Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings
There’s something truly magical about the comforting aroma of Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings filling the kitchen, reminding me of cozy fall afternoons spent at my grandmother’s house. She would whip up these delicious dumplings, and the entire family would gather around the table, eager to savor the sweet and buttery goodness. Each dumpling, cradling a tender half of apple, would emerge from the oven, golden brown and glistening with syrup. I can still hear the laughter and chatter, as we eagerly dished out servings topped with a generous scoop of ice cream. Making Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings has become a cherished tradition in our home, a way to connect with those sweet memories while creating new ones. Whether enjoyed on a crisp autumn evening or at a family gathering, these dumplings remind us of the importance of togetherness and the simple pleasures of homemade desserts.
Recipe Snapshot
60 mins
15 mins
45 mins
Medium
300 kcal
2 g
Vegan, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
12 g
Large Pot, Frying Pan, Oven, Peeler, Baking Sheet
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings
Unforgettable Aroma
One of the first things that draws you to Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings is the incredible aroma wafting through your kitchen. As the apples bake with cinnamon and sugar, you’ll find it hard to resist sneaking a taste before they even reach the table. This delightful scent alone is enough to create excitement and anticipation.
Comfort Food at Its Best
There’s a reason why this dish is often associated with comfort food. Each bite of the Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings envelops you in warmth and nostalgia. The buttery crust, combined with the tender apple and rich sauce, creates a perfect harmony of flavors that evoke feelings of bliss.
Perfect for Gatherings
These dumplings are not just a treat for yourself; they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends. Imagine serving a warm batch at your next gathering and watching everyone’s faces light up with delight. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, making it a staple for holidays, potlucks, and casual dinners alike.
Versatile and Adaptable
Another reason to love Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings is their versatility. While Granny Smith apples are a classic choice, you can easily experiment with different varieties to suit your taste—Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even a mix! Each variation adds its unique twist, ensuring you never tire of this timeless recipe.
Simple Ingredients
This recipe calls for simple, accessible ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The blend of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon not only enhances the flavors but also keeps the preparation straightforward. It’s a fantastic way to introduce even novice bakers to the joys of cooking.
Kid-Friendly Fun
Getting kids involved in the kitchen can be a challenge, but making Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings is a fun and engaging way to bond. They can help with peeling and core the apples, or even roll out the dough. Watching their excitement as they create something delicious is truly rewarding.
What Goes Into Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings
The ingredients for Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings are simple yet so effective in creating a comforting dessert. Each component plays a crucial role, contributing to the overall flavor and texture. From the flaky pastry that encases the apples to the sweet, spiced filling, these ingredients work harmoniously to deliver a classic dish that resonates with tradition.
- 1 box frozen double-crust pie pastry, thawed: This flaky crust is the perfect envelope for the apples, providing a buttery richness that balances the sweetness.
- 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut in half horizontally: Tart and crisp, these apples hold their shape well during baking and provide a great contrast to the sweet filling.
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided: Essential for richness, the butter helps to create a delicious sauce as it melts and mingles with the other flavors.
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar, divided: Brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that beautifully complements the apples and spices.
- 1 ¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided: This warm spice adds warmth and depth, enhancing the overall flavor of the dumplings.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A dash of nutmeg offers a fragrant, nutty note that elevates the dish.
- 1 cup water: Used in the sauce, water helps create the syrup that the dumplings will bake in, sealing in moisture for a delightful texture.
How to Make Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings
Making Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings is a rewarding experience that fills your home with delightful scents and creates sweet memories. Follow these simple steps to achieve the perfect dumplings that will be the highlight of your meal.
- Preheat and prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent the dumplings from sticking and to add extra flavor.
- Unroll and cut pie dough: Unroll each circle of the pie pastry and cut them into quarters. You’ll have a perfect shape to wrap around the apple halves.
- Arrange apples on pie dough: Place the 6 peeled and cored apple halves at the center of each quartered piece of dough. Make sure they’re arranged nicely to ensure even baking.
- Fill apples: Take 6 pieces of butter, cutting them into ½ tablespoon each. Put one piece inside each apple half. Sprinkle the apples with ½ cup of brown sugar, pressing it into the cored middle with the butter. Then, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg over the tops for extra flavor.
- Wrap apples with pastry dough: Moisten your fingers with a little water, and carefully fold the pastry dough over each apple, sealing the top by pressing the corners together. Ensure the edges are securely pressed to keep the apple inside the dough intact. Place the wrapped apples into the baking dish.
- Make sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the remaining 1 cup of brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium until it begins to boil gently. Pour this sauce evenly over the dumplings to help them create a luscious syrup as they bake.
- Bake: Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the apples are tender. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells heavenly.
- Serve: Once baked, allow the dumplings to cool slightly before serving. Dish each dumpling into a bowl and drizzle the warm sauce on top. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more indulgent experience!
Things Worth Knowing
- Apple selection: For the best flavor, use tart apples like Granny Smith. They hold up well during baking and provide a perfect balance of sweetness.
- Butter temperature: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and better incorporation into the recipe.
- Pastry dough handling: Work quickly with the pie dough to prevent it from warming up too much. If it becomes too soft, it can be difficult to handle.
- Serving suggestion: These dumplings are delightful on their own, but pairing them with ice cream or whipped cream elevates the dish to new heights.
Make It Your Own
Making Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings is not just about following a recipe; it’s about adding your personal touch to it. Here are some great tips to customize this classic dish:
- Storage: To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for a couple of days.
- Freezing: These dumplings can be frozen before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
- Pairing: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Variations: Experiment with different types of apples, such as Fuji or Honeycrisp, to find your preferred flavor profile.
- Sweeten it up: If you like it sweeter, add more brown sugar to the filling or the sauce.
Perfect Matches for Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings
When it comes to serving Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings, there are plenty of delightful options to consider. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:
- Seasonal gatherings: These dumplings are perfect for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or cozy family nights.
- Complementary beverages: Pair with a warm cup of spiced cider or a light tea to enhance the flavors.
- Additional desserts: Serve alongside a rich chocolate cake or a light fruit salad for a balanced dessert table.
- Storing leftovers: If you find any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in a covered container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Warm it up: Reheat in the oven to restore the crispy pastry before serving any chilled dumplings.
FAQ
Conclusion
In summary, Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings are a delightful blend of flaky pastry, tender apples, and sweet syrup that brings back cherished memories. These dumplings are not just a recipe; they are a wonderful way to create new traditions with family and friends. I encourage you to try making them yourself and experience the warmth and joy they bring to your table. You’ll be glad you did!
Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Unroll and cut pie dough: Unroll each circle of pie dough and cut into quarters.
- Arrange apples on pie dough: Arrange the 6 peeled and cored apple halves on the pie dough – one half apple in the center of each quartered piece.
- Fill apples: Cut 6 – 1/2 Tablespoon pieces of the butter, reserving the rest for later. Place one piece of butter inside each cored apple. Divide 1/2 cup of brown sugar between the 6 apples, pressing them into the cored middle with the butter. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg over the tops.
- Wrap apples with pastry dough: Wetting your fingers with water first, bring the pastry dough to the top of the apple, one corner at a time. Seal the top of the dough by pressing together with your fingers. Press the edges of the dough slightly to seal the sides of the apple inside the dough. Place apple in baking dish. Repeat with all the apples.
- Make sauce: Combine remaining 1 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 Tablespoons butter, and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Over medium heat, bring to a slight boil. Pour sauce evenly over the dumplings.
- Bake: Bake for 45 – 55 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
- Serve: Serve each dumpling in a bowl and drizzle the extra sauce on top. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Notes
- Tip 1: Although we love Granny Smith apples for this recipe, you can substitute a different type of apple. Honey Crisp, Golden Delicious or Fuji would be delicious!
