Description
These Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings are pure comfort in every bite! Tender baked apples are wrapped in a buttery, cinnamon-spiced pastry and baked in a sweet syrup until golden brown. This classic homemade dessert is perfect for fall, holidays, or any cozy occasion!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cold water (more if needed)
For the Filling:
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled and cored
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon butter (for dotting on top)
For the Baking Sauce:
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and core the apples, cutting each into halves or quarters, depending on their size.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until it forms pea-sized crumbs.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Add more water if needed until you have a soft dough.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a square or circle about 1/8-inch thick. Cut into 4 squares large enough to wrap around each apple piece.
- Assemble Dumplings: Place one apple half or quarter in the center of each dough square. Sprinkle the inside of each apple with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Wrap Apples: Fold the dough over the apples and pinch the edges to seal them.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the dumplings into the prepared baking dish. Dot the tops with small pieces of butter and sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Add Baking Sauce: Pour 1 cup of water around the dumplings in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Serve: Let the dumplings cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with optional vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Notes
- Best Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dumplings in advance and refrigerate them before baking.
- Serving Suggestion: Drizzle with caramel sauce or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Traditional
