Apple Dumpling Recipe (with Video)

Apple Dumpling Recipe: Apple dumplings are a delightful dessert that combines the warm, spiced flavor of baked apples with a flaky, golden pastry.

Drizzled with syrup and often served with ice cream, these treats are perfect for cozy family gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Whether you are a baking novice or an experienced cook, this step-by-step guide will help you prepare the most delicious apple dumplings right in your kitchen.

Ingredients Needed for Apple Dumplings

Essential Ingredients:

• 6 medium-sized apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup unsalted butter (chilled and cubed)
• 6 tablespoons ice water
• 1/2 cup sugar (white or brown)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for filling)

For the Syrup:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Optional Toppings:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel drizzle

Tools and Equipment:

• Apple peeler and corer
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush
• Baking dish (9×13 inches)
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls

Preparing the Apples

The first step to creating the perfect apple dumplings is preparing the apples properly:

Choosing the Right Apples: Use apples that hold their shape when baked. Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice because they are tart and firm. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples also work well.

Peeling, Coring, and Slicing:

• Start by peeling the apples using an apple peeler or a paring knife.
• Carefully remove the core using an apple corer or melon baller, ensuring you leave the apple whole.
• Avoid slicing the apples entirely. You want them to remain in their natural round shape to hold the filling.

Making the Dough

Homemade Pastry Dough Recipe:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
2. Add 2/3 cup chilled unsalted butter, cubed into small pieces. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Slowly add 6 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently. Stop when the dough comes together but isn’t sticky.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Using Store-Bought Dough:

If you’re short on time, pre-made pie dough or crescent roll dough works as a great alternative. Simply roll it out and cut it into squares large enough to wrap around each apple.

Preparing the Filling

The apple filling is what gives these dumplings their irresistible flavor:

1. In a small bowl, mix together:
   • 1/2 cup sugar
   • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
   • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional for extra spice)
2. Cut 2 tablespoons of butter into 6 equal pieces. These will go into the center of each apple.

Assembling the Apple Dumplings

Now comes the fun part—wrapping the apples in the dough!

Rolling the Dough:

• Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
• Cut the dough into 6 equal squares, each large enough to completely wrap around an apple.

Filling the Apples:

• Place one peeled and cored apple in the center of each dough square.
• Fill the hollowed core with the cinnamon-sugar mixture and place a small piece of butter on top.

Wrapping the Apples:

• Gently fold the edges of the dough up around the apple, pinching to seal the seams.
• You can trim excess dough and use it to create decorative leaves or patterns for a beautiful presentation.

Making the Syrup

The sweet syrup elevates these dumplings to the next level:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine:
   • 1 cup sugar
   • 1 cup water
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted.
3. Pour the warm syrup over the apple dumplings before baking.

Baking the Apple Dumplings

Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Baking Process:

• Place the assembled dumplings in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Pour the prepared syrup evenly over the dumplings.

Bake to Perfection:

• Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the apples are tender.
• Baste the dumplings with syrup halfway through baking for an extra glossy finish.

Serving the Apple Dumplings

Once your apple dumplings are perfectly baked, it’s time to serve them while they’re warm and irresistible. Here’s how to enjoy them at their best:

Plate and Top the Dumplings:

• Use a spatula or large spoon to carefully transfer each apple dumpling to a dessert plate.
• Spoon some of the syrup from the baking dish over the top for extra sweetness and moisture.

Add Toppings for Perfection:

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts beautifully over the warm dumpling.
• Add whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a rich and indulgent dessert.
• Sprinkle a little cinnamon or powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Apple dumplings go perfectly with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or warm cider during chilly days.
• For a decadent twist, serve alongside a glass of milk or even a dessert wine.

Tips for Perfect Apple Dumplings

To ensure your apple dumplings turn out flawless every time, keep these tips in mind:

Choosing Apples: Stick to firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady. Soft apples will break down and become mushy while baking.

Chilled Dough is Key: Always work with chilled dough to achieve a flaky and tender crust. Warm dough can tear or become difficult to handle.

Seal the Dough Properly: Pinch and seal the dough tightly around the apple to prevent syrup or filling from leaking out while baking.

Baste While Baking: Halfway through baking, spoon syrup from the pan over the dumplings to give the crust a glossy and caramelized texture.

Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can result in apples that lose their shape and dough that becomes too hard.

Variations of Apple Dumpling Recipes

Apple dumplings are a versatile dessert, and you can experiment with various flavors and ingredients:

1. Caramel Apple Dumplings:

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce inside the apples before wrapping them in dough.
• Pour extra caramel syrup over the dumplings after baking for a gooey twist.

2. Nutty Apple Dumplings:

• Mix chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the cinnamon-sugar filling for added crunch.
• Sprinkle toasted nuts on top before serving for an elegant presentation.

3. Spiced Apple Dumplings:

• Add spices like cloves, allspice, or ginger to the filling for a deeper, warming flavor.

4. Chocolate-Stuffed Apple Dumplings:

• Place a piece of dark chocolate or chocolate chips inside the apple core before sealing the dough.
• Serve with a chocolate drizzle for an indulgent dessert.

Healthier Alternatives to Traditional Apple Dumplings

If you’re looking for a healthier version of apple dumplings, here are a few modifications:

Use Whole Wheat Dough: Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.

Reduce the Sugar: Use a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar instead of refined sugar.

Skip the Butter in Syrup: Replace butter with a small amount of coconut oil or omit it altogether for a lighter syrup.

Vegan Apple Dumplings:

• Use plant-based butter and substitute regular dough with vegan pastry dough.
• Serve with dairy-free ice cream or coconut whipped cream.

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust or dough for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storing and Reheating Apple Dumplings

Apple dumplings can easily be stored and enjoyed later if you have leftovers:

Storing the Dumplings:

• Allow the dumplings to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, wrap each dumpling individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Without Losing Texture:

• Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the dumplings on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Method: Heat individual dumplings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but be aware the crust may soften slightly.
• For frozen dumplings, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs about Apple Dumpling Recipe

What are apple dumplings?

Apple dumplings are a classic dessert made from apples wrapped in pastry dough and baked until tender. Often served with syrup or ice cream, they are a comforting treat reminiscent of apple pie but with a unique presentation.

What type of apples should I use for dumplings?

For the best results, use firm apples that hold their shape when cooked. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are excellent choices as they provide a good balance of sweetness and tartness, enhancing the overall flavor of the dumplings.

Do I need special ingredients for the pastry dough?

No, you can make pastry dough with common ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. All you need is flour, butter, a pinch of salt, and water. For a richer flavor, some recipes might include sugar or a substitute like shortening for part of the butter.

Can apple dumplings be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare apple dumplings ahead and refrigerate them before baking. Alternatively, you can fully bake them and then reheat in the oven before serving to recapture the crisp texture of the pastry and the warmth of the filling.

How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?

To prevent a soggy pastry, make sure the filling is not overly juicy before wrapping, and seal the dumplings well to keep the juices contained. Baking at a high enough temperature also helps to crisp the pastry.

What is the best way to serve apple dumplings?

Apple dumplings are best served warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The warmth of the dumplings melts the ice cream slightly, creating a delicious, creamy sauce that complements the spices used in the filling.

Conclusion

Apple dumplings are a timeless, comforting dessert that never fails to impress. With their tender baked apples, flaky pastry crust, and sweet syrupy goodness, they are a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether served with a scoop of ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar, apple dumplings are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be able to create a stunning dessert that will delight your family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and start baking these irresistible apple dumplings today!