Hot Apple Dumplings are a comforting and sophisticated dessert that combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the sweetness of cinnamon-spiced sugar and a buttery pastry. The apples are wrapped in dough, baked until golden brown, and served warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to festive gatherings. The recipe involves peeling and slicing the apples, making a simple syrup with butter, sugar, and vanilla, wrapping the apples in biscuit dough, and baking until bubbly and golden. The end result is a delicious treat that promises to delight your taste buds and warm your heart.
Hot Apple Dumplings are a comforting and delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. Below are the detailed ingredients needed to create this delicious treat.
INGREDIENTS
- Granny Smith Apples: 2, peeled, cored, and sliced vertically into 8 slices each. These apples are chosen for their tartness and firmness, which balance well with the sweet and soft dumpling.
- Water: 1 cup, used to make the syrup that will be poured over the dumplings, ensuring they remain moist and flavorful.
- Sugar: 1 cup, divided. 3/4 cup is used in the syrup to add sweetness and create a caramelized effect, while the remaining 1/4 cup is mixed with cinnamon to sprinkle over the top of the dumplings.
- Butter: 1 stick, adds richness and a buttery flavor to the syrup, helping to create a golden, glossy finish on the dumplings.
- Vanilla Extract: 1/4 tsp, enhances the flavor of the syrup with a subtle vanilla note, complementing the apple and cinnamon.
- Canned Biscuits: 8 (Pillsbury buttermilk recommended), each biscuit is separated into two layers, providing a soft and flaky crust that wraps around each apple slice.
- Ground Cinnamon: 4 teaspoons, mixed with sugar to sprinkle over the tops of the apple dumplings, adding a warm, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel, core, and slice each Granny Smith apple vertically into 8 slices. To prevent browning, cover the apple slices with cold water while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Step 2:
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 3/4 cup of sugar, 1 stick of butter, and 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, and bring it to a boil.
- Step 3:
- Separate each canned biscuit into two layers. Wrap a layer of biscuit dough around each apple slice, slightly overlapping the dough at the bottom to seal it. Place the wrapped apple slices, sealed side down, in a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Step 4:
- Pour the hot sugar mixture over the wrapped apple slices in the baking pan.
- Step 5:
- Mix the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar with 4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture over the tops of the apple dumplings.
- Step 6:
- Bake the dumplings for 35 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Step 7:
- Serve the hot apple dumplings warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Hot Apple Dumplings warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.
- This dessert pairs well with a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness and flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the dumplings in the oven at a low temperature or use a microwave until warmed through.
Helpful Notes
- Granny Smith apples are perfect for this recipe due to their tartness and firmness, which balance well with the sweet and soft dumpling.
- For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle some caramel sauce over the dumplings before serving.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten: "Using high-quality butter makes all the difference in creating a rich, flavorful syrup."
- Chef Mary Berry: "Be sure to overlap the dough at the bottom to seal the apples completely for the best texture."
- Chef Paul Hollywood: "Allow the dumplings to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the flavors meld together."