Description
Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings are a comforting, classic dessert featuring tender apples wrapped in a buttery cinnamon-infused dough, baked to golden perfection. This nostalgic treat combines a flaky pastry shell with warm, spiced apple filling, making it perfect for cozy family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cold water (more if needed)
Apple Filling & Topping
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and cored
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon butter (for dotting on top)
- 1 cup water (for baking)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and core the apples, then cut each into halves or quarters depending on their size to create manageable portions for the dumplings.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs, ensuring a flaky texture.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Add more water if necessary to achieve a soft, pliable dough.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a square or circle about 1/8-inch thick. Cut the dough into 4 squares large enough to wrap around each apple piece securely.
- Assemble Dumplings: Place one apple half or quarter in the center of each dough square. Sprinkle the inside of each apple piece with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a spiced sweetness.
- Wrap Apples: Fold the dough over each apple and pinch the edges together to seal the dumpling, ensuring the filling stays inside during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the dumplings in the prepared baking dish. Dot the tops with small pieces of butter and sprinkle with remaining brown sugar and cinnamon to create a caramelized topping.
- Add Baking Sauce: Pour 1 cup of water around the dumplings in the baking dish to keep them moist and help cook the apples evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until the dumplings are golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Allow the dumplings to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
Notes
- You can substitute apples with pears for a subtle variation.
- If the dough feels too dry, add water one teaspoon at a time instead of tablespoons.
- Use a 9×9-inch baking dish for even cooking and proper spacing.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the dough or filling.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven.
