Description
These Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings feature tender Granny Smith apples wrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry and baked in a sweet cinnamon-spiced syrup. A nostalgic dessert perfect for cozy gatherings, combining warm spices and fresh apples for a deliciously comforting treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup shortening or unsalted butter, chilled and cut into pieces
- 6 to 7 tablespoons ice water
Apple Filling
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided into 6 portions
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled shortening or unsalted butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough forms a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and core the Granny Smith apples. In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stuff each apple with a portion of this sugar-spice mixture and a half tablespoon of butter. Set aside.
- Assemble the Dumplings: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle. Cut into 6 equal squares. Place each stuffed apple in the center of each square. Fold the pastry around the apple, sealing the edges and tucking the excess dough under the apple. Place the dumplings seam side down in a greased baking dish.
- Make the Syrup and Bake: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, 2 cups water, 1/4 cup butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil, then pour the hot syrup evenly over the dumplings in the baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 60 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the syrup thickens.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow dumplings to cool slightly. Serve warm with syrup spooned over the top, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for their tart flavor and firmness, which holds up well in baking.
- Chilling the dough before rolling ensures a flaky pastry crust.
- The syrup can be strained if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Leftover dumplings can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
- For a richer taste, use unsalted butter instead of shortening in the pastry.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
