Apple dumplings are sweet and cozy treats made with juicy apples wrapped in soft dough, all baked to golden perfection. A sprinkle of cinnamon makes them even more special!
Honestly, these dumplings make my kitchen smell like a fall festival! I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top – it’s pure happiness on a plate! 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith work best for their firmness and balanced sweetness. However, you can substitute with Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter taste. Just choose apples that hold up well when baked!
Granulated sugar: Regular granulated sugar gives the right sweetness, but you could use brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor. It adds a nice richness in the sauce as well!
Butter: I use unsalted butter to control the salt in this dessert. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a dairy-free buttery spread. Both will work well!
Pie crust: Store-bought pie crust is convenient, but if you have time, making your own flaky crust is a treat! You can also opt for puff pastry for an extra puff and flakiness.
How Do I Ensure My Dumplings Are Perfectly Baked?
Baking apple dumplings requires a bit of attention to ensure they cook evenly and come out golden brown. Here are a few tips:
- Preheat your oven thoroughly. A hot oven gives that nice rise and crust.
- Cover them with foil for the first 30 minutes to prevent over-browning, then remove it to let them finish baking and brown on top.
- Check for doneness by poking a dumpling. The apples should be tender!
Letting them cool slightly before serving helps the flavors meld together, and they’ll hold their shape better when you dish them out. Enjoy your delicious apple dumplings!
Apple Dumplings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and quartered
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 package (2 sheets) refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pie dough
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for sauce)
- 8 tbsp (1 stick) butter (for sauce), sliced into pieces
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (for sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and then requires 45-50 minutes of baking time. Altogether, you should set aside around 1 hour and 10 minutes for cooking and cooling, ensuring your delicious apple dumplings are ready to serve warm.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to keep the dumplings from sticking.
2. Mix the Cinnamon Sugar:
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sugar, 1 tsp of cinnamon, and the optional nutmeg. This sweet mixture will add flavor to your apples and crust!
3. Prepare the Dough:
On a clean, lightly floured surface, unroll the refrigerated pie crusts. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares, giving you a total of 8 squares to work with.
4. Assemble the Dumplings:
For each pastry square, place a few quarters of the apple in the center. Sprinkle them generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture and add a small piece of butter on top. Then, fold the pastry around the apple pieces, pinching the edges securely to seal them tight.
5. Arrange in the Baking Dish:
Place the wrapped dumplings snugly in the greased baking dish, making sure they’re not too crowded. This helps them bake evenly!
6. Make the Sweet Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, 3/4 cup sugar, 8 tbsp of butter, vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp cinnamon. Heat over medium until the mixture comes to a boil. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves.
7. Pour the Sauce:
Carefully pour the hot syrup evenly over the arranged dumplings. This will soak into the dumplings as they bake, enhancing the flavors!
8. Bake the Dumplings:
Bake the dumplings in your preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you want the pastry to turn golden brown and the sauce to bubble around the edges.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let the apple dumplings cool slightly. Serve them warm, drizzled with the sweet sauce, and don’t forget a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to make it extra special!
Enjoy your delightful apple dumplings — they’re a warm hug on a plate!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Yes! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor. Just ensure the apples are firm so they hold their shape while baking.
What Can I Use Instead of Pie Crust?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can make your own homemade pie dough, use puff pastry for extra flakiness, or even try crescent roll dough for a fun twist. Just adjust cooking times if needed!
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Dumplings?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or microwave. You can add a splash of water to the container to keep them moist while reheating!
Can I Make These Dumplings Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free pie crust to make these dumplings. There are plenty of store-bought options available, or you can find or make a gluten-free dough from scratch!