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Apple Dumplings

These apple dumplings offer a delightful balance of tender baked apples wrapped in a flaky pastry and drenched in a luscious brown sugar sauce. Perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples and fresh apples into a nostalgic treat that’s both charming and indulgent.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pastry
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅔ cup shortening
  • ½ cup milk
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ cup butter
Apple Filling
  • 6 medium apples peeled and cored

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Pastry cutter or your fingertips
  • Rolling Pin
  • Lightly floured surface
  • Casserole dish
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Peel and core the 6 medium apples and set them aside.
  2. For the pastry, sift together 2 cups of flour, 2½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut in ⅔ cup of shortening until the mixture resembles small peas.
  3. Sprinkle ½ cup of milk over the crumbly mixture and gently press it together just until it holds. Be careful not to over-mix to maintain a flaky texture.
  4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 6 equal squares. Place an apple in the center of each square and fold the pastry up and around the fruit, completely encasing it.
  5. Transfer the wrapped apples to a casserole dish, ensuring they are not touching each other.
  6. For the sauce, combine 2 cups brown sugar, 2 cups water, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg in a saucepan. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from the heat and stir in ¼ cup of butter until melted and glossy.
  7. Pour the aromatic sauce over the dumplings. During baking, brush the pastry with some of the sauce from the bottom of the dish twice to create a beautiful glaze and ensure moisture.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the pastry turns golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the dumplings cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

This recipe is perfect for a comforting dessert or a special treat during gatherings. Its forgiving nature means you can tweak the spices or add a handful of raisins or a caramel square for extra indulgence. Use apples that hold their shape when baked and handle the dough gently to preserve its flaky texture. The combination of warm spices and the luscious sauce creates a nostalgic flavor experience.