Easy Apple Dumplings: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Easy Apple Dumplings: the name says it all! Imagine biting into a warm, flaky pastry, the sweet and slightly tart aroma of baked apples filling your senses. This isn’t just dessert; it’s a comforting hug on a plate, a nostalgic trip to Grandma’s kitchen, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one delightful package.

Apple dumplings, in their various forms, have been a beloved treat for centuries. While their exact origins are debated, similar baked fruit pastries have graced tables across Europe and America for generations. They represent resourcefulness, transforming simple ingredients like apples and dough into something truly special. Think of it as a delicious way to celebrate the fall harvest!

But what makes easy apple dumplings so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The tender, spiced apples nestled within a buttery, golden-brown crust create a symphony of deliciousness. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, even for novice bakers. So, let’s get started and create some apple magic!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 6 medium-sized Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and quartered
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup shortening
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: Heavy cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving

Preparing the Dough

Okay, let’s start with the dough. This is the foundation of our apple dumplings, so we want to get it just right. Don’t be intimidated; it’s easier than you think!

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough, which is crucial for flavor.
2. Cut in the Shortening: Add the 2/3 cup of shortening to the flour mixture. Now, this is where the magic happens. You want to “cut in” the shortening using a pastry blender or two knives. The goal is to break the shortening into small, pea-sized pieces. This creates pockets of fat that will result in a flaky crust. Don’t overmix! You want to see those little bits of shortening.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly after each addition. The amount of water you need will vary depending on the humidity, so start with 6 tablespoons and add more as needed. The dough should come together into a ball, but it shouldn’t be sticky. Be careful not to add too much water, or your dough will be tough.
4. Form the Dough: Once the dough comes together, gently form it into a disc. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, which will make the dough easier to roll out. Chilling the dough also helps to keep the shortening cold, which is essential for a flaky crust.

Preparing the Apples and Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

While the dough is chilling, let’s get the apples ready and make that delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture that will make these dumplings irresistible.

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and quarter the 6 Granny Smith apples. Granny Smith apples are my go-to for this recipe because they hold their shape well during baking and have a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the sauce. You can use other apple varieties, but make sure they are firm and hold their shape well.
2. Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of the granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of the ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of the ground nutmeg. This mixture will be sprinkled over the apples to add flavor and sweetness.

Assembling the Apple Dumplings

Now for the fun part – putting everything together! This is where your apple dumplings really start to take shape.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to ensure even baking.
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. You want it to be thin enough to easily wrap around the apple quarters.
3. Cut the Dough: Cut the dough into 24 squares. Each square should be large enough to wrap around one apple quarter.
4. Assemble the Dumplings: Place one apple quarter in the center of each dough square. Sprinkle each apple quarter with a generous pinch of the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
5. Wrap the Dumplings: Bring the corners of the dough square up and over the apple quarter, pinching the edges together to seal. You can also fold the edges over to create a more decorative look. Make sure the dumplings are well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
6. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the assembled apple dumplings in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving a little space between each dumpling.

Making the Sauce

The sauce is what really elevates these apple dumplings. It’s rich, buttery, and perfectly spiced. Don’t skip this step!

1. Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt the 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Add Sugar and Spices: Stir in the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
3. Add Water: Gradually add the 1 ½ cups of water, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
4. Bring to a Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will thicken the sauce slightly.
5. Add Vanilla: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Baking the Apple Dumplings

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake these beauties until they’re golden brown and bubbly.

1. Pour Sauce Over Dumplings: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the apple dumplings in the baking dish. Make sure the sauce covers the dumplings completely.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
3. Check for Doneness: To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into one of the dumplings. If it comes out clean, the dumplings are done.

Serving

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – serving these delicious apple dumplings!

1. Cool Slightly: Let the apple dumplings cool slightly before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth on the hot sauce.
2. Serve Warm: Serve the apple dumplings warm, with a generous scoop of heavy cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired. The cold cream or ice cream provides a nice contrast to the warm, sweet dumplings.
3. Enjoy! Enjoy your homemade apple dumplings! They’re perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another dessert recipe; it’s a warm hug on a plate! These Easy Apple Dumplings are a must-try because they deliver that classic, comforting apple pie flavor with a fraction of the effort. Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at a remarkably simple process that yields unbelievably delicious results. The flaky, buttery crust, the tender, spiced apples, and that sweet, caramel-like sauce all come together in perfect harmony. What’s not to love?

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While they’re absolutely divine served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (my personal favorite!), don’t be afraid to experiment. A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a touch of elegance, or you could even drizzle them with a bit of salted caramel for an extra decadent treat. For a lighter option, try serving them with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to swap out the apples for pears or peaches, depending on what’s in season. You could also add a handful of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the filling for a bit of crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating a splash of bourbon or rum into the sauce for a boozy twist. A little lemon zest in the dough can also brighten the flavors. Get creative and make it your own!

I truly believe that everyone should have this recipe in their repertoire. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dessert, a potluck gathering, or even a special occasion. It’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends, and they’ll be begging you for the recipe! And the best part is, you don’t have to be a seasoned baker to pull it off. The instructions are straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of homemade Easy Apple Dumplings. I promise you won’t regret it!

Once you’ve tried this recipe, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! I’m always eager to see how others are making this recipe their own. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create and share recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking! I am confident that this will become a family favorite.