This amazing jamaican Festival is so good and easy to make as a caribbean side dish or appetizer. This sweet festival dumplings recipe is great with any entree!
What is Jamaican Festival?
Jamaican Festival is a sweet dumpling made with flour, sugar, butter, and spices. It is usually served as a side dish or appetizer. It’s great with jerk chicken, jerk meats, rasta pasta and anything really.
This recipe is very easy to make and only requires a few ingredients. The result is a delicious, Jamaican festival dumpling that goes great with any entree! These Jamaican festivals are fried in vegetable oil until they are golden brown and put on a paper towel to rest. It’s the perfect side dish and it’s often served at Jamaican jerk festivals.
What is the origin of Jamaican festival?
Jamaican Festival is believed to have originated in the country of Jamaica. It is a popular dish in Jamaican culture and is often served at festive occasions.
what’s the difference between a festival and a dumpling?
A dumpling is a small, cooked pastry that is usually made with flour, water, and eggs. A festival is a sweet dumpling that is made with flour, sugar, butter, and spices.
What are some of the popular variations of Jamaican Festival?
There are many different ways that Jamaican Festival can be prepared. Some of the most popular variations include adding fruits or nuts, using different flours, or changing the spices that are used. This popular street food is one of my favorite Jamaican recipes with a delicious sweet taste. You can definitely try it with jerk pork and Jamaican escovitch fish.
What is the best way to store Jamaican Festival?
Jamaican Festival can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do you reheat Jamaican Festival?
Jamaican Festival can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
What are some of the common mistakes people make when making Jamaican Festival?
Some of the most common mistakes people make when making Jamaican Festival include not boiling the dumplings long enough, not adding enough flour, and not using the right type of flour.
What is the best way to serve Jamaican Festival?
Jamaican Festival is typically served as a side dish or appetizer. It can be served with any entree, but goes especially well with chicken or fish.
What ingredients do you need for this Jamaican Festival Recipe?
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup fine yellow cornmeal
- 6 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk a little less or more may be needed, see notes
- Oil for deep frying*
Some people use a festival mix but this homemade recipe has simple ingredients and makes the best Jamaican festival. These sweet Jamaican dumplings really represent the goodness of real caribbean home-cooking.
This festival taste in the perfect combination of firm dough–crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s a great way to satisfy your taste buds and make one of those side dishes the whole family will love.
What other Jamaican recipes can I try?
- Easy Authentic Jamaican Stew Chicken
- Authentic Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe
- The Best Authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe
- The Best Jamaican Jerk Sauce Recipe
- Delicious Authentic Jamaican Rice and Peas Recipe
- The Best Jamaican Rasta Pasta Recipe – Add Your Favorite Protein!
- Air Fryer Sweet Fried Plantains – Healthy Twist On A Classic Dish
Enjoy!

Easy Jamaican Festival Sweet Dumplings Recipe
This Jamaican festival recipe is so easy to make at home and great to serve with any entree especially jerk dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup fine yellow cornmeal
- 6 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk a little less or more may be needed
- Oil for deep frying*
Instructions
- Heat a heavy bottom pot of oil that has at least 3 inches of oil in it or use your deep fryer. Turn the heat over medium heat until the temperature reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to a large bowl and stir to combine.
- Add the vanilla extract and milk and stir until the dough comes together. Then use your hands to lightly form the mixture into a ball.
- Pinch off pieces of dough and roll them into long oval shapes. Make about 12-14 dumplings.
- Once the oil has reached the temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit, fry the dough on all sides, until golden brown. This should take about 4-6 minutes.
- Remove dough and drain off any excess grease. Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 119Total Fat 2gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 1mgSodium 179mgCarbohydrates 23gFiber 1gSugar 7gProtein 3g
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