Apple dumplings are a warm, sweet treat that brings cozy vibes to any meal. Each dumpling is wrapped around a tender apple, covered in a lovely dough, and baked to perfection!
Wait until you take a bite! The soft, cinnamon-spiced apples paired with the buttery crust make my heart happy. I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—pure happiness! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith for their tartness, which contrasts nicely with the sugar and cinnamon. Honeycrisp is another great option for its sweetness and crisp texture. If you want to mix things up, try using a combination of apples for varied flavors!
Granulated Sugar: You’ll need it for sweetness in the filling and the syrup. If you want a lower-calorie option, consider using stevia or a sugar substitute in a similar amount. Just be mindful that some sweeteners can be sweeter than sugar, so you may need to adjust the quantity.
Pie Crusts: I often use store-bought crusts for convenience, but homemade pie dough is wonderful too! If you’re looking to switch things up, try using puff pastry for a flakier texture. Gluten-free doughs can also work if needed.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal to control the saltiness, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter and just skip the added salt.
How Do I Perfectly Seal Apple Dumplings?
Sealing the dumplings well is key to keeping the apple juices inside during baking. Here’s how to do it properly:
- After placing the apple mixture in the center of the dough, bring each corner together tightly.
- Press the edges with your fingers to seal them and ensure no gaps are left.
- For an extra seal, you can use a fork to crimp around the edges; this gives a nice decorative touch too!
Taking your time with the sealing process will ensure your dumplings are filled with delicious flavors instead of leaking all over the dish!
Delightful Apple Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dumplings:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and quartered
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts), or homemade pie dough
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This wonderful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 35-40 minutes of baking time. In total, you’ll need about an hour to enjoy these delightful apple dumplings! Perfect for a cozy dessert after dinner or as a sweet treat any time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when your dumplings go in!
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and quartered apples with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the optional nutmeg. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated.
3. Roll and Cut the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crusts. Cut each crust into four large squares, making a total of eight squares for your dumplings.
4. Assemble the Dumplings:
Place a quarter of the apple mixture in the center of each square of dough. Top the apples with small pieces of butter to keep them deliciously moist during baking.
5. Seal the Dumplings:
Bring the corners of the dough up around the apple filling, pinching and sealing them well to form a dumpling shape. This is where all the yummy flavors will stay inside!
6. Place in Baking Dish:
Carefully place the sealed dumplings in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. They should fit snugly together but not be overcrowded.
7. Make the Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, the brown sugar, the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, the vanilla extract, and the salt. Cook on medium heat, bringing it to a boil while stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
8. Pour the Syrup:
Once the syrup is ready, carefully pour it evenly over the dumplings in the baking dish. This will keep them moist and flavorful as they bake.
9. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until the dumplings are golden brown and the syrup is bubbling around them.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, take the dumplings out of the oven and let them cool for just a few minutes. Serve warm, spooning some of that delightful syrup over each dumpling. For an extra special treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top!
Enjoy your cozy, delicious apple dumplings! They’re the perfect sweet delight to warm you up any day!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, feel free to experiment with other types like Fuji or Braeburn for varied sweetness and tartness. Mixing several types of apples also adds depth to the flavor!
Can I Make These Apple Dumplings Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the dumplings ahead of time! Assemble them, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to pour the warm syrup over them right before baking for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Dumplings?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water to the dish to keep them moist while reheating!
Can I Freeze Unbaked Dumplings?
Yes! You can freeze unbaked dumplings. Just assemble and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
