Picture the comforting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen.
There’s something about Country Apple Dumplings that feels like a warm hug on a crisp day.
This classic American dessert is delightfully easy to make, with its flaky pastry and tender apple filling offering a cozy indulgence.
As the dough envelops the spiced apples, it transforms into a golden masterpiece.
Let’s bring this delicious dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Rolling pin
- 1 Knife
- 1 Peeler
- 1 Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Shortening
- 1 cup Milk
- 8 Medium Apples, peeled and cored
- 8 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
- 2 cups Water
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Country Apple Dumplings, follow this timeline:
1. Reading the Recipe: Allocate 5 minutes to read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and guarantee you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) (2 minutes).
3. Prep Time – 30 minutes:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Mix the flour and salt in a bowl (3 minutes).
- Prepare Dough: Cut in shortening and stir in milk to form dough (5 minutes).
- Roll Out Dough: Roll out the dough and cut it into 8 squares (5 minutes).
- Prepare Apples: Peel and core the apples (8 minutes).
- Assemble Dumplings: Place the apples on the dough squares, fill with sugar and cinnamon, and fold the dough over the apples (9 minutes).
4. Cook Time – 35 minutes:
- Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, butter, and vanilla extract, then bring to a boil (5 minutes).
- Pour Sauce and Bake: Pour the sauce over the dumplings in the baking dish and place them in the oven (30 minutes).
5. Resting Time – 10 minutes: Allow the dumplings to rest after baking to enhance the flavors and make them easier to serve.
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.
Cut in shortening with a rolling pin until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in milk until dough forms a ball.
Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into 8 squares.
Place one apple in the center of each square.
Fill the center of each apple with 1 tablespoon of sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Fold dough over apples and pinch edges to seal.
Place dumplings in a greased baking dish.
In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, butter, and vanilla extract.
Bring mixture to a boil and then pour over the dumplings.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, until apples are tender and pastry is golden brown.
Let dumplings rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a scoop on top of warm dumplings to enhance the dessert with a creamy, cool contrast.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy touch to the rich flavors of the dumplings.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the dumplings for an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence.
- Crème Anglaise: Serve with a pool of this custard sauce for a sophisticated and creamy accompaniment.
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor boost.
Storage
To store Country Apple Dumplings, place them in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to three days.
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving for best texture.
Freezing
To freeze Country Apple Dumplings, wrap each cooled dumpling individually in plastic wrap.
Then, wrap in aluminum foil.
Store in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Country Apple Dumplings, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
This guarantees the pastry remains crisp and the filling is warmed through.
Final Thoughts
Country Apple Dumplings are a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apples, cinnamon, and a buttery pastry.
The preparation involves creating a dough from scratch, filling apples with sugar and cinnamon, and baking them to golden perfection.
The final step of pouring a warm brown sugar and vanilla syrup over the dumplings enhances their flavor.
When served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these dumplings transform into an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any dessert lover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Fruit Instead of Apples?
Absolutely, you can experiment with different fruits. Try pears or peaches for a unique twist. Just make sure they’re ripe yet firm, so they hold up during baking. Adjust sugar and spices to complement your chosen fruit’s flavor profile.
How Do I Prevent the Dough From Getting Soggy?
Make certain your dough remains crispy by not overfilling the apples. Seal the edges tightly to prevent leaks. Pre-baking the dough for a few minutes before adding the filling can also help achieve a delightful texture.
Are There Any Gluten-Free Alternatives for the Dough?
You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Opt for one with xanthan gum to maintain elasticity. Make certain the dough isn’t too sticky; dust your surface generously and roll gently for perfect dumpling texture.
Can the Dumplings Be Made Ahead of Time and Baked Later?
Yes, you can prepare these delightful dumplings in advance. Assemble them, store them covered in the fridge, and bake just before serving. This way, you’ll enjoy freshly baked aromas and perfectly tender apples at your convenience.
What Are Some Variations to Enhance the Flavor of the Dumplings?
Swap in a caramel sauce or sprinkle nutmeg for warmth. Add chopped pecans for crunch. A dash of bourbon infuses richness. Experiment with a maple glaze or zest lemon for brightness. Your dumplings will dazzle!
Country Apple Dumplings
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Knife
- 1 peeler
- 1 Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 4 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Shortening
- 1 cup Milk
- 8 Medium apples, peeled and cored
- 8 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
- 2 cup Water
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Cut in shortening with a rolling pin until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in milk until dough forms a ball.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into 8 squares.
- Place one apple in the center of each square.
- Fill the center of each apple with 1 tablespoon of sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Fold dough over apples and pinch edges to seal.
- Place dumplings in a greased baking dish.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, butter, and vanilla extract.
- Bring mixture to a boil and then pour over the dumplings.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, until apples are tender and pastry is golden brown.
- Let dumplings rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
