A delicious German sweet dumpling and enjoyed either savory or sweet. It is a fried dumpling, steamed in a small amount of water or milk, butter and oil, sometimes with seasoning too.

According to local legend this delicate yeast dumplings once saved a small German town from destruction. The dramatic story dates back to the early 1600’s during the 30 years war when food was scarce and created time of hardship. In the little town called Freckenfeld, in the Palatine area of Germany, a very hungry Swedish army arrived threatening to murder and plunder the town. However, if the hungry soldiers could be feed with a satisfactory hot meal they would leave the town. The town baker worked with a few ingredients only using flour, water, eggs and water. He made 1286 dumplings and saved the town by satisfying the army with his version of dumpfnudel with wine sauce. Now you can visit the Freckenfeld the town’s yearly festival to remember traditions and celebrate the little dumpling balls!

In Bavaria the Dampnudeln is known as a sweet dessert and usually served with a vanilla sauce; it’s especially delicious if the Dampnudeln is camalized.