs) starchy potatoes
- 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 8–10 fresh Italian plums, pitted
or
- 1 cup thick plum jam
Cinnamon Sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Breadcrumb Coating
- 1½ cups fine breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Kitchen Equipment
- Large pot
- Potato masher or potato ricer
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Slotted spoon
- Frying pan
- Sharp knife











