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–+ servings
cozy comforting apple dessert

Warm Apple Dumplings with Brown Sugar Sauce

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These homemade apple dumplings feature tender apples wrapped in flaky pastry and bathed in a rich brown sugar sauce. The contrast between crisp pastry and soft, yielding fruit creates the ultimate comfort food experience that's perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 dumplings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup butter
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ⅔ cup shortening
  • 2 cups water
  • 6 medium apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn recommended
  • 2½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 cups flour

Equipment

  • Casserole dish
  • Pastry cutter
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Peel and core the apples, then set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Cut in the shortening using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles small peas.
  5. Sprinkle milk over the mixture and gently press together, working the dough just enough to hold it together. Avoid over-mixing.
  6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough and cut into 6 equal squares.
  7. Place an apple in the center of each square and fold the pastry up and around to completely encase the fruit.
  8. Arrange the wrapped apples in a casserole dish, ensuring they don't touch each other.
  9. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  10. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted and glossy.
  11. Pour the sauce over the dumplings in the casserole dish.
  12. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
  13. During baking, brush the pastry with sauce from the bottom of the dish twice to create a glaze and keep everything moist.
  14. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcal

Notes

For the best results, choose apples that hold their shape when baked. While shortening creates the flakiest texture, butter can be substituted if needed. These dumplings are best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
For a delicious variation, try tucking a caramel square inside each apple before wrapping in pastry, or add a handful of raisins for extra sweetness. Leftover dumplings can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

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