Classic Apple Dumplings

Ingredients

Choose 6 medium-sized baking apples, with Honeycrisp or Granny Smith as recommended varieties.

Pie dough enough for a 9-inch double-crust pie, which can be either homemade or store-bought.

For the Filling:

Cut 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter into 6 equal pieces.

Measure out 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar.

Have 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice mix ready.

For the Sauce:

Prepare 1 cup of unfiltered apple juice or cider.

Get ¾ cup of light brown sugar, making sure it’s lightly packed.

You’ll need ¼ cup of unsalted butter.

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish well and set it aside.

Peel and core the apples. To prevent them from turning brown while you prepare the dough, keep them submerged in cold water with a splash of lemon juice.

If using homemade pie dough, roll it out into a large rectangle, about 21×14 inches. Cut this into 6 squares, each about 7×7 inches. If using store-bought dough, simply unroll and divide it into 6 equal pieces.

Mix the granulated sugar and apple pie spice in a bowl until combined.

Place an apple on each square of dough. Put a piece of butter and a tablespoon of the sugar-spice mix into the core of each apple. Wrap the dough around the apple, sealing the edges tightly. Place each wrapped apple in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with all apples and dough.

In a saucepan, combine the sauce ingredients. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it boils and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and pour the sauce over the apples. Sprinkle any leftover sugar-spice mix on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden. Let cool slightly before serving warm, with extra sauce drizzled on top.

Nutrition Information:

(per serving, assuming 1 serving = 1 apple dumpling with sauce):

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of apples besides Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for this recipe?

While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are recommended for their firm texture and tart flavor, you can use other baking apples such as Braeburn, Jonathan, or Fuji.

Avoid using apples that are too soft, as they may turn mushy during baking.

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Can I make my own apple pie spice mix if I don’t have it on hand?

Yes, you can make your own apple pie spice mix by combining ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in equal parts.

Adjust the proportions to your taste preferences.

Is it necessary to peel the apples before making apple dumplings?

Yes, it’s recommended to peel the apples before making apple dumplings to ensure a smoother texture and uniform appearance.

However, if you prefer a more rustic look and don’t mind the texture of the apple skins, you can leave them on.

Can I use pre-made dough instead of making my own for this recipe?

Yes, you can use either homemade or store-bought pie dough for this recipe.

If using store-bought dough, make sure to follow the package instructions for rolling and dividing it into pieces.

How can I prevent the dough from becoming soggy while baking?

To prevent the dough from becoming soggy, make sure to thoroughly drain the apples after coring and filling them.

Additionally, avoid overfilling the apples with liquid to prevent leakage during baking.

Can I prepare the apple dumplings ahead of time and bake them later?

Yes, you can assemble the apple dumplings ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.

Bake them when you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with apple dumplings for a complete dessert?

Apple dumplings are delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

You can also drizzle them with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Can I freeze leftover apple dumplings for later?

Yes, you can freeze leftover apple dumplings by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and placing them in an airtight container.

Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

What’s the difference between unfiltered apple juice and cider?

Unfiltered apple juice is made from pressed apples without filtration, resulting in a cloudy appearance and more intense flavor.

Apple cider, on the other hand, undergoes fermentation, giving it a slightly alcoholic content and tangier taste.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce to my preference?

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste preferences.

Taste the sauce as you cook it and adjust the sugar accordingly.