Old-fashioned apple dumplings are a timeless dessert that brings warmth, nostalgia, and sweet comfort to the table. Perfect for cozy autumn evenings or family gatherings, these dumplings combine tender pastry with juicy, spiced apples, creating a treat that is both rustic and indulgent.
The foundation of the dish is soft, buttery pastry, often made from scratch or from a flaky pre-made dough. Each apple, peeled and cored, is wrapped carefully in the dough and sometimes brushed with butter or sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon to enhance the flavor. As the dumplings bake, the pastry becomes golden and crisp, while the apples inside soften and release their natural juices, infusing the surrounding dough with a rich, fruity aroma.
What makes old-fashioned apple dumplings truly special is the syrupy sauce often poured over them before or during baking. Made from sugar, butter, and sometimes a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg, the sauce caramelizes slightly in the oven, creating a luscious coating that seeps into the dumplings. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and buttery flavors.
These dumplings are wonderfully versatile. They can be served warm on their own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of cream, or a spoonful of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch. They are also excellent for breakfast or brunch, offering a comforting start to the day.
Old-fashioned apple dumplings are more than just a dessert, they are a nostalgic reminder of home cooking and family traditions. The process of peeling, wrapping, and baking apples carries a sense of care and love, while the finished dish evokes memories of shared meals and festive gatherings.
Simple, flavorful, and utterly comforting, old-fashioned apple dumplings are a dessert that never goes out of style. Every bite combines tender pastry, sweet spiced apples, and rich buttery syrup, creating a timeless treat that delights both young and old.
Ingredients
- 6 whole apples peeled and cored
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour for pastry
- 1 tsp salt for pastry
- 1 cup butter chilled and diced, for pastry
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup cold water for pastry
- 1 1/2 cups sugar for syrup
- 1 1/2 cups water for syrup
- 1/4 cup butter for syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon for syrup
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg for syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour and salt for the pastry. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together. Form into a ball and chill if necessary.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough out and cut into squares large enough to wrap around the apples.
- Place each peeled and cored apple in the center of a dough square, then wrap and seal the edges.
- Position the wrapped apples in a baking dish.
- In a saucepan, mix sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then pour over the dumplings in the dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes, basting occasionally with the syrup, until the apples are tender and pastry is golden brown.
Nutrition
