Apple dumplings are a timeless dessert that bring together the comforting flavors of tender baked apples, flaky pastry, and a sweet, cinnamon-spiced syrup. These Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings are perfect for cozy fall nights or any occasion when you want a taste of homemade goodness. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence!
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shortening or unsalted butter, chilled and cut into pieces
6 to 7 tablespoons ice water
For the Apples:
6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided into 6 portions
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Syrup:
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups water
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Prepare the Pastry:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled shortening or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
Divide the dough into six equal portions, shape them into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Apples:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
Roll out each dough disk on a lightly floured surface into a square large enough to encase an apple.
Place a peeled and cored apple in the center of each dough square. Fill the core cavity with a portion of the spiced sugar mixture and top with a piece of butter.
Bring the corners of the dough up over the apple, pinching the edges to seal completely. Place the wrapped apples seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the Syrup:
In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, butter, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the hot syrup over the dumplings in the baking dish.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the pastry is golden brown. Baste the dumplings occasionally with the syrup from the pan.
Serve:
Allow the dumplings to cool slightly before serving. Spoon some of the syrup over each dumpling for extra sweetness and richness. These are delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Serving Tips:
Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve these apple dumplings warm out of the oven. The pastry will be flaky, and the apples tender, making each bite melt in your mouth.
Toppings: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to add extra flavor and richness.
Pair with Drinks: These dumplings pair wonderfully with hot beverages like spiced apple cider, coffee, or a warm cup of tea.
Garnish: For a little extra flair, sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
Storage Tips:
Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The apples and syrup may soften the pastry, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Reheating: Reheat the apple dumplings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual dumplings for 30-45 seconds, but the pastry may lose some of its crispness.
Freezing: You can freeze unbaked apple dumplings for later enjoyment. Prepare the dumplings up to the point of adding the syrup, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To bake, simply add the syrup and bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 60-70 minutes.
Syrup Storage: If you have extra syrup, store it in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it gently before drizzling over the dumplings when serving.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Yes! While Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness and firmness, you can use other apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Keep in mind that sweeter apples may require a slight reduction in the amount of sugar used in the filling.
Can I prepare apple dumplings ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the apple dumplings up to the point of baking and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just pour the syrup over them right before baking. You can also freeze unbaked dumplings for up to 3 months—simply bake them from frozen, adding a little extra time to the baking.
How do I reheat leftover apple dumplings?
To reheat leftover apple dumplings, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual dumplings for 30-45 seconds, although the pastry may soften slightly.
Can I make the syrup in advance?
Yes! You can make the syrup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. When you’re ready to bake the dumplings, simply reheat the syrup in a saucepan or microwave before pouring it over the dumplings.
Conclusion:
Enjoy this nostalgic Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings that brings together the best flavors of autumn in every bite. These Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings are sure to become a beloved favorite in your family’s dessert rotation!
📖 Recipe:
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Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings are a classic comfort dessert featuring tender apples wrapped in flaky pastry and baked in a rich cinnamon-spiced syrup. Perfect for fall, these warm dumplings are ideal for any occasion and pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. This simple yet delicious recipe is sure to become a family favorite, providing a perfect blend of sweet, tart, and spice in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shortening or unsalted butter, chilled and cut into pieces
6 to 7 tablespoons ice water
For the Apples:
6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided into 6 portions
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Syrup:
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups water
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled shortening or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough into six portions, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. - Prepare the Apples:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Roll out each dough disk on a lightly floured surface into a square large enough to encase an apple. Place a peeled apple in the center of each dough square, fill the core with spiced sugar, and top with butter. Fold the dough over the apple and seal the edges. Place in the prepared dish. - Prepare the Syrup:
In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and pour over the dumplings. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until apples are tender and pastry is golden brown, basting occasionally with syrup. - Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving. Spoon syrup over each dumpling. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
Notes
Apple Variety: While Granny Smith apples are best for their tartness and firm texture, you can substitute with other apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
Make Ahead: Prepare the dumplings in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze unbaked dumplings for up to 3 months and bake from frozen.
Serving Suggestions: These apple dumplings are delightful with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
