Hot Apple Dumplings

Indulge in a classic, comforting dessert with our Hot Apple Dumplings recipe! Perfect for cozy family gatherings or a delightful weeknight treat, these dumplings are packed with tender apples and wrapped in soft biscuit dough, all smothered in a sweet, buttery cinnamon sauce. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll create a delicious dessert that’s sure to impress. Serve these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 Granny Smith apples
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar, divided
• 1 stick butter
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
• 8 canned biscuits (such as Pillsbury buttermilk)
• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is hot and ready for baking, which helps achieve a perfectly golden brown finish on your dumplings.
2. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples vertically into 8 slices each. To prevent browning, cover the apple slices with cold water while you prepare the rest of the recipe.
3. Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 3/4 cup of sugar, 1 stick of butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and melt the butter.
4. Wrap the Apples: Separate each canned biscuit into two halves. Wrap each apple slice with a biscuit dough layer, stretching it slightly to overlap and seal the bottom. Place the wrapped apple slices, sealed side down, into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
5. Add the Sauce: Pour the hot sugar mixture evenly over the wrapped apple slices in the baking pan. This will infuse the dumplings with a sweet, buttery flavor as they bake.
6. Add Cinnamon Sugar: Mix the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar with 4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the tops of the wrapped apples for an extra touch of sweetness and spice.
7. Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and cooked through. The sauce should be bubbly and caramelized.
8. Serve: Serve the hot apple dumplings warm from the oven, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a deliciously indulgent dessert.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

• Warm or Room Temperature: Hot apple dumplings are best enjoyed warm. You can serve them right out of the oven or allow them to cool slightly to room temperature. For an extra indulgent touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
• Toppings: Enhance the flavor with additional toppings such as caramel sauce, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts. A dash of extra cinnamon or nutmeg can also add a nice touch.
• Pairing: Serve the dumplings with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad to balance the richness of the dessert. A hot cup of coffee or tea can also complement the flavors beautifully.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover hot apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through.
• Freezing: If you want to store the dumplings for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the cooled dumplings in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• Prevent Sogginess: To avoid sogginess, make sure the dumplings are completely cooled before storing. If reheating, place them in the oven to restore some of the crispiness of the biscuit dough.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Hot Apple Dumplings at their best, whether you’re savoring them fresh from the oven or enjoying leftovers later!

Variations :

1. Caramel Apple Dumplings
   • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup caramel sauce to the sugar mixture before pouring it over the wrapped apples.
   • Details: This variation incorporates rich, gooey caramel into the sauce for a sweet, indulgent twist. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the baked dumplings before serving for extra flavor.
2. Spiced Apple Dumplings
   • Ingredients: Mix 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg with the cinnamon and sugar. Optionally, add a pinch of ground cloves.
   • Details: Adding nutmeg and cloves to the cinnamon-sugar mix enhances the spiced flavor profile, making the dumplings perfect for fall or holiday gatherings.
3. Apple and Berry Dumplings
   • Ingredients: Combine 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries (such as raspberries or blueberries) with the apple slices before wrapping in biscuit dough.
   • Details: The addition of berries provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the apples and creates a more complex flavor. The berries also add vibrant color to the dish.
4. Maple Pecan Apple Dumplings
   • Ingredients: Substitute the vanilla extract with 1/4 cup pure maple syrup. Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
   • Details: Maple syrup gives a distinctive, warm flavor, while pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty taste. This variation offers a delightful blend of maple and nutty flavors.
5. Gingerbread Apple Dumplings
   • Ingredients: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
   • Details: These spices provide a gingerbread-like flavor, making this variation a great option for holiday seasons or for those who enjoy warm, spiced treats.
6. Chocolate Chip Apple Dumplings
   • Ingredients: Sprinkle 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips over the wrapped apples before baking.
   • Details: Adding chocolate chips introduces a rich, melty chocolate component that pairs wonderfully with the sweet apples and buttery biscuit dough.
7. Cream Cheese Apple Dumplings
   • Ingredients: Mix 1/2 cup softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. Spread this mixture on the biscuit dough before wrapping the apples.
   • Details: The cream cheese filling adds a creamy, tangy element that complements the sweetness of the apples. This variation makes the dumplings even richer and more indulgent.
8. Coconut Apple Dumplings
   • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
   • Details: Shredded coconut adds a tropical flavor and chewy texture that pairs nicely with the apples and cinnamon. This variation is great for those who enjoy a bit of coconut in their desserts.
9. Pumpkin Spice Apple Dumplings
   • Ingredients: Substitute the ground cinnamon with 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.
   • Details: Pumpkin pie spice gives the dumplings a seasonal twist with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making this variation perfect for autumn.
10. Almond Apple Dumplings
    • Ingredients: Add 1/4 cup slivered almonds to the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Optionally, add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract to the sugar mixture.
    • Details: Slivered almonds and almond extract add a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that enhances the dumplings. This variation is perfect for almond lovers and adds a nice crunch.

These variations allow you to customize your Hot Apple Dumplings to suit different tastes and occasions. Experiment with these ideas to find your favorite twist on this classic dessert!

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use other apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn. Just make sure the apples are firm and slightly tart to balance the sweetness of the dish.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the dumplings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Assemble the dumplings, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
3. How do I store leftovers?
   • Store leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through.
4. Can I freeze apple dumplings?
   • Yes, you can freeze baked or unbaked apple dumplings. For unbaked dumplings, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked dumplings can be frozen in a similar manner and reheated in the oven.
5. What should I do if the biscuit dough is not fully cooked?
   • If the biscuit dough is not fully cooked after the recommended baking time, cover the baking dish with foil to prevent over-browning and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Check that the internal temperature of the biscuit dough reaches at least 190°F (88°C).
6. Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned biscuits?
   • Yes, you can use homemade biscuit dough. Roll out the dough, cut it into squares, and wrap each apple slice, following the same assembly instructions as with canned biscuits.

Our Hot Apple Dumplings recipe is the perfect way to end any meal on a sweet note. With its tender, apple-filled dumplings enveloped in a rich, buttery sauce and topped with a cinnamon-sugar finish, this dessert is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or as a comforting treat, these dumplings offer a warm, satisfying experience that’s hard to resist. Try this easy-to-make recipe today and enjoy a classic dessert that brings joy with every bite!