Apple dumplings are a classic dessert that combines warm, spiced apples with a flaky pastry crust, all baked to perfection in a sweet cinnamon syrup. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday treat, this recipe is simple yet indulgent. The rich combination of buttery crust, tender apples, and aromatic spices will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade, if preferred)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup milk
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and core the apples, cutting them into halves or quarters depending on the size of your pie crust.
- Wrap the Apples:
- Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Cut the crust into sections large enough to wrap around the apple pieces.
- Place each apple piece on a section of dough, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon and sugar over it, then wrap the dough around the apple, sealing the edges.
- Prepare the Syrup:
- In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, water, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Place the wrapped apples seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the warm syrup evenly over the dumplings.
- Brush the tops of the dumplings with milk for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Serve:
- Let the dumplings cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm, optionally paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Calories:
Each dumpling contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size of the apples and the amount of syrup used.
Healthy or Non-Healthy:
This recipe leans toward the indulgent side due to the sugar, butter, and pastry content, making it a non-healthy treat. However, you can make healthier modifications by reducing the sugar, using whole-grain or gluten-free pastry, and opting for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or tweak it for a lighter version, these apple dumplings will surely delight your taste buds!