Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings

A Classic Dessert Full of Comfort and Nostalgia

Old-fashioned apple dumplings are a timeless dessert that embodies the warmth of home baking. These delicious pastries feature whole apples wrapped in a buttery, flaky dough, then baked to perfection in a rich cinnamon-spiced syrup. The result is a tender, caramelized apple encased in golden pastry, with flavors reminiscent of apple pie—only more indulgent.

This recipe has been cherished for generations, often enjoyed during fall when apples are at their peak. Whether served on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, apple dumplings offer a delightful combination of crisp, tart apples, warm spices, and sweet syrup that make them an irresistible treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Fall – A great way to use fresh apples in a comforting, homey dessert.
• Easy Yet Impressive – Simple ingredients create a stunning dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
• Rich and Flavorful – The buttery pastry, cinnamon-spiced apples, and caramel-like syrup make for a well-balanced treat.
• Customizable – Different apple varieties and optional fillings allow for delicious variations.

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Ingredients

For the Pastry:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6 tablespoons cold water

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Jonagold work best)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Syrup:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add cold water, stirring until the dough comes together.
4. Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Apples

1. Peel and core each apple, keeping them whole.
2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Place an apple in the center of each rolled-out pastry square. Fill the core with a tablespoon of the sugar-spice mixture and top with a small pat of butter.

3. Assemble the Dumplings

1. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut into four equal squares.
2. Wrap each apple in a dough square, bringing the edges up and pinching them together at the top to seal.
3. Place the dumplings in a greased baking dish.

4. Make the Syrup

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Pour the syrup over the apple dumplings in the baking dish.

5. Bake the Dumplings

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake for 40-45 minutes, basting occasionally with the syrup, until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.
3. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

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Variations

• Pecan-Stuffed Dumplings – Add chopped pecans to the apple filling for extra crunch.
• Maple Syrup Glaze – Replace some of the sugar in the syrup with maple syrup for a richer flavor.
• Raisin or Cranberry Twist – Mix dried fruits into the apple filling for a tart contrast.
• Cheddar Crust – Add shredded sharp cheddar to the pastry for a sweet-savory combination.

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Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 dumplings
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

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Storage and Reheating

Storing

• Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to retain crispness.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, though the pastry may soften.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best apples for dumplings?

Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness, which balances the sweetness. Honeycrisp, Jonagold, or Braeburn also work well.

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of homemade pastry?

Yes! A premade pie crust will save time and still yield delicious results.

How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?

Ensure your apples are well-drained after peeling and coring. Also, don’t overfill the dumplings with butter or sugar.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dumplings and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

What can I serve with apple dumplings?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce make great pairings.

Can I freeze apple dumplings?

Yes, freeze them before baking. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

How do I make the dumplings extra flaky?

Use very cold butter and avoid overworking the dough.

Can I substitute margarine for butter?

Butter provides the best flavor, but margarine can be used if needed.

What’s the best way to core an apple without an apple corer?

Use a small paring knife to carefully cut around the core and scoop it out with a spoon.

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Conclusion

Old-fashioned apple dumplings are a nostalgic and comforting dessert that brings together the best flavors of fall. With their flaky crust, tender baked apples, and warm cinnamon-sugar syrup, they are an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day, these apple dumplings will quickly become a family favorite. Try them today and experience the simple joys of homemade baking!

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