Picture the aroma of warm, spiced apples enveloped in a golden crust, filling your kitchen with the comforting scent of fall.
Apple dumplings are a simple yet indulgent delight, perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings.
With just a few basic ingredients, these dumplings transform into a mouthwatering dessert as they bake, the sauce bubbling and caramelizing around them.
Ready to experience this delicious transformation? Let’s bring these apple dumplings to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 rolling pin
- 1 baking dish
- 1 saucepan
- 1 pastry brush
- 1 knife
- 1 peeler
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 6-7 tablespoons cold water
- 4 medium apples, peeled and cored
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Apple Dumplings with Pie Crust, here’s a suggested timeline:
- Reading & Preparation (10 minutes)
- Spend the first 10 minutes reading through the recipe and gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Pie Crust Preparation (15 minutes)
- Mix the flour and salt.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cold water to form the dough.
- Roll out the dough and cut it into squares.
- Apple Preparation (5 minutes)
- Peel and core the apples.
- Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Assembling Dumplings (10 minutes)
- Place apples on dough squares, fill with sugar mixture, and dot with butter.
- Fold the dough over each apple, sealing the edges.
- Arrange wrapped apples in the baking dish.
- Sauce Preparation (5 minutes)
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, and vanilla extract.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cooking Time (40 minutes)
- Pour the sauce over the dumplings.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown.
- Resting Time (10 minutes)
- Allow the dumplings to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix the flour and salt, then cut in the shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until dough holds together.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness.
Cut the dough into squares large enough to wrap each apple.
Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Place an apple in the center of each dough square and fill the core with sugar mixture.
Dot each apple with butter, then fold the dough over the apple, sealing edges.
Place wrapped apples in a baking dish.
In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, and vanilla extract, bringing it to a boil.
Pour the sauce over the dumplings in the baking dish.
Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown.
Let dumplings rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm, spiced flavors of the apple dumplings perfectly.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that balances the richness of the dessert.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness and a decadent finish.
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle with toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans to introduce a crunchy contrast.
- Custard: Serve with a warm custard sauce for a comforting and classic pairing.
Storage
To store apple dumplings, cool them completely.
Then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.
Freezing
To freeze apple dumplings, wrap each dumpling individually in plastic wrap.
Then, place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to three months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat apple dumplings, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving to maintain the crust’s crispness.
Final Thoughts
Apple dumplings are a delightful dessert that beautifully combines the flavors of baked apples with a buttery pie crust.
They’re an excellent choice for a comforting, homemade treat.
The recipe requires a bit of preparation, but the end result is well worth the effort.
By selecting firm, slightly tart apples, you can balance the sweet filling perfectly.
Additionally, sealing the dough edges carefully helps to contain the juices and maintain the dumpling’s shape.
Consider adding raisins or nuts for extra flavor.
Serve the warm dumplings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.
Enjoy the perfect blend of textures and flavors that make apple dumplings a cherished classic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Premade Pie Crust Instead of Homemade Dough?
Yes, you can use premade pie crust. Roll it out to 1/8-inch thickness to guarantee proper wrapping. Adjust any additional ingredients proportionally. This choice saves time, though homemade offers a more artisanal touch.
What Type of Apples Work Best for This Recipe?
For the best results, choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their texture holds up during baking, and their tartness complements the sweet filling perfectly, creating a balanced, artisanal dessert experience.
How Can I Prevent the Dough From Becoming Soggy?
Make certain the dough isn’t soggy by sealing edges tightly and preheating your oven. Avoid overfilling with sauce. Use a pastry brush to remove excess flour on dough, and bake until golden to achieve a crisp texture.
Can I Make These Dumplings Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Confirm it’s a blend suitable for baking. Adjust water quantity if needed, as gluten-free doughs may require slightly different hydration levels for proper consistency.
Are There Any Substitutes for Shortening in the Dough?
You can substitute shortening with butter for a richer flavor or use coconut oil for a non-dairy option. Make sure you chill whichever fat you choose before cutting it into the flour for best dough texture and flakiness.
Apple Dumplings with Pie Crust
Equipment
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 pastry brush
- 1 Knife
- 1 peeler
Ingredients
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 6-7 tablespoon cold water
- 4 medium apples peeled and cored
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the flour and salt, then cut in the shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until dough holds together.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into squares large enough to wrap each apple.
- Combine granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Place an apple in the center of each dough square and fill the core with sugar mixture.
- Dot each apple with butter, then fold the dough over the apple, sealing edges.
- Place wrapped apples in a baking dish.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, and vanilla extract, bringing it to a boil.
- Pour the sauce over the dumplings in the baking dish.
- Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown.
- Let dumplings rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
