Description of this recipe: This recipe brings back the nostalgic flavors of a classic dessert. Each apple is lovingly wrapped in a flaky, homemade pastry, filled with a warm spiced sugar mixture, and baked to golden perfection in a rich, buttery syrup. Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy fall evening or a special family gathering.
Why you will love this recipe: These apple dumplings are not only incredibly delicious, but they also offer a rewarding baking experience. The homemade pastry is surprisingly easy to make, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is simply irresistible. The combination of tender apples, flaky crust, and luscious syrup creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Plus, this recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to adjust the spices and sweetness to your personal preference.
Introduction
Apple dumplings are a timeless dessert that evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and home-baked goodness. They represent a simpler time, when families gathered around the table to enjoy a sweet treat made with love. This recipe for Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings captures the essence of this classic dessert, using simple ingredients and techniques to create a truly unforgettable experience.
The key to perfect apple dumplings lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The tartness of the Granny Smith apples is complemented by the sweetness of the sugar and the warmth of the spices. The flaky, buttery pastry provides a delightful contrast to the tender, juicy apples. And the rich, caramel-like syrup ties everything together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you craving more.
While making apple dumplings from scratch may seem daunting, this recipe breaks down the process into manageable steps, making it accessible for both beginner and experienced bakers. From preparing the homemade pastry to crafting the spiced sugar filling and simmering the decadent syrup, each step is designed to ensure a delicious and satisfying outcome. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you back to the good old days.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the flaky crust.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
- 2/3 cup shortening or unsalted butter, chilled and cut into pieces: Creates layers of fat in the dough, resulting in a tender and flaky texture. Using cold fat is crucial to prevent it from melting and blending with the flour, which would result in a tough crust.
- 6 to 7 tablespoons ice water: Hydrates the flour and brings the dough together. The water must be ice cold to prevent the fat from melting.
For the Apples:
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored: Granny Smith apples are ideal for baking because they hold their shape well and have a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the syrup.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided into 6 portions: Adds richness and flavor to the apple filling. The butter melts during baking, creating a moist and tender apple interior.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple filling and helps to create a caramelized flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides warmth and spice to the apple filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon and apples.
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Creates the base for the sweet and luscious syrup.
- 2 cups water: Thins the syrup and allows the flavors to meld together.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the syrup, creating a smooth and velvety texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Enhances the warmth and spice of the syrup.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty flavor to the syrup.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the syrup, adding a touch of sweetness and aroma.
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the chilled shortening or butter and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The size of the crumbs is important; they should be about the size of peas. This ensures that the fat remains separate from the flour, creating layers of flakiness in the baked crust.
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly after each addition. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this will develop the gluten and result in a tough crust. The dough should just come together and form a shaggy mass.
Step 2: Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough into six equal portions. Shape each portion into a flat disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, which makes it easier to roll out and prevents it from shrinking during baking. It also allows the fat to firm up, further enhancing the flakiness of the crust. Ideally, you can chill the dough for even longer, up to a few hours, for the best results.
Step 3: Prepare the Apples:
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will prevent the dumplings from sticking to the dish during baking.
Peel and core each of the Granny Smith apples. You can use an apple corer for a quick and easy way to remove the core.
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This spiced sugar mixture will be used to fill the center of each apple, adding sweetness and warmth to the filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Dumplings:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough disk into a square large enough to encase an apple. The dough should be about 1/8 inch thick.
Place a peeled and cored apple in the center of each dough square. Fill the core cavity with the spiced sugar mixture, pressing it gently to pack it in. Top the sugar filling with a small pat of butter. The butter will melt during baking, creating a moist and flavorful apple interior.
Fold the dough over the apple to completely encase it, pinching the edges together to seal them tightly. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch. Place the assembled dumplings in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 5: Prepare the Syrup and Bake:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the syrup evenly over the dumplings in the baking dish. The syrup should come about halfway up the sides of the dumplings.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the pastry is golden brown. During baking, baste the dumplings occasionally with the syrup from the bottom of the dish. This will help to keep the pastry moist and prevent it from drying out.
Step 6: Serve:
Let the dumplings cool slightly before serving. This allows the syrup to thicken and the apples to cool down enough to handle.
Spoon the warm syrup over each dumpling before serving. Serve the Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
COOKING Rating:
- Difficulty: Medium
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.
- Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence.
- Pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Tips:
- Use cold butter and ice water to ensure a flaky crust.
- Don’t overmix the dough, or it will be tough.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and ability to hold their shape.
- Baste the dumplings with syrup during baking to keep them moist.
Prep Time:
- 35 minutes
Cook Time:
- 50-60 minutes
Total Time:
- 1 hour 25 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per dumpling
- Protein: Approximately 4-6 grams per dumpling
- Sodium: Approximately 150-250 mg per dumpling
Conclusion
Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings are a delightful dessert that is sure to please everyone. The combination of flaky pastry, tender apples, and rich syrup creates a truly unforgettable flavor experience. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a cozy night in, these dumplings are guaranteed to bring warmth and happiness to your home. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices or add-ins to customize the recipe to your liking. The possibilities are endless! So, go ahead and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
A: While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and ability to hold their shape during baking, you can certainly experiment with other varieties. Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples would also work well. Just be sure to choose apples that are firm and not too soft, so they don’t turn to mush during baking.
Q2: Can I make the pastry ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, making the pastry ahead of time is a great way to save time on the day you plan to bake the dumplings. The pastry dough can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage, up to a month. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before rolling it out.
Q3: What if my syrup is too thin after baking?
A: If the syrup is too thin after baking, you can thicken it by transferring it to a saucepan and simmering it over medium heat for a few minutes, until it reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to overcook it, or it may become too thick and syrupy.
Q4: Can I add nuts or other toppings to the apple dumplings?
A: Of course! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite toppings to the apple dumplings. Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch, and a sprinkle of shredded coconut or a drizzle of caramel sauce would add extra flavor and sweetness.
Q5: How do I store leftover apple dumplings?
A: Leftover apple dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through. They are best enjoyed warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
