Irresistible Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe

The aroma of cinnamon wafts through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of baked apples, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s hard to resist. Old-fashioned apple dumplings are more than just a dessert; they are a warm hug for your taste buds, enveloping tender apples in flaky pastry and drenching them in a buttery sauce that leaves you dreaming of orchards in full bloom.

Picture this: a chilly autumn evening, the leaves falling like confetti. You gather around the kitchen with family, laughter echoing as you peel and slice apples. This recipe holds memories of family gatherings and cozy nights spent savoring each delicious bite. These delightful dumplings are perfect for holidays or a simple weeknight treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for old-fashioned apple dumplings

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Granny Smith Apples: Opt for firm Granny Smith apples; their tartness balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Puff Pastry Sheets: Use store-bought puff pastry for ease; it provides that flaky texture without the fuss.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth and richness to the syrupy goodness that bathes the dumplings.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for warming spices that evoke feelings of home and comfort.
• Butter: A generous amount of butter creates a luscious sauce that enhances every bite of your dumpling.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile, making your dumplings truly unforgettable.

For the Sauce:

• Water: Use water to help create a syrupy consistency when combined with sugar and butter.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make old-fashioned apple dumplings

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare your ingredients. This ensures those dumplings bake evenly and puff up beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and slice your Granny Smith apples into eighths. The tartness will shine through as they bake—trust me; your taste buds will thank you later.

Step 3: Roll Out Puff Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into squares large enough to wrap around each apple slice comfortably.

Step 4: Assemble the Dumplings

Place an apple slice in the center of each pastry square. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon before folding up the corners over the apple slice to seal it tightly.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter before adding brown sugar, water, and cinnamon. Stir until combined and bubbly—your kitchen will smell divine!

Step 6: Bake

Place your assembled dumplings in a baking dish and pour the warm sauce over them. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and puffy.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Now you’re ready to serve these delightful old-fashioned apple dumplings! Whether it’s during cozy family gatherings or festive celebrations, each bite brings back cherished memories while creating new ones at your table. Enjoy every delicious moment!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with old-fashioned apple dumplings, start by preheating your oven. Next, peel and core the apples while preparing the dough. Once your apples are ready, wrap them in the dough and bake until golden brown.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your old-fashioned apple dumplings by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. You can also swap out the apples for pears or peaches if you’re feeling adventurous. Drizzle caramel sauce on top for that extra sweet touch!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover old-fashioned apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through—about 15 minutes should do the trick.

I remember making old-fashioned apple dumplings with my grandmother every fall, filling the house with laughter and sweet aromas. Those moments taught me that food is more than just sustenance; it’s about creating cherished memories.

FAQs:

What are old-fashioned apple dumplings?

Old-fashioned apple dumplings are a classic dessert that features whole apples wrapped in a flaky pastry dough. The apples are typically cored and filled with sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes nuts or raisins before being baked until tender. This delightful treat is often served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The combination of warm, spiced apples and buttery pastry creates an irresistible dessert that evokes nostalgia for many.

How do I make the pastry for old-fashioned apple dumplings?

To make the pastry for old-fashioned apple dumplings, you will need flour, butter, salt, and water. Start by combining the flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water until the dough forms. Roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness, then cut into squares large enough to wrap around the apples. Chilling the dough can help achieve a flakier texture.

Can I use other fruits for old-fashioned dumplings?

While traditional old-fashioned apple dumplings use apples, you can certainly experiment with other fruits. Pears and peaches work well due to their similar textures and flavors. Simply adjust the cooking time based on the fruit you choose since some may require more or less time to become tender when baked. These variations can add exciting new tastes while maintaining the essence of this delightful dessert.

How should I store leftover old-fashioned apple dumplings?

To store leftover old-fashioned apple dumplings, first let them cool completely at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. You can refrigerate them for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage. If freezing, wrap each dumpling tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat them in an oven or microwave before serving for best results.

Conclusion for old-fashioned apple dumplings:

Old-fashioned apple dumplings offer a delightful and nostalgic dessert experience with their tender apples and flaky pastry crust. Making them is simple and allows for creativity with various fillings or fruit choices. Whether enjoyed warm with ice cream or simply on their own, these dumplings evoke warmth and comfort. Remember to store leftovers properly to savor this delicious treat for days to come!

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Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Warm and comforting, these old-fashioned apple dumplings feature tender apples wrapped in flaky pastry and drizzled with a luscious buttery sauce—perfect for cozy gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
• 1 package (17.3 oz) puff pastry sheets, thawed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup water

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel, core, and slice each Granny Smith apple into eighths.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets and cut them into squares large enough to wrap around each apple slice.
4. Place an apple slice in the center of each pastry square. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon before folding up the corners over the apple slice to seal tightly.
5. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, water, and cinnamon, stirring until combined and bubbly.
6. Place your assembled dumplings in a baking dish and pour the warm sauce over them. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and puffy.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 dumpling (approx. 150g)
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or swapping apples for pears or peaches. Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.