Ultra Delicious Apple Dumplings
Sweet and flaky apple dumplings filled with cinnamon-spiced apples, baked to golden perfection—ideal for comforting desserts or family gatherings with warm, fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Work in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the milk and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured board to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into four squares.
- Place an apple on each square and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Fold the edges over the apple and pinch to seal.
- Place the dumplings in a baking dish and pour syrup over all.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Baste the dumplings 3 to 4 times during baking with the syrup.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of vanilla extract to the dough. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with butter or margarine. To enhance the apple flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apple varieties, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. For an extra touch, add a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the apple dumplings warm, drizzled with the remaining syrup from the baking dish. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. For a delightful meal, consider serving them alongside a light salad or the refreshing Orange Jello Carrot Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, though they may lose some crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ultra Delicious Apple Dumplings contains roughly 163 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 971mg 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 a different fruit besides apples?
Yes, you can use pears or peaches as alternatives to apples. Just ensure that the fruit is firm enough to hold its shape during baking. Adjust the amount of cinnamon and syrup based on the sweetness of the fruit used.
How can I make the dumplings more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of the dumplings, consider adding spices such as nutmeg or allspice to the dough or the apple filling. You can also incorporate chopped nuts or raisins for added texture and taste.
What type of apples are best for dumplings?
For the best results, use a combination of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji or Honeycrisp for sweetness. This balance will give your dumplings a deliciously complex flavor.
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).