Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings
Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings feature tender apples wrapped in flaky dough, baked with a cinnamon-spiced syrup and filled with cinnamon candies for a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make a syrup by combining sugar, water, cinnamon, and nutmeg; then add butter and bring to a boil.
- Pare the apples and remove the core with a peach pitter, leaving the apples whole.
- Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder; cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add milk all at once and stir until just moistened.
- Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into 5-inch squares.
- Place an apple on each square of dough; fill the center with cinnamon candies.
- Dot each apple with butter, fold the corners of the dough to the center, pinch to seal.
- Place the dumplings an inch apart in a greased baking pan.
- Pour the prepared syrup over the dumplings.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using Granny Smith apples for their tartness. If you don’t have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of cold butter. When rolling out the dough, ensure it's not too thick to allow for even cooking. Adding a dash of vanilla extract to the syrup can enhance the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. These apple dumplings pair beautifully with Grandma Flanders' Sweet Dough for a comforting dessert. Consider serving alongside Buttery Grated Carrots for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings contains roughly 812 calories, with 6g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value) and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 960mg per serving (42% 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 different types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different varieties of apples, but it's best to choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet syrup.
How do I know when the dumplings are done baking?
The dumplings are done when they are golden brown and the apples are tender. You can check the apples with a fork; if they pierce easily, they are ready. The syrup should also be bubbling around the edges.
Can I freeze apple dumplings for later use?
Yes, you can freeze apple dumplings before baking. Wrap each dumpling tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To bake from frozen, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time, ensuring they are fully cooked through.
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).