Traditional Apple Dumplings

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Traditional Apple Dumplings are a comforting classic, perfect for when the air gets crisp and apples are at their peak. This recipe brings together warm spices and tender apples wrapped in a flaky pastry, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients for Traditional Apple Dumplings

Granny Smith apples are chosen for their tartness, which balances perfectly with the sweet filling and sauce. All-purpose flour forms the base of our pastry, offering a sturdy yet tender crust. The unsalted butter ensures the pastry is rich and flaky, while granulated sugar and brown sugar add sweetness and depth to the filling. A touch of cinnamon and nutmeg provides warmth and spice. Lemon juice enhances the apple flavor and keeps it fresh.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut in the butter for better control over the texture.
  • If you notice your dumplings browning too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning while they finish cooking.
  • Chill the dough for a few minutes if it becomes too sticky to handle.

Serving Suggestions

These apple dumplings are delightful when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair wonderfully with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, though Granny Smith apples provide the best balance of tartness and sweetness, you can experiment with other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn.
What if I don't have nutmeg?
You can omit it or substitute with a pinch more cinnamon for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.

Traditional Apple Dumplings Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, peel and core the apples, then cut each into quarters. This way, they're ready to go when your pastry is rolled out.

Next, in a bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Cut in the butter until your mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for getting that flaky texture in your pastry. Stir in the cold water until the dough comes together. It should feel supple but not sticky.

Roll out the dough on a floured surface, aiming for a thickness that’s not too thin or it may tear. Cut it into eight squares to fit around each apple quarter. Place an apple quarter in the center of each square.

Mix your granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg together, then sprinkle generously over the apples. Fold the corners of the dough snugly over the apples and pinch the edges to seal them shut. This helps hold in all the lovely juices as they bake.

Arrange your dumplings in a baking dish. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of sugar, and lemon juice. Bring this to a boil, then pour it over the dumplings in the dish. The syrup will thicken and caramelize as it bakes, adding a glossy finish to your dumplings.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors thanks to Granny Smith apples.
  • Flaky homemade pastry that offers a delightful texture contrast.
  • Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that scream fall comfort.
  • Simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.

Ingredients

2 large Granny Smith apples
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cold water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel and core the apples, then cut them into quarters.
3. In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the 1/4 cup of cold water, mixing until the dough comes together.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into eight squares.
6. Place an apple quarter in the center of each square.
7. Mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then sprinkle over the apples.
8. Fold the corners of the dough over the apples and pinch edges to seal.
9. Place the dumplings in a baking dish.
10. In a saucepan, combine the 1 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and pour over the dumplings.
11. Bake the dumplings in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.

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