Apple dumplings are warm, cozy treats that wrap sweet, tart apples in a buttery pastry. They’re baked until golden and often served with a drizzle of cinnamon syrup!
I love how they fill the kitchen with a yummy smell. It’s like autumn has moved in! Perfect for dessert or even a warm snack with a big scoop of ice cream on top. 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith work best as they contrast nicely with the sweetness of the syrup. If you prefer sweeter dumplings, Fuji or Honeycrisp apples are great alternatives!
Pie Dough: You can use store-bought dough for a quick option. If you want to make your own, use a simple mix of flour, butter, and ice water. It adds a fresh touch!
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Feel free to swap out granulated sugar for coconut sugar if you’re looking for a healthier option. Coconut sugar will give a unique flavor to the syrup as well.
Vanilla Extract: If you don’t have vanilla extract on hand, almond extract can make a fine substitute for a different twist on flavor.
How Do I Achieve Golden and Flaky Dumplings?
Getting the perfect dumpling crust is all about handling the dough gently and applying an egg wash. Here’s how:
- After placing the apples in the dough, fold over tightly without stretching, to maintain flakiness.
- Brush the beaten egg generously on top. This helps the crust get that beautiful golden color when baking.
- Don’t rush the baking time! Let them bake until they’re golden brown and the apples are soft and tender — about 35 to 45 minutes does the trick.
If you want an extra cinnamon kick, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top before baking!
How to Make Delicious Apple Dumplings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and quartered
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 package (about 2 crusts) refrigerated pie pastry or homemade pie dough
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for syrup)
- Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty apple dumpling recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and around 35 to 45 minutes to bake. Altogether, you’re looking at about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes until you can savor these warm, comfort-filled dumplings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish to prevent your dumplings from sticking.
2. Mix the Sweet Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and nutmeg. This sweet and spiced mixture will be delightful inside the dumplings.
3. Prepare the Pie Dough:
Cut the pie crust dough into four equal squares. Make sure they are large enough to wrap around each apple quarter comfortably.
4. Coat the Apples:
Take the apple quarters and toss them in the sugar and spice mixture you just prepared until they are well coated. This gives the apples a delicious flavor!
5. Assemble the Dumplings:
Place a few pieces of the coated apple in the center of each dough square. Dot each piece of dough with small bits of butter — this adds extra richness!
6. Wrap It Up:
Fold the corners of the dough over the apple pieces and pinch the edges tightly to seal, forming a dumpling. Make sure it’s sealed well to hold in all the delicious flavors.
7. Place in Baking Dish:
Arrange the dumplings in the greased baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
8. Brush with Egg Wash:
Brush the tops of the dumplings with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful glossy finish while baking.
9. Make the Syrup:
In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
10. Pour the Syrup:
Pour the syrup evenly over the dumplings in the baking dish, letting it seep in a bit to flavor the crust.
11. Bake:
Bake the dumplings in your preheated oven for about 35 to 45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are soft and tender.
12. Serve & Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the dumplings from the oven and spoon some of the syrup over them for extra sweetness. Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Enjoy the luscious sweet cinnamon syrup dripping over flaky wrapped apples — a perfect comfort dessert!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, you can use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or even a mix for varied sweetness and flavors. Just ensure the apples can hold their shape when baked!
How Should I Store Leftover Dumplings?
Leftover apple dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Make the Dumplings in Advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dumplings ahead of time! Just wrap them and place them in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply pour the syrup on top and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
What Should I Serve with Apple Dumplings?
These tasty treats are delightful on their own, but serving them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream elevates the experience. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top can also enhance the flavor!
