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
