Grandma'S Apple Dumplings
Grandma's Apple Dumplings offer a comforting blend of tender apples wrapped in flaky dough, baked to golden perfection with a cinnamon-sugar syrup. This nostalgic dessert is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weekends, delivering warm, sweet flavors with a delightful homemade touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt, baking powder, and shortening; then stir in milk to form a dough.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread peeled and diced apples over the dough and sprinkle with a little cinnamon and sugar.
- Roll up the dough like a jelly roll and slice into about 1 1/4 inch thick pieces.
- Place the sliced dumplings in a 9x13 inch pan.
- In a saucepan, boil together sugar, water, cinnamon, and butter to make a syrup.
- Pour the hot syrup over the dumplings in the pan.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 to 35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm with whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the apple filling. If you're out of shortening, you can substitute with unsalted butter for a flakier texture. Make sure your apples are tart, like Granny Smith, to balance the sweetness of the syrup. You can also experiment by adding raisins or nuts for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the dumplings warm, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of Baked Onions to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dumplings in a baking dish covered with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes. This will help maintain their texture and keep the syrup nice and gooey.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Apple Dumplings contains roughly 324 calories, with 3g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1212mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fruit in this recipe?
Absolutely! While apples are traditional, you can substitute with pears or peaches for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
What if I don't have a 9x13 inch pan?
If you don't have a 9x13 inch pan, you can use two smaller baking dishes or a larger one. Just ensure the dumplings are in a single layer to allow even baking and syrup absorption.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out to make assembly easier.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).