Can You Bake Homestyle Apple Dumplings with Sauce in Just 1 Hour 50 Minutes?
Craving a warm, comforting dessert that’s bursting with nostalgic flavor? What if you could bake eight golden apple dumplings wrapped in homemade pastry, filled with cinnamon sugar, and smothered in a rich brown sugar sauce in just 1 hour 50 minutes? Apple Dumplings with Sauce, with 27 reviews, is your answer—perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or cozy fall evenings. Ready to fill your kitchen with sweet, spiced apple aromas? Let’s get baking!
Overview: Why Apple Dumplings with Sauce Shine
What makes Apple Dumplings with Sauce so special? This classic recipe features tart apples cored and wrapped in a flaky, homemade pastry, stuffed with butter and cinnamon sugar, then baked in a decadent brown sugar sauce that soaks into the dumplings for irresistible flavor. Baked in a 13×9-inch dish, they’re ideal for potlucks, special occasions, or gifting. The recipe is approachable with some effort for dough-making, kid-friendly for fun tasks, and adaptable for dietary needs, yielding 8 servings.
Time requirement: 1 hour 50 minutes active (1 hour prep, 50 minutes cooking), plus 30 minutes chilling time. The homemade dough elevates the dessert with authentic flavor.
Difficulty level: Moderate. Making and rolling dough requires some skill, but the steps are clear. A 13×9-inch baking dish, mixing bowl, rolling pin, and saucepan are the main tools, and kids can help fill apples or decorate with dough scraps.
Health perks: Apples provide fiber and antioxidants for digestion and immunity. Moderate portions keep it balanced as a treat, and the recipe supports gluten-free or vegan diets with swaps.
Essential Ingredients: What You Need and Why It Matters
Here’s the lineup for 8 servings (8 dumplings). Each ingredient plays a key role, with swaps for flexibility.
Dough
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): Forms the flaky pastry structure. Sub: Gluten-free flour blend (may need extra water for texture).
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances dough flavor. Sub: Kosher salt or reduce to 1/2 teaspoon for low-sodium.
- Shortening (1 cup): Creates flaky, tender pastry. Sub: Butter, vegan butter, or coconut oil (may alter texture slightly).
- Cold water (1/3 cup): Binds dough without making it tough. Sub: Ice-cold plant-based milk for richer flavor.
Filling
- Tart apples (8 medium, peeled and cored, ~2-1/2 inches each): Provide juicy, tangy flavor. Sub: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn; firm pears for variety.
- Butter (8 teaspoons, 1 teaspoon per apple): Adds richness inside apples. Sub: Vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Cinnamon sugar (9 teaspoons, divided): Sweetens and spices filling and topping. Sub: Make your own (1 part cinnamon to 4 parts sugar) or use pumpkin pie spice with sugar.
Sauce
- Brown sugar (1-1/2 cups, packed): Creates a rich, caramel-like sauce. Sub: Coconut sugar or 1 cup brown sugar + 1/4 cup maple syrup.
- Water (1 cup): Forms sauce base. Sub: Apple cider for deeper flavor.
- Butter (1/2 cup, cubed): Adds richness and smoothness. Sub: Vegan butter or coconut oil.
These ingredients are pantry-friendly and seasonal, creating a wholesome, indulgent dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Bake These Dumplings!
Ready to start? You’ll need a 13×9-inch baking dish, a mixing bowl, a rolling pin, and a saucepan. These steps are detailed, with tips for success.
- Make dough: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Cut in 1 cup shortening with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly (pea-sized pieces). Gradually add 1/3 cup cold water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Divide into 8 equal portions. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Tip: Keep dough cold to ensure flakiness; don’t overwork to avoid toughness.
- Preheat oven and prep: Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Tip: A glass dish lets you monitor sauce bubbling.
- Prepare apples: Peel and core 8 medium tart apples, keeping them whole. Tip: Use an apple corer or paring knife; choose apples of similar size (about 2-1/2 inches) for even baking.
- Roll dough: On a lightly floured surface, between two sheets of lightly floured waxed paper, roll each dough portion into a 7-inch square. Tip: Keep surfaces floured to prevent sticking; trim edges for neat squares.
- Assemble dumplings: Place one apple in the center of each dough square. Fill each apple core with 1 teaspoon butter and 1 teaspoon cinnamon sugar. Gently bring up dough corners to the center, trimming excess dough if needed; pinch edges to seal. If desired, cut leaf or stem shapes from dough scraps and attach to dumplings with a dab of water. Place dumplings in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon sugar (about 1/4 teaspoon). Tip: Pinch seams tightly to prevent leaks; decorative dough shapes add charm but are optional.
- Make sauce: In a large saucepan, combine 1-1/2 cups brown sugar, 1 cup water, and 1/2 cup cubed butter. Bring just to a boil over medium heat, stirring until blended. Remove from heat. Tip: Stir constantly to avoid burning; sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Bake: Pour sauce over and around dumplings in the dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon sugar. Bake, uncovered, for 50-55 minutes until apples are tender (test with a fork) and pastry is golden brown, basting occasionally with sauce (every 15-20 minutes). Tip: Baste by spooning sauce over dumplings to enhance flavor and keep moist.
- Serve: Serve warm, spooning extra sauce from the dish over each dumpling. Tip: Use a spatula to transfer dumplings, capturing sauce for drizzling.
Assembly: Plate It Like a Pro
These dumplings are golden and saucy with a rustic charm, making them easy to plate beautifully. Here’s how to make them look as good as they taste.
- Dumplings: Place 1 dumpling per plate, drizzling with pan sauce to highlight the glossy texture. Tip: Spoon extra sauce generously for added flavor.
- Garnish: Dust with confectioners’ sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Tip: Add a cinnamon stick or apple slice for a festive touch.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with coffee, hot cider, or chai tea for a complete dessert. Tip: Brew coffee during baking for efficiency.
- Presentation: For a cozy vibe, use white or rustic plates to highlight the golden pastry and sauce. Serve on a large platter for gatherings. Tip: Add a leaf-shaped dough piece or fresh herb sprig for a homestyle display.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips: Keep It Fresh
Want to enjoy leftovers or prep ahead? Here’s how to keep your dumplings tasting great.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, with sauce stored separately. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10-12 minutes, drizzling with warmed sauce. Tip: Keep sauce separate to prevent soggy pastry; reheat sauce gently in a saucepan or microwave.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked, assembled dumplings (without sauce) on a tray, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake with fresh sauce. Freeze sauce separately if needed; thaw and reheat before serving. Tip: Wrap dumplings tightly in plastic wrap to preserve texture.
- Make-ahead: Prepare dough and sauce up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate separately. Assemble and bake fresh for best texture. Tip: Peel and core apples just before assembling to prevent browning, or toss with 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
Health tip: Storing properly preserves the apples’ fiber and antioxidants, so you’re getting nutrients even in leftovers.
Recipe Variations: Get Creative
This recipe is flexible. Try these twists to keep it exciting while staying wholesome.
- Vegan version: Use vegan shortening, vegan butter, and ensure cinnamon sugar is vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour blend for dough; adjust water as needed for texture.
- Lower sugar: Reduce brown sugar to 1 cup in sauce; use a 1:6 cinnamon-to-sugar ratio for filling.
- Nutty twist: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts over dumplings before baking.
- Spiced boost: Add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or ginger to cinnamon sugar or sauce.
- Fruit swap: Replace apples with firm pears or peaches, cored and prepared similarly.
Conclusion: Savor Your Apple Dumplings with Sauce
You’re now ready to master Apple Dumplings with Sauce! This wholesome, homestyle treat brings tart apples, flaky pastry, and rich brown sugar sauce together for a dessert that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or cozy fall nights. With 1 hour 50 minutes of active time and a baking dish, you can create a flavorful, comforting dessert that’s as delicious as it is nostalgic. Play with vegan or spiced twists to make it your own. Grab that rolling pin, wrap some apples, and enjoy this saucy delight. Share your results in the comments—I’d love to hear how it turned out!
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Apple Dumplings with Sauce
Description
Craving a warm, comforting dessert that’s bursting with nostalgic flavor? What if you could bake eight golden apple dumplings wrapped in homemade pastry, filled with cinnamon sugar, and smothered in a rich brown sugar sauce in just 1 hour 50 minutes? Apple Dumplings with Sauce, with 27 reviews, is your answer—perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or cozy fall evenings
Ingredients
Dough
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): Forms the flaky pastry structure. Sub: Gluten-free flour blend (may need extra water for texture).
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances dough flavor. Sub: Kosher salt or reduce to 1/2 teaspoon for low-sodium.
- Shortening (1 cup): Creates flaky, tender pastry. Sub: Butter, vegan butter, or coconut oil (may alter texture slightly).
- Cold water (1/3 cup): Binds dough without making it tough. Sub: Ice-cold plant-based milk for richer flavor.
Filling
- Tart apples (8 medium, peeled and cored, ~2-1/2 inches each): Provide juicy, tangy flavor. Sub: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn; firm pears for variety.
- Butter (8 teaspoons, 1 teaspoon per apple): Adds richness inside apples. Sub: Vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Cinnamon sugar (9 teaspoons, divided): Sweetens and spices filling and topping. Sub: Make your own (1 part cinnamon to 4 parts sugar) or use pumpkin pie spice with sugar.
Sauce
- Brown sugar (1-1/2 cups, packed): Creates a rich, caramel-like sauce. Sub: Coconut sugar or 1 cup brown sugar + 1/4 cup maple syrup.
- Water (1 cup): Forms sauce base. Sub: Apple cider for deeper flavor.
- Butter (1/2 cup, cubed): Adds richness and smoothness. Sub: Vegan butter or coconut oil.
These ingredients are pantry-friendly and seasonal, creating a wholesome, indulgent dessert.
Instructions
- Make dough: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Cut in 1 cup shortening with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly (pea-sized pieces). Gradually add 1/3 cup cold water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball. Divide into 8 equal portions. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Tip: Keep dough cold to ensure flakiness; don’t overwork to avoid toughness.
- Preheat oven and prep: Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Tip: A glass dish lets you monitor sauce bubbling.
- Prepare apples: Peel and core 8 medium tart apples, keeping them whole. Tip: Use an apple corer or paring knife; choose apples of similar size (about 2-1/2 inches) for even baking.
- Roll dough: On a lightly floured surface, between two sheets of lightly floured waxed paper, roll each dough portion into a 7-inch square. Tip: Keep surfaces floured to prevent sticking; trim edges for neat squares.
- Assemble dumplings: Place one apple in the center of each dough square. Fill each apple core with 1 teaspoon butter and 1 teaspoon cinnamon sugar. Gently bring up dough corners to the center, trimming excess dough if needed; pinch edges to seal. If desired, cut leaf or stem shapes from dough scraps and attach to dumplings with a dab of water. Place dumplings in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon sugar (about 1/4 teaspoon). Tip: Pinch seams tightly to prevent leaks; decorative dough shapes add charm but are optional.
- Make sauce: In a large saucepan, combine 1-1/2 cups brown sugar, 1 cup water, and 1/2 cup cubed butter. Bring just to a boil over medium heat, stirring until blended. Remove from heat. Tip: Stir constantly to avoid burning; sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Bake: Pour sauce over and around dumplings in the dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon sugar. Bake, uncovered, for 50-55 minutes until apples are tender (test with a fork) and pastry is golden brown, basting occasionally with sauce (every 15-20 minutes). Tip: Baste by spooning sauce over dumplings to enhance flavor and keep moist.
- Serve: Serve warm, spooning extra sauce from the dish over each dumpling. Tip: Use a spatula to transfer dumplings, capturing sauce for drizzling.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Can I use pre-made dough? Yes! Use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry, cut into 7-inch squares; adjust baking time if needed.
What are the health benefits? Apples provide fiber and antioxidants; moderate portions keep it balanced.
How do I know the dumplings are done? Pastry is golden and apples are tender after 50-55 minutes.
Can I prep for a gathering? Yes! Make dough and sauce 1 day ahead; assemble and bake fresh.
Kid-friendly? Totally! Apple-cinnamon flavor appeals to kids; supervise dough rolling for safety.
Why is my dough tough? Overworked dough or too little water. Handle minimally and add water gradually.
Gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour blend for dough.
How to store leftovers? Fridge for 4 days with sauce separate; freeze unbaked dumplings for 3 months; thaw before baking.