Apple Dumplings are a classic dessert that brings a touch of old-fashioned charm to any meal. This delightful recipe combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with a sweet, buttery sauce, all wrapped in soft, flaky buttermilk biscuits. The result is a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for fall or any time you want to impress your family and friends with a delicious homemade treat.
I have fond memories of apple dumplings from my childhood. My grandmother used to make them during the autumn months when apples were at their peak. The aroma of baking apples and cinnamon would fill the house, creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere. Each bite of the warm, syrupy dumpling was like a taste of home. Over the years, I’ve kept this tradition alive and have made a few tweaks to the recipe to make it even more delightful. I’m excited to share this cherished recipe with you, hoping it becomes a favorite in your home as well.
Ingredients
2 Granny Smith apples
1 lemon
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 canned buttermilk biscuits
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
Peel and Core the Apples:
Peel the 2 Granny Smith apples using a vegetable peeler. Core the apples and slice them vertically into 8 slices each, resulting in 16 slices total.
Prevent Browning:
Fill a bowl with water and squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into it. Add the apple slices to the lemon water to prevent them from turning brown while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Mixture
Mix Sugar, Water, Butter, and Vanilla:
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 3/4 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir the mixture to combine.
Bring to a Boil:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and the butter melts into the syrup. Once it reaches a boil, remove the pan from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Biscuits and Assemble the Dumplings
Separate the Biscuits:
Open the can of buttermilk biscuits and separate each biscuit into 2 layers, giving you a total of 16 layers.
Wrap the Apple Slices:
Take one apple slice and wrap it with a biscuit layer, stretching the biscuit slightly to ensure it completely covers the apple. Seal the biscuit layer on the bottom by pinching the edges together.
Place in Baking Dish:
Arrange the wrapped apple slices, sealed-side down, in a 9 x 12 x 2-inch casserole dish. Ensure they are evenly spaced in the dish.
Step 4: Add the Sugar Mixture and Cinnamon Sugar
Pour the Sugar Mixture:
Carefully pour the hot sugar mixture over the apple slices in the casserole dish. Ensure all the dumplings are well coated with the syrup.
Make Cinnamon Sugar:
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar with 4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar:
Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the tops of the wrapped apple slices. This will create a delicious, caramelized crust as the dumplings bake.
Step 5: Bake the Apple Dumplings
Bake:
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the apples are tender.
Cool Slightly:
Remove the dish from the oven and let the apple dumplings cool slightly before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken a bit and makes them easier to handle.
Variations and Substitutions
Apple Dumplings are a versatile dessert, and you can easily adapt the recipe to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
Different Apples: While Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness, you can use other varieties such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for a sweeter flavor.
Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar mixture for an extra layer of warm spices.
Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the wrapped apples before adding the sugar mixture for a nutty crunch.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuit dough to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan biscuit dough.
Conclusion
Apple Dumplings are a delightful and comforting dessert that’s sure to impress anyone who tries them. The combination of tart apples, sweet syrup, and warm cinnamon creates a nostalgic and irresistible treat. The simplicity of the recipe, using canned biscuits and basic ingredients, makes it accessible to both novice and experienced bakers.
Whether you’re making these dumplings for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a cozy evening at home, they are sure to bring smiles and satisfaction. The versatility of the recipe allows for endless variations, so you can tailor it to your preferences and dietary needs.
Enjoy making and sharing these delicious apple dumplings with your loved ones, and savor the wonderful flavors and memories they bring.
