Baked Apple Dumplings Recipe

Introduction

Baked Apple Dumplings are a classic fall dessert that combines the sweetness of tender apples with a flaky, buttery pastry. These dumplings are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them an ideal treat for holiday gatherings or casual family dinners. The apples, wrapped in a golden crust, are infused with cinnamon and sugar, and once baked, they are bathed in a rich syrup that enhances their sweetness and flavor. The contrast between the warm apples, the crispy pastry, and the gooey syrup creates a dessert that is comforting, satisfying, and irresistibly good.

This recipe for Baked Apple Dumplings is straightforward and easy to make, even for beginners. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re an experienced baker or someone trying out a new recipe, Baked Apple Dumplings are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you have a treat that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Baked Apple Dumplings

• Classic Fall Flavors: The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and apples is a hallmark of fall desserts. Baked Apple Dumplings are perfect for cozy autumn evenings or festive gatherings.
• Comforting and Cozy: The warm apples wrapped in flaky pastry and drenched in a sweet syrup create a dessert that is both comforting and indulgent. It’s the perfect end to a hearty meal.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make this dessert. The recipe uses basic pantry staples like apples, cinnamon, butter, and sugar, making it easy to whip up at home.
• Impressive Presentation: These dumplings look as good as they taste. The golden-brown pastry and gooey syrup make for a beautiful presentation, perfect for serving at dinner parties or family gatherings.
• Versatile: You can customize the filling by adding raisins, nuts, or even caramel, depending on your preference. The recipe is highly adaptable to your tastes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 35-40g

Ingredients

For the Dumplings:

• 8 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• ½ cup cold water (or as needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for dusting the apples)

For the Syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Special Equipment

This recipe requires a few basic tools to make the preparation smooth and easy. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Rolling Pin: A rolling pin is essential for rolling out the dough to the correct thickness. If you don’t have one, you can use a wine bottle or another cylindrical object to roll the dough.
2. Pastry Brush: A pastry brush is useful for brushing the syrup over the dumplings as they bake. It ensures that the syrup is evenly distributed, which helps the pastry become golden and crispy.
3. Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish works best for this recipe. It allows the dumplings to bake evenly and gives enough space for the syrup to surround the dumplings as they bake.
4. Apple Corer or Paring Knife: An apple corer makes it easy to remove the cores from the apples without cutting them apart. If you don’t have an apple corer, a small paring knife can be used to core the apples.
5. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need two mixing bowls – one for the dough ingredients and one for the syrup. This helps keep the dry and wet ingredients separate before combining.
6. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to the success of this recipe, so make sure you have your measuring cups and spoons ready.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, peel, core, and slice the apples. You can use an apple corer to remove the core and then cut each apple into wedges, or you can cut the apples into halves or quarters, depending on your preference. Sprinkle a little sugar over the apples, and set them aside.

2. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is important for creating a flaky texture in the dough.

Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just begins to come together. You may need slightly more or less water depending on the humidity, so be sure to add it slowly and stop when the dough forms a ball.

Once the dough has come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times to bring it together into a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to handle when wrapping the apples.

3. Roll Out the Dough

After chilling the dough, divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then roll it out into a circle, about 6 inches in diameter, on a lightly floured surface. The dough should be thin enough to wrap around the apples but thick enough to hold its shape.

Place one apple in the center of each dough circle. Bring the edges of the dough up around the apple and pinch the seams together to seal it. If the dough tears, just patch it with your fingers. The goal is to completely encase the apple in dough.

4. Prepare the Syrup

While the dumplings are being assembled, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Let the syrup cook for about 5-7 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

Once the syrup is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside. You’ll pour this syrup over the dumplings before baking.

5. Bake the Dumplings

Place the dumplings in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Once all the dumplings are arranged in the dish, pour the warm syrup over them. The syrup should cover the dumplings about halfway.

Bake the dumplings in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. The syrup will bubble up and create a caramelized glaze over the dumplings as they bake.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of extra syrup. The sweetness of the syrup, the warm apples, and the flaky pastry make for a decadent and comforting dessert.

Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Dumplings

• Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, choose apples that hold their shape well when baked, such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. These apples provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Use Cold Butter and Water: When making the dough, be sure to use cold butter and cold water. This will help create a flaky, tender crust.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overworking the dough can lead to tough dumplings. Mix the dough just until it comes together, and handle it as little as possible.
• Add a Twist with Flavorings: Experiment with adding a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or allspice to the dough or syrup for a spiced twist on this classic recipe.
• Serve with Toppings: While the dumplings are delicious on their own, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream takes them to the next level.

Variations of Baked Apple Dumplings

• Cinnamon Sugar Topping: After placing the dumplings in the baking dish, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar over the top of each one before baking. This adds extra sweetness and flavor to the pastry.
• Caramel Sauce: For a richer, sweeter flavor, drizzle caramel sauce over the dumplings before serving. The caramel pairs perfectly with the apples and the buttery pastry.
• Nutty Dumplings: Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the center of each apple before wrapping it in dough. This adds a delightful crunch and flavor to the filling.
• Stuffed Dumplings: For a more decadent treat, stuff the apples with a mixture of raisins, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips before wrapping them in dough. This adds extra texture and sweetness.

Storage and Shelf Life

Baked Apple Dumplings are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them for up to 4 days.

To reheat, simply place the dumplings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for about 30-40 seconds, but they may not stay as crisp.

For longer storage, you can freeze the dumplings before baking. Wrap each dumpling in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Baked Apple Dumplings

Pair your Baked Apple Dumplings with complementary dishes to complete the meal:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect sidekick to warm, baked apple dumplings. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the hot dumplings.
• Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a creamy element that balances the sweetness of the dumplings.
• Caramelized Nuts: Pair your dumplings with caramelized nuts, such as pecans or almonds, for added texture and flavor.
• Hot Apple Cider: Serve these dumplings with a warm cup of spiced apple cider for a cozy fall experience.

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Conclusion

Baked Apple Dumplings are a delicious, comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday gatherings. The combination of tender apples, flaky pastry, and sweet syrup makes this treat irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and results in a dessert that will have everyone asking for more. Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.