Amish Apple Dumpling Recipe
This Amish Apple Dumpling Recipe features whole apples wrapped in a tender homemade pastry and baked in a rich brown sugar sauce. The result is a warm, spiced dessert that is perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting treat any time of year.
6 Servings
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup shortening
- ½ cup milk
For the Apples:
- 6 medium baking apples peeled and cored; Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious are recommended
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Brown Sugar Syrup:
- 2 cups brown sugar packed
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Apples
- Peel and core six medium apples. To prevent browning, place them in a bowl of cold water while preparing the dough.
Prepare the Dough
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry blender or fork, cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add milk, stirring just until the dough forms a soft ball.
Roll Out the Dough & Wrap the Apples
- Divide the dough into six equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a ¼-inch thick square or circle.
- Place one prepared apple in the center of each rolled-out dough piece. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar and cinnamon. Fill the hollow center of each apple with this cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Carefully fold the dough around the apple, sealing the edges at the top. Transfer the wrapped apples into the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the Brown Sugar Syrup
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups brown sugar, water, butter, and nutmeg. Stir occasionally and heat until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts, approximately 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and carefully pour the warm syrup over the apple dumplings in the baking dish.
Bake the Dumplings
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
Serve & Enjoy
- Allow the dumplings to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Spoon some of the syrup over the dumplings for added sweetness. For best results, serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
To make this Amish Apple Dumpling Recipe gluten-free:
- Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.
- Ensure that baking powder is labeled gluten-free.
- Check that all other ingredients, such as spices and vanilla extract, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.