These Apple Dumplings are a delightful treat, featuring tender apples wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough and baked to perfection in a sweet syrup. Perfect for dessert or a special snack, these dumplings are sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 package of refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare Apples: Peel and core the apples, then cut them into desired slices or wedges.
- Wrap Apples: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Place an apple slice on each triangle of dough.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Drizzle this mixture over the apples.
- Fold Dough: Fold the dough over the apples, sealing the edges to enclose the apple slices. Place the wrapped apples in the greased baking dish.
- Prepare Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, butter, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Add Syrup: Pour the syrup evenly over the apple dumplings in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool and Serve: Let the apple dumplings cool slightly. Drizzle with any remaining syrup from the baking dish before serving.
Serving:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations:
- Spiced Syrup: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the syrup for an extra layer of flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the apple slices before wrapping them in the dough.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked dumplings for a richer dessert.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked dumplings. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?
A: Yes, puff pastry can be used as a substitute. Just cut the pastry into squares and wrap the apple slices as directed.
Q: Can I use different types of apples?
A: Absolutely! Any baking apple, such as Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady, will work well in this recipe.
Q: What can I serve with apple dumplings?
A: Apple dumplings pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Q: Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dumplings up to the point of baking and refrigerate them. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
These Apple Dumplings are a simple yet impressive dessert that’s perfect for fall or any time you crave a warm, comforting treat. Enjoy the tender apples, buttery dough, and sweet syrupy goodness!