Apple dumplings are a classic and comforting dessert featuring peeled and cored apples wrapped in pastry dough and baked in a sweet, spiced sauce until tender and golden brown. They offer a delightful combination of warm, soft apples, flaky crust, and a rich, syrupy sauce.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled and cored
- 2 (14.1 ounce) packages refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup water
- Optional: Milk or egg wash for brushing the crust
- Optional: Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Apples: Peel and core the apples. You can leave them whole or slice them into thicker wedges, depending on your preference and the size of your apples.
- Prepare Pie Crusts: Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Cut each pie crust into 3 or 4 squares, depending on the size you want your dumplings.
- Wrap the Apples: Place an apple (whole or sliced) in the center of each square of pie crust. Bring the corners of the dough up and over the apple, pinching the edges together to seal. You can leave a small opening at the top for steam to escape.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the wrapped apple dumplings in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish (or a similar-sized oven-safe dish).
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla extract, and water. Stir well to combine.
- Heat the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugars are dissolved.
- Pour Sauce Over Dumplings: Carefully pour the warm sauce evenly over the apple dumplings in the baking dish.
- Brush Crust (Optional): If desired, brush the tops of the dumplings with a little milk or egg wash for a more golden-brown finish. You can also sprinkle with chopped nuts at this point.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown and flaky. The sauce will be bubbly and slightly thickened.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the apple dumplings cool in the baking dish for a few minutes before serving. They are delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of cream, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips and Notes:
- Apple Variety: Choose apples that hold their shape well during baking, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith.
- Pastry Variations: You can also use homemade pie dough or even puff pastry for the wrapping.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a few more minutes on the stovetop before pouring it over the dumplings.
- Spice Adjustments: Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to your liking. You can also add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the apple dumplings ahead of time, cover the baking dish, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Storage: Leftover apple dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Enjoy these warm and comforting apple dumplings!