Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings: A Cozy Classic Recipe

Apple dumplings are a timeless dessert, evoking warmth and nostalgia with their comforting flavors and rustic charm. This recipe for old-fashioned apple dumplings captures the essence of this classic treat, delivering a delicious and satisfying experience that’s perfect for cool autumn evenings or any time you crave a taste of home. Get ready to bake a batch of pure deliciousness!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe stands out for several reasons:

* **Flaky Crust:** The homemade pastry is the foundation of a great apple dumpling. We’ll use cold butter and shortening to create a tender, flaky crust that complements the sweet apple filling.
* **Flavorful Filling:** The combination of apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of lemon zest creates a warm, spiced filling that’s perfectly balanced.
* **Rich Sauce:** The buttery, brown sugar sauce is what elevates these dumplings to the next level. It adds moisture, sweetness, and a caramel-like flavor that’s simply irresistible.
* **Old-Fashioned Charm:** This recipe uses traditional techniques to create a truly authentic apple dumpling experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for the dough, filling, and sauce:

**For the Pastry:**

* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* ⅓ cup cold shortening, cut into pieces
* ½ cup ice water, plus more if needed

**For the Apple Filling:**

* 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala), peeled, cored, and quartered
* ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 tablespoon lemon zest
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

**For the Sauce:**

* 2 cups water
* 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large mixing bowl
* Pastry blender or food processor
* Rolling pin
* Paring knife
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Small saucepan

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through each step of making these delicious apple dumplings:

**Step 1: Make the Pastry Dough**

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. **Cut in the Fat:** Add the cold butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter and shortening – this is what creates the flaky layers.
3. **Add Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Mix just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this will develop the gluten and make the dough tough.
4. **Form Discs:** Divide the dough in half. Gently flatten each half into a disc about 1 inch thick. Wrap each disc tightly 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.

**Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and quartered apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon zest. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.

**Step 3: Assemble the Apple Dumplings**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. **Roll Out Dough:** Remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 12×16 inches. Cut the dough into 6 equal squares.
3. **Fill the Dumplings:** Place an apple quarter in the center of each square of dough. Dot the apple with a few small pieces of butter.
4. **Fold and Seal:** Bring the corners of the dough up to the center and pinch them together to seal. You can also gently press the seams to ensure they are well-sealed. The goal is to create a pouch that encloses the apple.
5. **Repeat:** Repeat the process with the remaining dough and apple filling.
6. **Arrange in Baking Dish:** Place the assembled apple dumplings in the prepared baking dish.

**Step 4: Make the Sauce**

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

**Step 5: Bake the Apple Dumplings**

1. **Pour Sauce:** Carefully pour the sauce over the apple dumplings in the baking dish, making sure to distribute it evenly.
2. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the apples are tender. You can test the apples for doneness by inserting a paring knife into one of the dumplings; it should slide in easily.
3. **Rest:** Let the dumplings cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Success

* **Keep Ingredients Cold:** Using cold ingredients, especially butter and water, is crucial for creating a flaky crust. If your butter starts to soften while you’re working, put the dough back in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
* **Use a Variety of Apples:** Using a mix of tart and sweet apples will add complexity to the filling. Good choices include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, and Fuji.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** If you prefer a less sweet filling, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar.
* **Add Nuts or Raisins:** For extra flavor and texture, consider adding chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or raisins to the apple filling.
* **Serve Warm:** 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 Substitutions

* **Different Spices:** Experiment with different spices in the filling, such as cardamom, ginger, or allspice.
* **Maple Syrup:** Substitute maple syrup for some or all of the granulated sugar in the sauce for a richer flavor.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle the dumplings with caramel sauce instead of the brown sugar sauce.
* **Puff Pastry:** For a quicker option, use store-bought puff pastry instead of making your own dough. Simply cut the puff pastry into squares and proceed with the filling and assembly instructions.
* **Cranberries:** Add fresh or frozen cranberries to the apple filling for a festive twist.
* **Vegan Option:** Use vegan butter and shortening for the pastry dough, and substitute maple syrup for the butter in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A classic pairing! The cold, creamy ice cream complements the warm, spiced dumplings perfectly.
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for an even more decadent treat.
* **Cinnamon Stick:** Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a festive presentation.
* **Warm Milk:** Serve with a glass of warm milk for a comforting and cozy dessert.

Make-Ahead Instructions

* **Pastry Dough:** The pastry dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before using.
* **Apple Filling:** The apple filling can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that the apples may release some moisture as they sit.
* **Assembled Dumplings:** You can assemble the apple dumplings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours before baking. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Add the sauce just before baking.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover apple dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, you can freeze the baked apple 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. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per dumpling (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 20-25g
* Saturated Fat: 12-15g
* Cholesterol: 60-80mg
* Sodium: 200-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 60-70g
* Sugar: 40-50g
* Protein: 3-4g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use a different type of apple?**
Yes, you can use any type of apple that you like. Good choices include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, and Braeburn. A mix of tart and sweet apples will add complexity to the filling.
* **Can I make these dumplings without shortening?**
Yes, you can use all butter instead of butter and shortening. However, the shortening helps to create a more tender and flaky crust. If you are using all butter, make sure it is very cold.
* **Can I use store-bought pie crust?**
Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust for a quicker option. However, homemade pastry will always taste better.
* **My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?**
If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a longer period of time, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the sauce while it is simmering.
* **My dumplings are browning too quickly. What should I do?**
If your dumplings are browning too quickly, you can tent them with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
* **Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?**
Yes, you can add chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or raisins to the apple filling for extra flavor and texture.
* **Can I make these dumplings vegan?**
Yes, you can make these dumplings vegan by using vegan butter and shortening for the pastry dough, and substituting maple syrup for the butter in the sauce.

Conclusion

These old-fashioned apple dumplings are a truly special treat. The combination of flaky crust, warm spiced apple filling, and rich buttery sauce is simply irresistible. This recipe is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any time you want to bake something comforting and delicious. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of apple dumplings that will be a hit with everyone who tries them! Enjoy!