Classic Apple Dumplings

5 from 2 votes

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 35

These homemade apple dumplings feature tender apples wrapped in a flaky dough and baked in a warm cinnamon-spiced sauce. A comforting dessert perfect for any occasion, especially when paired with vanilla ice cream.

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Servings

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg optional
2 tablespoons butter or margarine use butter for better flavor

For the Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup shortening recommended: Crisco
1/2 cup milk

For the Apples:

6 small McIntosh or Gala apples peeled and cored
1/4 cup butter cut into small chunks
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for sprinkling

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: Begin by preparing the sauce that will be poured over the apple dumplings. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the butter has melted. Bring it to a gentle boil, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Set aside to cool while preparing the other components.
Prepare the Dough: For the dough, measure out the shortening and place it in the freezer for a few minutes to ensure it is cold. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry blender or fork, cut the chilled shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the milk all at once and stir gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, as this will result in a tougher dough.
Prepare the Apples: Peel and core the apples, keeping them whole. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Cut the butter into small pieces and set aside.
Assemble the Dumplings: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough. You can either roll out one large sheet and cut it into six squares or divide the dough into six equal portions and roll each individually. Place one peeled and cored apple in the center of each square of dough. Fill the core of each apple with butter chunks, and generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over each apple. Ensure the entire apple is well coated.
Wrap the Apples: Carefully fold the dough up around the apples, fully enclosing them. Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal each dumpling completely, ensuring no filling can escape during baking. Place the wrapped apples into a greased 13x9-inch baking dish, leaving about an inch of space between each dumpling.
Pour the Sauce and Bake: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the apple dumplings in the baking dish. Lightly sprinkle the tops of each dumpling with a bit of sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Bake the dumplings in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Serve: Once baked, remove the dumplings from the oven and spoon some of the sauce from the baking dish over each dumpling. Serve warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream for an indulgent touch.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture. Ensure that the baking powder is gluten-free, and follow the recipe as instructed.

Nutrition

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