Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
50 mins
Rating
4.47 out of 5 stars
(66)
Ingredients
8 servings
- For the Pastry:
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (184g) vegetable shortening, chilled
- ⅓ cup (80ml) ice water
- For the Apples:
- 8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
- 8 teaspoons (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 8 teaspoons (3 tablespoons) granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- For the Sauce:
- 1½ cups (298g) light brown sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- ½ cup (113g) salted butter, cubed
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Preparation
Step 1
Make the Pastry Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the shortening until the mixture is crumbly. Gradually add the ice water, tossing the mixture with a fork, until the dough forms a cohesive mass. If the dough needs more water to come together, add it 1 teaspoon at a time. Divide the dough into eight equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
Step 3
Assemble the Apples: Roll each portion of dough on a lightly floured work surface into a 7-inch square. Place an apple in the center of each square. Place 1 teaspoon of butter and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar mixture in the center of each apple.
Step 4
Gently bring up the corners of the pastry to the center of each apple; pinch the edges to seal. Place the pastry-encased apples in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Step 5
Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water and butter over medium-high heat until it just begins to boil, stirring occasionally. Pour the sauce evenly over the apples.
Step 6
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until the apples are tender and the pastry is golden brown, basting occasionally with the sauce. These are best served warm immediately after baking.
Step 7
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Chef's notes
Pastry Crust Alternatives:
All-Butter pie crust / Flaky vodka pie crust / Crescent roll dough / Store-bought pie crust / Frozen puff pastry
Best Alternative Apple Varieties:
Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, Braeburn, Cortland
Apple Tools:
Peeler / Corer
Sauce Suggestions:
To amp up the flavor, replace the water in the sauce with apple cider or rum!
Prep Ahead:
The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Assembled apple dumplings can be kept covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking.
Freezing Instructions:
Freeze unbaked, assembled apple dumplings for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, remove 30 minutes before baking, and proceed with recipe.
Serving Suggestions:
Vanilla ice cream / Butter pecan ice cream / Homemade whipped cream
Storage:
Leftover apple dumplings can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the dumplings in a foil-covered pan at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. You can also microwave the leftover dumplings, but the crust will be soft.
Recipe adapted from Taste of Home
