There’s something about the warmth and aroma of apple dumplings that transports you to a cozy autumn day.
Imagine the sweet scent of cinnamon and nutmeg filling your kitchen as these delightful treats bake to golden perfection.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, this comforting dessert is a favorite for any occasion.
As the apples soften and the pastry crisps, a magical transformation occurs.
Let’s bring this delightful dessert to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Rolling pin
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Pastry brush
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 6 whole apples, peeled and cored
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup ice water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cook & Prep Time
To manage your time efficiently when making Apple Dumplings, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Gathering Ingredients & Equipment: 10 minutes
- Spend the first 10 minutes reading the recipe thoroughly and gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment. This will guarantee you have everything ready before you start.
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- 0-5 minutes: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 5-15 minutes: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt, then cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 15-20 minutes: Gradually add ice water, mixing until a dough forms.
- 20-25 minutes: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into 6 squares.
- 25-30 minutes: Peel and core the apples, then place each apple in the center of a dough square. Bring the corners up over each apple and pinch the edges to seal.
- Cooking: 40 minutes
- 30-35 minutes: Arrange the wrapped apples in a baking dish.
- 35-40 minutes: In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract; bring to a boil.
- 40-45 minutes: Pour the sauce over the dumplings in the baking dish.
- 45-85 minutes: Bake for 40 minutes or until the apples are tender and the pastry is golden brown.
- Resting: 10 minutes
- 85-95 minutes: Allow the dumplings to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt, then cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough forms.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness.
Cut the dough into 6 squares.
Place an apple in the center of each square and bring the corners up over the apple, pinching the edges to seal.
Arrange the wrapped apples in a baking dish.
In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract; bring to a boil.
Pour the sauce over the dumplings in the baking dish.
Bake for 40 minutes or until the apples are tender and the pastry is golden brown.
Allow the dumplings to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop alongside the warm dumplings for a classic and indulgent pairing.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop on top for a light and creamy contrast to the pastry.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle over the dumplings for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.
- Custard Sauce: Pour a warm custard sauce over the dumplings for a rich and comforting dessert experience.
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts for added texture and a nutty flavor.
Storage
To store apple dumplings, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to restore warmth and crispness.
Freezing
To freeze apple dumplings, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Then, place them in an airtight container.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
Reheating
To reheat apple dumplings, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
This guarantees the pastry stays crisp and the apples warm evenly.
Final Thoughts
Apple dumplings are a delightful and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
The combination of tender baked apples and flaky pastry, all enveloped in a rich, spiced sauce, makes for an irresistible treat.
These dumplings are best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the flavors.
With a relatively simple preparation process, they make an impressive dessert that can delight family and friends alike.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your collection.
Enjoy the comforting taste of homemade apple dumplings and savor the joy they bring to your table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Fruit Instead of Apples?
Absolutely, you can substitute apples with pears or peaches. Make certain they’re firm. Adjust sugar to taste, as peaches are naturally sweeter. Core, peel, and maintain original measurements for the dough and sauce to make sure consistency.
What Type of Apples Work Best for Dumplings?
For ideal texture and taste, select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith. Their structural integrity withstands baking, while their acidity balances sweetness. Guarantee consistency in size to facilitate uniform cooking and achieve precise culinary results.
Can the Dough Be Made in Advance and Refrigerated?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow it to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling to guarantee pliability.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Confirm the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Adjust moisture levels if necessary to achieve a cohesive dough.
How Can I Make the Dumplings Vegan-Friendly?
To make dumplings vegan-friendly, replace shortening with coconut oil, butter with vegan butter, and guarantee your brown sugar is vegan-certified. Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat in place of ice water for dough consistency.
Apple Dumpling
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 pastry brush
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 6 whole apples peeled and cored
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup ice water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt, then cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into 6 squares.
- Place an apple in the center of each square and bring the corners up over the apple, pinching the edges to seal.
- Arrange the wrapped apples in a baking dish.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract; bring to a boil.
- Pour the sauce over the dumplings in the baking dish.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until the apples are tender and the pastry is golden brown.
- Allow the dumplings to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
