Who can resist the comforting aroma of freshly baked apple dumplings? With their tender pastry and warm, cinnamon-infused apple filling, these delectable treats are a quintessential dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving a cozy dessert, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating irresistibly delicious apple dumplings right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade if preferred)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Prepare the Apples:
Peel and core the apples, then cut each apple into quarters. You should have 24 apple quarters in total.
Roll Out the Pie Crusts:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crusts into rectangles. Cut each pie crust into six squares, so you have a total of 12 squares.
Prepare the Apple Dumplings:
Place an apple quarter on each square of pie crust. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of sugar with the cinnamon and nutmeg. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the apples.
Fold and Seal:
Fold the corners of the pie crust squares over the apples, creating a sealed packet. Place the apple dumplings seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, butter, water, and vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
Pour Sauce Over Dumplings:
Once the sauce is ready, pour it evenly over the apple dumplings in the baking dish.
Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the apple dumplings are golden brown and bubbling.
Serve:
Remove the apple dumplings from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for Success:
- Choose firm apples that will hold their shape during baking.
- Make sure to seal the pie crust tightly around the apples to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve the apple dumplings warm for the best flavor and texture.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with this irresistible apple dumplings recipe.
With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy homemade goodness anytime.
Whether you’re serving them for dessert or a special occasion, these delicious apple dumplings are sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart.