Introduction
Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings are a nostalgic dessert that brings back the warmth of home baking. This classic treat features whole apples wrapped in flaky pastry, baked until golden, and drenched in a sweet cinnamon-sugar syrup. With their rustic charm and cozy aroma, apple dumplings are perfect for family gatherings, fall holidays, or any time you want a comforting dessert straight from the oven. They are best served warm, often with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 cup (225 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
6–8 tbsp ice water
For the Apples:
6 medium baking apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled and cored
6 tbsp brown sugar
6 tsp unsalted butter
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Syrup:
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups water
2 tbsp unsalted butter
½ tsp ground cinnamon
For Assembly:
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Make the pastry:
In a bowl, combine flour and salt.
Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water until dough holds together.
Divide into 6 portions, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
Prepare the apples:
Peel and core apples, leaving them whole.
Place each apple on a portion of rolled pastry.
Fill the center of each apple with 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp butter, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Wrap the dumplings:
Fold pastry up and around each apple, pinching to seal at the top.
Place dumplings in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the syrup:
In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, butter, and cinnamon.
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
Pour hot syrup over dumplings in the dish.
Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush pastry tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, basting occasionally with syrup, until apples are tender and pastry is golden brown.
Description
Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings are a perfect blend of tender baked apples, buttery pastry, and a rich cinnamon-sugar syrup. The apples soften beautifully inside their pastry shells, while the syrup creates a sweet glaze that seeps into every layer. The result is a rustic, comforting dessert that tastes like autumn in every bite.
Tips and Variations
Apples: Choose firm apples that hold their shape (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn).
Pastry shortcut: Store-bought pie crust can save time if you don’t want to make homemade pastry.
Sauce boost: Add a splash of vanilla extract or apple cider to the syrup for extra depth.
Nuts & raisins: Stuff apples with chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins along with the sugar for added texture.
Serving idea: Top warm dumplings with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or whipped cream.
Correction
Some modern recipes simply bake apples with sugar, but traditional apple dumplings must be wrapped in pastry and baked in syrup. Skipping the syrup makes them dry and less authentic.
Enjoy
Serve Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings warm and gooey, straight from the oven, with plenty of syrup spooned over the top. They make a heartwarming dessert that will delight both family and guests, especially when paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.