Description
This classic Apple Dumplings dessert recipe features tender, spiced apples wrapped in a flaky homemade dough, baked to golden perfection and then drenched in a sweet, buttery cinnamon syrup. It’s a comforting, nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for cooler evenings or any time you crave a warm, fruit-filled treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Apples and Filling:
- 6 medium apples
- 6 teaspoons unsalted butter
- 6 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus ½ cup for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup chilled solid shortening (such as Crisco)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Cinnamon Syrup:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and core each apple, then stuff each center with 1 teaspoon butter, 1 teaspoon sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Set aside.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour and salt. Cut in chilled shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. Remove dough onto a floured surface, knead gently, then roll out to approximately ¼ inch thickness. Cut dough into 6 large squares to wrap the apples.
- Wrap the Apples: Place each stuffed apple in the center of a dough square. Fold up corners and edges around the apple, sealing at the top. Place dumplings in a greased baking dish, with the seam side down.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: Beat together egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush the tops of the dumplings to give them a golden finish.
- Bake the Dumplings: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake dumplings uncovered for 35 minutes or until golden and apples are tender.
- Make the Cinnamon Syrup: While dumplings bake, combine sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until butter is melted and syrup slightly thickens.
- Pour Syrup: Remove baked dumplings from the oven and immediately pour warm cinnamon syrup over them. Let dumplings absorb syrup for several minutes before serving.
Notes
- For firmer apples, adjust baking time slightly shorter; softer apples benefit from full 35-minute bake.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balanced sweetness against the syrup.
- Syrup can be warmed and poured again before serving if needed to keep dumplings moist.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Dough can be chilled before rolling out to make it easier to handle.
