Apple Dumplings
User Reviews
4.5
Apple Dumplings
Description
Apple Dumplings consist of whole apples enclosed in a homemade pastry dough made from flour, salt, chilled vegetable shortening, and ice water. Each apple is filled with butter and a cinnamon-sugar mixture before wrapping in the dough and sealing the edges. They are arranged in a baking dish and baked with a sauce made from light brown sugar, water, and salted butter. This baking process yields a soft, flaky crust surrounding tender, warmly spiced apples.
The sauce adds moisture and sweetness, infusing the dumplings as they cook. The combination of cinnamon, butter, and sugar within the filling complements the natural tartness of the Granny Smith apples, balancing flavor and texture. The dumplings are generally served warm, often accompanied by vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or butter pecan ice cream to provide a creamy contrast.
The recipe includes useful tips for making the pastry dough ahead and variations for the crust. Assembled dumplings can be refrigerated or frozen before baking, allowing for advance preparation. Leftovers keep well refrigerated, and reheating by baking maintains the crust’s texture, while microwaving softens it.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable shortening chilled
- ⅓ cup water ice
For the Apples:
- 8 apple peeled and cored, Granny Smith, medium
- 8 teaspoons butter unsalted
- 8 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Sauce:
- 1½ cups light brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup butter cubed, salted
Instructions
- Make the Pastry Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the shortening until the mixture is crumbly. Gradually add the ice water, tossing the mixture with a fork, until the dough forms a cohesive mass. If the dough needs more water to come together, add it 1 teaspoon at a time. Divide the dough into eight equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
- Assemble the Apples: Roll each portion of dough on a lightly floured work surface into a 7-inch square. Place an apple in the center of each square. Place 1 teaspoon of butter and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar mixture in the center of each apple.
- Gently bring up the corners of the pastry to the center of each apple; pinch the edges to seal. Place the pastry-encased apples in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water and butter over medium-high heat until it just begins to boil, stirring occasionally. Pour the sauce evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until the apples are tender and the pastry is golden brown, basting occasionally with the sauce. These are best served warm immediately after baking.
Notes
- The dough can be refrigerated for up to three days before baking for convenience.
- Assembled apple dumplings stay fresh covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours prior to baking.
- Unbaked dumplings freeze well for up to two months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Variations for the crust include all-butter pie crust, vodka pie crust, crescent roll dough, store-bought pie crust, or frozen puff pastry.
- Using apple cider or rum instead of water in the sauce can enhance the flavor.
- Leftover dumplings keep for two days at room temperature or up to four days refrigerated.
- Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes to restore the crust’s texture; microwaving softens the crust.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, butter pecan ice cream, or whipped cream for best results.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 803 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 803kcal | 40% |
| Carbohydrates | 106g | 35% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 42g | 65% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Cholesterol | 41mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 410mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 300mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 63g | 126% |
| Vitamin A | 578IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 59mg | 6% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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