Picture biting into a warm, golden-brown pastry that envelops a fragrant, spiced apple filling.
There’s something about baked apple dumplings that exudes simplicity and coziness, making them a beloved dessert.
This delightful treat is easy to craft, with just a few steps transforming basic pantry ingredients into a comforting masterpiece.
As the dumplings bake, your kitchen fills with the aroma of cinnamon and sugar.
Let’s bring this delectable dish to life.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Rolling pin
- 1 Pastry brush
- 1 Medium bowl
- 1 Small saucepan
- 1 Knife
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 6 tablespoons cold water
- 4 medium apples, peeled and cored
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Baked Apple Dumplings, you can follow this timeline:
- Preparation Activities (20 minutes)
- 0:00 – 3:00: Read the entire recipe thoroughly to understand the process and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- 3:00 – 5:00: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 5:00 – 10:00: In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 10:00 – 15:00: Stir in cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness.
- 15:00 – 20:00: Cut the dough into 4 squares, prepare the apples by peeling and coring them, and fill each apple with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Cooking Activities (35 minutes)
- 20:00 – 25:00: Dot each apple with butter, fold dough over the apples, and press edges to seal. Place dumplings in a baking dish.
- 25:00 – 30:00: In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil and pour over the dumplings.
- 30:00 – 65:00: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes until golden brown.
- Resting Period (10 minutes)
- 65:00 – 75:00: Let the dumplings 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).
In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt.
Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness.
Cut the dough into 4 squares.
Place an apple in the center of each square.
Fill each apple with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon.
Dot each apple with butter.
Fold dough over the apples and press edges to seal.
Place dumplings in a baking dish.
In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and vanilla extract.
Bring to a boil and pour over the dumplings.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes until golden brown.
Let the dumplings rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm, spiced apples perfectly.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the dumplings for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy texture to the dessert.
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar enhances the presentation and provides a subtle sweetness.
Storage
Store baked apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best taste and texture.
Freezing
For freezing baked apple dumplings, allow them to cool completely.
Wrap individually in plastic wrap, and place in an airtight container.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat baked apple dumplings, place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
Or microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes until warm.
Final Thoughts
Baked apple dumplings are a delightful dessert that combines the warmth of baked apples with the flaky texture of homemade pastry.
For a satisfying treat, remember to roll the dough evenly to guarantee it cooks thoroughly.
Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon-sugar mixture can enhance the flavor.
Enjoy these dumplings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Apple for This Recipe?
Yes, you can. Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results. Firm apples retain their shape during baking. Adjust sugar levels depending on apple sweetness. Make certain apples are peeled and cored precisely to fit dough.
How Do I Prevent the Pastry From Becoming Soggy?
Make certain the dough’s edges are sealed tightly around the apples. Pre-bake the pastry at 375°F for 5 minutes before adding the syrup. Maintain an even dough thickness of 1/8 inch, preventing moisture absorption and sogginess.
What Can I Substitute for Shortening in the Dough?
You can substitute shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. Cube the cold butter, incorporate it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring even distribution for ideal dough consistency.
Is There a Gluten-Free Option for the Dough?
You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make certain it’s a 1:1 substitute for accurate dough consistency. Mix thoroughly, avoiding lumps, and adjust water slightly if needed to achieve the desired texture.
Can the Dumplings Be Made in Advance and Baked Later?
Yes, you can prepare the dumplings ahead. Assemble them, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring them to room temperature before baking at 375°F for consistent results.
Baked Apple Dumplings
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 pastry brush
- 1 Medium bowl
- 1 Small saucepan
- 1 Knife
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup shortening
- 6 tablespoons cold water
- 4 medium apples peeled and cored
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into 4 squares.
- Place an apple in the center of each square.
- Fill each apple with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Dot each apple with butter.
- Fold dough over the apples and press edges to seal.
- Place dumplings in a baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and vanilla extract.
- Bring to a boil and pour over the dumplings.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the dumplings rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
