Imagine the aroma of warm, spiced apples enveloped in flaky, golden puff pastry wafting through your kitchen.
Apple dumplings are a delightful treat that’s surprisingly easy to make, offering a cozy indulgence perfect for any occasion.
As these simple ingredients bake, they transform into a mouthwatering dessert, with the apples softening and the pastry crispening beautifully.
Let’s bring this comforting dish to life and enjoy its deliciousness together!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Rolling pin
- 1 Paring knife
- 1 Small bowl
- 1 Brush
Ingredients
- 2 sheets Puff pastry, thawed
- 2 Medium apples, peeled and cored
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 1 Egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Apple Dumplings with Puff Pastry, follow this timeline:
- Reading & Preparation (5 minutes):
- Start by reading through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Prep Work (15 minutes):
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut each pastry sheet into two equal squares.
- Peel and core the apples.
- Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl.
- Assembling Dumplings (5 minutes):
- Place a cored apple in the center of each pastry square.
- Fill the center of each apple with the sugar and spice mixture and drizzle melted butter over them.
- Fold the pastry corners over each apple, pinch to seal, and place the dumplings on a baking sheet.
- Final Preparations (5 minutes):
- Brush the pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
- Cooking Time (35 minutes):
- Bake the dumplings in the preheated oven for 35 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Resting Time (10 minutes):
- Remove the dumplings from the oven and let them 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 the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to smooth them.
Cut each pastry sheet into two equal squares.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Place a cored apple in the center of each square.
Fill the center of each apple with the sugar and spice mixture.
Drizzle melted butter over the filled apples.
Fold the pastry corners over each apple and pinch to seal the edges.
Place the dumplings on a baking sheet.
Brush the pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm, spiced apple filling perfectly.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the dumplings for a rich, sweet addition.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a light, creamy contrast to the pastry.
- Crushed Nuts: Sprinkle crushed nuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar can enhance the warm, aromatic spices in the dumpling.
Storage
To store apple dumplings, allow them to cool completely.
Then place them in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to three days.
Reheat in the oven for ideal crispiness.
Freezing
To freeze apple dumplings, wrap each cooled dumpling tightly in plastic wrap.
Then wrap in foil.
Store in an airtight container.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat apple dumplings, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cover them with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes.
Avoid microwaving to maintain the pastry’s crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Apple dumplings with puff pastry are a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of apples with the buttery flakiness of pastry.
The preparation is straightforward, yet the result is a treat that feels both comforting and indulgent.
When choosing apples, opt for varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that maintain their shape during cooking.
The spices used in the filling – cinnamon and nutmeg – complement the natural sweetness of the apples perfectly.
To enhance the experience, consider serving the dumplings warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
This dessert isn’t only a feast for the taste buds but also a visually appealing dish that will impress your guests.
Remember to allow the dumplings to rest for 10 minutes after baking.
This helps the flavors meld together and guarantees the pastry is at its best.
Enjoy this classic American dessert as a comforting end to any meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Fruit Instead of Apples?
Yes, you can substitute apples with pears or peaches. Peel and core 2 medium pears or pit 2 peaches. Adjust sugar to 3 tablespoons since these fruits are naturally sweeter. Follow the same steps for baking.
What Can I Substitute for Puff Pastry?
You can substitute puff pastry with phyllo dough. Use 5-6 layers, brushing each with melted butter. Alternatively, make a quick rough puff pastry using 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cold butter, and 1/4 cup cold water.
Are There Any Gluten-Free Options for This Recipe?
You can substitute gluten-free puff pastry sheets for regular ones. Make certain they’re thawed but cold. Follow the same steps: roll, cut, fill with spiced apples, brush with egg, bake at 375°F for 35 minutes.
How Can I Make a Vegan Version of These Dumplings?
Replace the puff pastry with a vegan variety. Swap butter for 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted. Use 1 tablespoon non-dairy milk instead of egg for brushing. Verify sugar is vegan, and follow the remaining instructions.
Can I Add Nuts or Raisins to the Filling?
Yes, you can add nuts or raisins. Mix 1/4 cup chopped nuts or 1/4 cup raisins with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make certain they’re evenly distributed in the filling for a well-balanced flavor and texture.
Apple Dumplings with Puff Pastry
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Paring knife
- 1 Small bowl
- 1 brush
Ingredients
- 2 sheets Puff pastry thawed
- 2 Medium apples peeled and cored
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter melted
- 1 Egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface to smooth them.
- Cut each pastry sheet into two equal squares.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Place a cored apple in the center of each square.
- Fill the center of each apple with the sugar and spice mixture.
- Drizzle melted butter over the filled apples.
- Fold the pastry corners over each apple and pinch to seal the edges.
- Place the dumplings on a baking sheet.
- Brush the pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
