Description
Warm cinnamon-spiced apple pie dumplings reveal comfort from grandma’s kitchen, blending buttery pastry with sweet caramel notes. Comfort desserts like these connect families through delicious midwest traditions you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (containing two crusts)
Spices and Seasoning:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Liquids and Additional Ingredients:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the kitchen oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), then lightly coat a ceramic baking vessel with culinary grease to prevent potential sticking.
- Transform whole apples into pristine halves by carefully removing their protective skin and extracting the central core, ensuring each fruit segment remains intact and symmetrical.
- Gently unfurl the delicate pie pastry across a flour-dusted workspace, methodically slicing each round into four equal triangular sections with surgical precision.
- Position a prepared apple half centrally on each pastry triangle, adorning its hollow core with a delicate butter medallion. Craft a fragrant spice blend by combining granulated crystals with aromatic cinnamon and warm nutmeg, then lovingly dust this mixture across the fruit’s exposed surface.
- Tenderly embrace each apple with its pastry companion, folding and pinching the edges to create a seamless, protective cocoon that completely conceals the fruity treasure within.
- Construct a luxurious sauce by harmonizing apple cider, caramel-like brown sugar, pure water, and remaining butter in a gleaming saucepan. Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely, then gracefully introduce a whisper of vanilla essence.
- Nestle the wrapped pomme parcels into the prepared baking dish, then cascade the amber sauce generously over their golden surfaces. Slide the creation into the waiting oven, allowing 45-50 minutes of transformative heat to unveil a perfectly caramelized, tender masterpiece.
- After emerging from the oven, allow the dumplings a brief moment to compose themselves. Ladle additional sauce over each creation, and present alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a delicate cream drizzle for the ultimate sensory experience.
Notes
- Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance in the dumplings.
- Roll pie crust thin to ensure crispy, flaky exterior without becoming too doughy or dense.
- Seal dumpling edges completely to prevent butter and sugar mixture from leaking during baking.
- Customize spice blend by adding ground cardamom or ginger for extra warmth and complexity.
- For gluten-free version, substitute traditional pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free pastry dough.
- Reduce sugar content by using sugar substitute or cutting granulated sugar amount in half for a lighter dessert.
- Make ahead by preparing dumplings and sauce separately, then assembling and baking just before serving to maintain optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg