Looking for a delightful dessert to enjoy this fall season? Look no further than the Best Apple Dumplings recipe. This mouth-watering treat is a must-have every autumn, with a sticky sweet sauce that enhances the flavors of fresh apples. Let’s dive into how you can create this delectable dessert right at home.
If you want to impress your family and friends with a classic dessert that screams fall, these apple dumplings are the perfect choice. The combination of tender, baked apples enveloped in a buttery pastry and a cinnamon-infused sauce is a true crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Best Apple Dumplings
– Fall Favorite: A perfect dessert to celebrate the autumn season.
– Sticky Sweet Sauce: The sauce adds a delightful sweetness to every bite.
– Melt-in-Your-Mouth Goodness: The tender apples and flaky pastry create a truly satisfying treat.
– Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients make this recipe accessible to all.
Ingredient Notes
– Flour: 2 cups for the dough.
– Baking Powder: 2 1/2 teaspoons to help the dough rise.
– Salt: 1/2 teaspoon for flavor balance.
– Butter: 2/3 cup, softened for a rich pastry.
– Milk: 1/2 cup to bind the dough.
– Brown Sugar: 2 cups for the sauce.
– Water: 2 cups to create a liquid base.
– Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon for a warm, spiced flavor.
– Granny Smith Apples: 6, cored and peeled.
– Extra Cinnamon & Sugar: Mixed for filling the apples.
How to Make Best Apple Dumplings
– Step 1: Preparing the Dough: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Peel and core the apples. In a food processor, combine flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk to form a soft dough. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and roll each into a circular shape.
– Step 2: Filling the Apples: Place a prepared apple in the center of the dough circle, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and wrap the dough around the apple.
– Step 3: Making the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, butter, and cinnamon. Heat until lightly boiling, then let it cool slightly.
– Step 4: Baking: Arrange the filled apples in a greased pan, pour the sauce over them, and bake for 50-55 minutes, basting the apples halfway through.
– Step 5: Serving: Enjoy the apple dumplings warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or milk, drizzled with the delectable sauce.
Storage Options
For any leftovers, store the apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions
– Apple Varieties: Experiment with different apple varieties for unique flavors.
– Spice Blend: Add nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a spicier kick.
– Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the dumplings before baking.
– Glaze: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the baked dumplings for extra sweetness.
What to Serve With Best Apple Dumplings
– Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that enhances the warm apple flavors.
– Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the dumplings for an extra indulgent touch.
– Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream complements the rich sauce and pastry.
– Hot Tea or Coffee: Enjoy your apple dumplings with a warm cup of tea or coffee for the perfect ending to a meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
– Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making the dough?: Yes, you can substitute store-bought pie crust for the homemade dough.
– How can I prevent the apples from turning brown?: To keep the apples from browning, you can soak them in a mixture of water and lemon juice.
– Can I make the sauce ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
– Can I freeze the apple dumplings?: While the dumplings are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them after baking and thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
After making these Best Apple Dumplings, you can expect a warm, comforting dessert that embodies the essence of fall. The aroma of baked apples and cinnamon will fill your home, creating a cozy atmosphere that is perfect for sharing with loved ones. With each bite, you’ll experience the sweet, tender apples enveloped in a flaky pastry and bathed in a luscious, sticky sauce. This dessert is sure to become a seasonal favorite for both family gatherings and personal indulgence.
Best Apple Dumplings
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup milk
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Apple Filling
- 6 Granny Smith apples cored and peeled
- Cinnamon & Sugar mixed for filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Peel and core apples.
- In a food processor, combine dough ingredients to form a soft dough. Divide into 6 portions.
- Place an apple in the center of each dough portion, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and wrap.
- In a saucepan, combine sauce ingredients, heat, and then cool slightly.
- Arrange filled apples in a pan, pour sauce over, and bake for 50-55 minutes.
- Enjoy the warm dumplings with ice cream and drizzle with sauce.