Description

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Serve: Serve the hot apple dumplings warm from the oven, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a deliciously indulgent dessert.

Notes

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!