Irresistible Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe

Old-fashioned apple dumplings are like a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture this: tender apples wrapped in flaky pastry, bubbling with sweet cinnamon and sugar goodness. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, calling everyone to gather around the table like moths to a flame. This classic dessert is not just a treat; it’s an experience that wraps you in nostalgia and comfort.

Every bite of these dumplings transports me back to my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, where we spent countless afternoons rolling dough and laughing until we cried. Whether it’s a crisp autumn evening or a family gathering, old-fashioned apple dumplings make everything feel special. Get ready to indulge in this delightful recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm your heart with every bite.

Ingredients for old-fashioned apple dumplings

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

• Apples: Select firm, tart apples such as Granny Smith for the best contrast against the sweetness of the dough.
• Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe quick and easy without sacrificing flavor.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice. Feel free to adjust based on your preference for sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for a rich caramel flavor that complements the apples perfectly.
• Butter: A couple of tablespoons of butter add richness and help create that golden crust.
• Nutmeg (optional): A pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor profile beautifully but can be omitted if you prefer.

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 it warms up and fills your kitchen with anticipation, lay out your puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Core and peel your apples. You want them naked and ready for action! Cut each apple into quarters, then sprinkle them generously with cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg if you’re using it.

Step 3: Wrap Those Apples

Take each apple quarter and place it at the center of one puff pastry sheet. Fold the corners over the top like wrapping a gift from Santa—because who doesn’t love surprises?

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Place these delightful bundles seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them with melted butter—this is where they get their golden glow! Bake for about 30-35 minutes until they’re puffed up and gloriously golden.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

While those dumplings are baking like little angels in heaven, combine equal parts water and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until dissolved; this will give you a sweet glaze to drizzle over your masterpiece.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Once out of the oven, allow them to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with your warm sauce—and if you’re feeling extra fancy, top with vanilla ice cream!

Transfer to plates and enjoy every gooey bite while basking in compliments from family or friends—because nothing says love quite like sharing food made from scratch!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven and preparing the dough. Core and slice the apples while the dough chills in the fridge. Wrap each apple slice in dough and arrange them in a baking dish before pouring syrup over them. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.

Add Your Touch

Try swapping out regular sugar for brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the syrup for an aromatic twist. You can even incorporate nuts or raisins inside the apple for extra texture and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, allowing that delightful aroma to fill your kitchen once again.

I once whipped up these old-fashioned apple dumplings for a family gathering, thinking I’d impress everyone with my culinary skills. Little did I know, they were gone within minutes, with my cousin declaring them “better than therapy!”

FAQs:

What are old-fashioned apple dumplings?

Old-fashioned apple dumplings are delightful pastries filled with whole apples, sugar, and spices, wrapped in dough. This traditional dessert hails from American cuisine and is especially popular during apple harvest season. The dumplings are often baked until golden brown and served warm, typically with a drizzle of syrup or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They perfectly combine the flavors of tender apples and buttery pastry, making them a cherished comfort food.

How do you serve old-fashioned apple dumplings?

You can serve old-fashioned apple dumplings warm or at room temperature. Many people enjoy them with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. A classic accompaniment is vanilla ice cream, which melts into the warm dumpling, creating a delicious contrast in temperature and flavor. You might also consider serving them with whipped cream or a dollop of crème fraîche to enhance the dessert experience.

Can I make old-fashioned apple dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare old-fashioned apple dumplings ahead of time. You can assemble the dumplings and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. If you prefer to freeze them, wrap each dumpling tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking as directed. This makes it easier to enjoy this delightful treat whenever you crave it.

What types of apples are best for old-fashioned apple dumplings?

The best apples for old-fashioned apple dumplings are firm varieties that hold their shape during baking. Good choices include Granny Smith for their tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or Fuji apples for balance. These varieties provide a nice contrast between the sweet filling and the flaky pastry. Avoid using overly soft apples like McIntosh, as they may turn mushy when baked and won’t give you that perfect texture you desire in your delicious dumplings.

Conclusion for old-fashioned apple dumplings:

In summary, old-fashioned apple dumplings are a nostalgic dessert that captures the essence of fall with their sweet and spiced apple filling enveloped in tender pastry. They are versatile enough to be served warm with ice cream or drizzled with caramel sauce, making them an ideal treat for gatherings or family dinners. By preparing these delightful treats ahead of time or choosing the right apples, you can enjoy their comforting flavors whenever you wish. Indulging in this classic recipe brings warmth and joy to any occasion.

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Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings

• Author: Camiliya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the warmth of old-fashioned apple dumplings, featuring tender apples enveloped in flaky pastry, bursting with sweet cinnamon flavors. This classic dessert is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 medium Granny Smith apples
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 package store-bought puff pastry (2 sheets)
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Core and peel the apples, then cut each into quarters.
3. Sprinkle the apple quarters with cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg if using.
4. Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface.
5. Place each apple quarter in the center of a pastry sheet and fold corners over to wrap them completely.
6. Place wrapped dumplings seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Brush each dumpling with melted butter.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and puffed up.
9. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water and brown sugar; stir until dissolved.
10. Once dumplings are baked, drizzle with warm sauce before serving.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 dumpling (150g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: - Experiment with different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for varied sweetness. - For added texture, consider stuffing apples with chopped nuts or raisins before wrapping. - Serve warm for the best flavor; they can also be reheated easily.