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The Best Apple Dumplings Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 63 reviews

This classic Apple Dumplings recipe features tender apples wrapped in a flaky homemade pastry, baked to golden perfection and topped with a rich cinnamon-spiced sauce. Perfect as a cozy dessert, these dumplings combine the sweetness of apples and sugar with a buttery crust and a delicious sauce, ideal for serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples and Filling

  • 6 medium apples
  • 6 teaspoons unsalted butter
  • 6 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

Pastry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour plus ½ cup for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¾ cup chilled solid shortening (such as Crisco)
  • ½ cup whole milk

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Make the Pastry: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, and chilled shortening. Use a pastry blender or two forks to cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse meal with a few larger pieces remaining. Slowly add milk a little at a time, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until combined. Turn dough onto a floured surface, gently form into a ball, divide into six equal pieces, and shape each into a round disk. Chill the disks in the refrigerator until ready to roll out.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter. Stir and bring to a boil, continuing to cook for a few minutes until the butter melts and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Assemble the Dumplings: Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Peel, core, and prepare the apples, cutting a thin slice from the bottom if desired so they sit flat. Roll out one pastry disk on a floured surface into a 6-inch circle or square. Place one apple in the center, insert one tablespoon of butter into the apple’s core hole, and sprinkle one teaspoon of the sugar and cinnamon mixture over the apple.
  4. Wrap the Apples: Gather the edges of the dough up around each apple and pinch or mold to seal it completely. Place each wrapped apple in a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Repeat with remaining apples and dough.
  5. Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat together the egg and water. Brush the egg wash evenly over the tops of all the wrapped apples to achieve a golden, shiny crust during baking.
  6. Bake the Dumplings: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over and around the dumplings in the baking dish. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Serve: Allow the dumplings to cool slightly before serving. Top each dumpling with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

Notes

  • Leftover apple dumplings can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or in the microwave for a minute or two; reheating in the microwave will result in a softer pastry.
  • To help the apples stand upright, slice a thin piece off the bottom before wrapping in pastry.
  • You may leave apple peels on if preferred, though peeling is traditional.
  • To save time, use refrigerated pie crust instead of making pastry from scratch.
  • Avoid overbaking to prevent apples from turning to applesauce and leaking from the crust.
  • Ensure all seeds and core are fully removed from apples for the best texture and taste.
  • Firm cooking pears can be used as a substitute for apples; peel and prepare similarly.
  • Keep shortening refrigerated to maintain freshness and optimal texture for pastry making.
  • Peel and core apples just before assembly to prevent browning.

Keywords: apple dumplings, classic dessert, homemade pastry, baked apples, cinnamon sauce, comfort food, fall dessert

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/the-best-apple-dumplings-recipe/