old fashioned apple dumpling recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best old fashioned apple dumpling recipe

I’ve been making old fashioned apple dumplings for my family for years, and they always ask for seconds. This recipe comes from my grandmother, who learned it from her mother. It’s a traditional dish that’s been passed down through generations, and I’m so glad I can share it with you.

The best part about this recipe is the simplicity of the ingredients and the technique. It’s not fancy, but it’s comforting and satisfying. The apples are tender, the pastry is flaky, and the whole thing is just perfect for a chilly fall evening or a cozy winter night.

My kids love helping me make these dumplings, and they’re always excited to see the finished product. We like to serve them with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. My family has been enjoying this recipe for decades, and I’m sure you will too.

The aroma of these dumplings baking in the oven is just heavenly. It’s like stepping back in time to a simpler era when life was slower and more enjoyable. My grandma used to say that this recipe was a staple in her household, and it still holds true today.

The combination of the sweet apples and the savory pastry is just magic. We’ve made these dumplings for holidays, family gatherings, and even just for a Tuesday night dinner. They’re easy to make ahead of time and freeze beautifully, so we can enjoy them all year round.

Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings

Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings

4.6 from 515 votes

A classic comfort food featuring apples wrapped in a flaky dough and baked with a sweet cinnamon sauce. This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare and cook.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup shortening

For the Apple Filling

4 large apples (such as Golden Delicious or Jonagold)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Sauce

1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
3This ensures the dumplings do not stick to the dish during baking.
4To make the dough, combine flour, salt, and baking powder in a mixing bowl.
5Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6Add 6-8 tablespoons of cold water to the dough mixture, one tablespoon at a time, stirring gently until the dough comes together.
7The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
8On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
9Cut out 4 circles using a 6-inch round cutter or a plate.
10Gather and re-roll the scraps to cut out additional circles if needed.
11Peel, core, and slice the apples into 8 wedges each.
12Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
13Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the apple wedges, ensuring they are evenly coated.
14Place an apple wedge in the center of each dough circle.
15Fold the dough over the apple, pinching the edges to seal.
16Place the dumplings seam-side down in the greased baking dish.
17In a saucepan, combine sugar, cinnamon, butter, and water.
18Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
19Pour the hot sauce evenly over the dumplings in the baking dish.
20Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
21This indicates that the dumplings are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
22Remove the dumplings from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
23This allows the sauce to settle and makes it easier to serve.
24Serve the dumplings warm, with a spoonful of the cinnamon sauce over each one.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Saucepan
Rolling pin
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

These old fashioned apple dumplings are a staple in our household, and I’m sure they’ll become one in yours too. They’re perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday dinner or just a regular Tuesday night meal.

You can store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. When reheating frozen dumplings, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or bake them straight from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 10-15 minutes.

To reheat leftover dumplings that have been refrigerated, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings

Q: What type of apples should I use?

A: You can use any variety of apple you like, but firmer apples like Granny Smith or Golden Delicious work best because they hold their shape well when cooked.

Q: Can I make these dumplings in advance?

A: Yes, you can make the dough and filling ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator overnight or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q: Do I need to thaw frozen dumplings before baking?

A: No, you can bake frozen dumplings straight from the freezer without thawing them first.

Q: How do I know if my apples are done?

A: You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Q: Can I substitute butter with another fat?

A: Yes, you can use lard or vegetable shortening instead of butter if you prefer.

Q: What’s the secret to making flaky pastry?

A: The secret to making flaky pastry is to keep your ingredients cold and not overwork the dough – this will help you achieve that perfect layering effect that makes flaky pastry so delicious.

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