Hot Apple Dumplings

Name: Hot Apple Dumplings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Granny Smith apples; 1 cup water; 1 cup sugar, divided; 1 stick of butter; 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract; 8 canned biscuits (Pillsbury buttermilk recommended); 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Isabella

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As the leaves begin to change color and the crisp air of autumn settles in, it’s time to embrace the warmth and comfort of seasonal treats. Among the most cherished and heartwarming desserts perfect for this time of year are Hot Apple Dumplings. This delightful recipe combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the sweet, buttery richness of a sugar glaze and the soft, fluffy texture of baked biscuits. Ideal for a cozy family dinner, a festive gathering, or simply a treat to warm you up, these dumplings promise an irresistible taste of fall.

Ingredients:

2 Granny Smith apples

1 cup water

1 cup sugar, divided

1 stick of butter

1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

8 canned biscuits (Pillsbury buttermilk recommended)

4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

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Instructions:

Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees. This ensures your oven is at the perfect temperature by the time your dumplings are ready to go in.

Apple Prep: Peel, core, and slice the apples vertically into 8 slices each. To prevent browning, immediately submerge the slices in cold water. This step not only preserves their fresh color but also prepares them for a delicious transformation.
Sauce Creation: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, 3/4 cup of sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a boil. This mixture will act as both a glaze and a sweet bath that will infuse the dumplings with flavor as they bake.
Dumpling Assembly: Take each biscuit and separate it in half to create a thinner layer. Wrap a slice of apple in each biscuit layer, stretching the dough slightly to overlap at the bottom, ensuring a snug wrap. This encases the apple in a soft, doughy blanket, ready for baking.

Baking Setup: Arrange the wrapped apples sealed side down in a 9×13 baking pan. Pour the hot sugar mixture over the apple slices, ensuring each dumpling is generously coated. The magic happens here as the sauce begins to caramelize and soak into the dumplings during baking.
Final Touch: Mix the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar with the ground cinnamon and sprinkle this mixture over the tops of the wrapped apples. This not only adds an extra layer of sweetness but also introduces a spicy warmth that’s synonymous with fall flavors.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling with caramelized goodness.

Serving Suggestion: Serve the hot apple dumplings warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the hot, cinnamon-spiced apples and the cold, creamy ice cream is nothing short of heavenly.

Serving and Storage Tips for Hot Apple Dumplings

Hot Apple Dumplings are a delightful treat that brings warmth and sweetness to any table. To ensure you get the best experience out of this delectable dessert, here are some serving and storage tips that will help you maximize enjoyment and preserve the freshness of your dumplings.

Serving Tips:

Serve Warm: These dumplings are best enjoyed warm. The heat amplifies the flavors and ensures the apple is tender and the sauce is at its most flavorful. If they’ve cooled down, a quick reheat in the oven or microwave can bring them back to perfection.

Ice Cream Pairing: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing with hot apple dumplings. The contrast between the warm, spiced apples and the cold, creamy ice cream creates a delightful sensory experience.
Additional Toppings: For extra indulgence, consider drizzling caramel sauce over the dumplings and ice cream. A sprinkle of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) can also add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
Portion Control: If you’re serving these dumplings at a gathering, they’re rich enough to be cut in half for smaller servings, especially if accompanied by ice cream or other sides.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerating Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for 2-3 days. The sauce may thicken and absorb into the dumplings, but they will still be delicious.
Reheating: To reheat, simply place the dumplings in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick reheat, though the oven method helps maintain a better texture.
Freezing: Hot apple dumplings can be frozen, though it’s best to do so before baking them with the sauce. Wrap each unbaked dumpling tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Reviving the Sauce: If the sauce has thickened too much upon storage, you can gently reheat it on the stove with a splash of water to thin it out. Then, pour it over the dumplings before serving to bring back that freshly baked taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, any firm apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp works well for this recipe, but Granny Smith is preferred for its tartness.

Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dumplings and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Is there a substitute for canned biscuits?

Homemade biscuit dough or puff pastry can be used as alternatives to canned biscuits.

Can these dumplings be made gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free biscuit dough and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion:

This recipe for Hot Apple Dumplings is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It’s a perfect dessert that embodies the essence of fall, offering a comforting, sweet, and satisfying experience with every bite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, these dumplings are straightforward to make and promise to delight anyone lucky enough to try them. So, embrace the season with this warm, inviting treat that’s sure to become a favorite.

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