Old Fashioned Amish Apple Dumplings: A Step-by-Step Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. Amish Apple Dumplings, with their flaky pastry and tender, spiced apple filling, are the epitome of that comforting feeling. This recipe takes you back to simpler times, offering a taste of traditional Amish baking. These dumplings are surprisingly easy to make, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a warm, inviting spice that makes them ideal for a cozy fall evening or a special holiday treat.

Why Amish Apple Dumplings?

Amish cuisine is known for its simplicity, hearty ingredients, and delicious flavors. Amish apple dumplings reflect these qualities perfectly. They are made with readily available ingredients, using techniques passed down through generations. Unlike some modern desserts loaded with artificial flavors and excessive sugar, Amish apple dumplings rely on the natural sweetness of apples and the warmth of spices to create a truly memorable treat.

The Secret to Perfect Amish Apple Dumplings

While the recipe is straightforward, there are a few key elements to achieving perfect Amish apple dumplings:

• The Apples: Choose apples that hold their shape well during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. A mix of tart and sweet varieties can also add complexity to the flavor.
• The Dough: A flaky, tender pastry is essential. Use cold butter or shortening and handle the dough as little as possible to prevent gluten development.
• The Sauce: The sauce is what truly elevates these dumplings. A rich, buttery caramel sauce complements the apple filling beautifully. Experiment with adding different spices like nutmeg or cloves to customize the flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and halved
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Pastry blender or food processor
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Saucepan

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The smaller the butter pieces remain, the flakier the crust will be. You can also use a food processor for this step, pulsing until the mixture reaches the desired consistency.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this will develop the gluten and make the dough tough.
4. Form the Dough: Gently form the dough into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to roll out.

Preparing the Filling:

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and halve each apple.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Fill the Apples: Sprinkle each apple half with the sugar and spice mixture. Top each apple half with a few small pieces of butter.

Assembling the Dumplings:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
3. Cut the Dough: Cut the dough into 6 squares, large enough to wrap around each apple half.
4. Wrap the Apples: Place an apple half in the center of each dough square. Bring the corners of the dough up and over the apple, pinching the edges together to seal. You can use a little water to help seal the dough if needed.
5. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the wrapped apple dumplings in a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Making the Sauce:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the butter, water, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
2. Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
3. Simmer: Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens.

Baking the Dumplings:

1. Pour the Sauce: Pour the sauce over the apple dumplings in the baking dish. The sauce should come about halfway up the sides of the dumplings.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the apples are tender. You may need to cover the dumplings with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent them from browning too quickly.
3. Cool Slightly: Let the dumplings cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Success

• Keep Ingredients Cold: Using cold butter and ice water is crucial for a flaky crust. The cold ingredients prevent the butter from melting into the flour, creating layers of fat that separate during baking.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough develops the gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
• Use the Right Apples: Choose apples that hold their shape well during baking. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn are all good choices.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and sauce.
• Add Variations: Get creative with the spices and add-ins. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the filling and sauce, or mix in some chopped nuts or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Make sure you preheat your oven properly. Place the baking dish on the middle rack to allow for even heat distribution. This will help ensure the bottom crust of your dumplings cooks properly and doesn’t become soggy.
• Check for Doneness: The baking time can vary depending on your oven. To check if the dumplings are done, insert a toothpick into the apples. If it goes in easily, the apples are tender and the dumplings are ready. The crust should also be golden brown and flaky.
• Resting Period: Allow the dumplings to rest for about 10-15 minutes after removing them from the oven. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together. It also makes it easier to serve the dumplings without them falling apart.
• Serve Warm: Amish apple dumplings are best served warm, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Variations and Add-ins

While the classic Amish apple dumpling recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking:

• Spice Variations: Experiment with different spices to create unique flavor profiles. Try adding a pinch of cardamom, ginger, or allspice to the filling and sauce.
• Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the filling for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Dried Fruit: Mix in some dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots for added sweetness and chewiness.
• Citrus Zest: Grate some lemon or orange zest into the filling for a bright and refreshing flavor.
• Caramel Sauce Upgrade: Take your caramel sauce to the next level by adding a tablespoon of bourbon or rum.
• Maple Syrup: Substitute some of the granulated sugar in the sauce with maple syrup for a richer, more complex flavor.
• Apple Variety: Try using different types of apples to create unique flavor combinations. For example, use a mix of Granny Smith and Gala apples for a balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Cheese Pairing: Serve the warm apple dumplings with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a sweet and savory combination.

Serving Suggestions

Amish apple dumplings are a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Warm and Cozy: Serve them warm on a chilly evening with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
• Holiday Treat: Add them to your holiday dessert spread for a comforting and traditional treat.
• Special Occasion: Make them for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion that calls for a delicious and homemade dessert.
• Breakfast or Brunch: Enjoy them for breakfast or brunch with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of granola.
• With Ice Cream: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel swirl ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• With Whipped Cream: Top them with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a light and airy finish.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the dumplings for an extra touch of sweetness and indulgence.
• Dusting of Cinnamon: Sprinkle a little cinnamon over the dumplings for a warm and inviting aroma.

Storage Instructions

If you have any leftover Amish apple dumplings, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but be careful not to overheat them, as this can make the crust soggy.

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked dumplings. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then warm them in the oven as described above.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

• Calories: 400-500 per dumpling
• Fat: 20-25g
• Saturated Fat: 12-15g
• Cholesterol: 60-80mg
• Sodium: 150-200mg
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 30-40g
• Protein: 3-4g

Conclusion

Amish apple dumplings are a timeless classic that is sure to please everyone who tries them. With their flaky pastry, tender apple filling, and rich caramel sauce, they are the perfect comfort food for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps in this recipe, and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade Amish apple dumplings!

This recipe is a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Add your favorite spices, nuts, or dried fruits to create a unique flavor profile that reflects your personal taste. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create the perfect Amish apple dumplings that will impress your family and friends.

Enjoy the process of baking these delightful treats and savor the warm, comforting flavors of apples and cinnamon. Amish apple dumplings are more than just a dessert; they are a taste of tradition, a symbol of hospitality, and a celebration of simple pleasures.