Name: Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings with Spiced Cider Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 250g All purpose flour; 150g Cold unsalted butter, cubed; 5 tbsp Ice cold apple cider; 6 Medium Granny Smith apples; 1 tbsp Coconut sugar; 1 tsp Ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp Ground nutmeg; Butter, small pats (approx. 6 small pats, room temperature); 350ml Apple cider; 3 tbsp Maple syrup; 1 tsp Vanilla extract; 1 Cinnamon stick

Ingredients

250g All purpose flour

150g Cold unsalted butter, cubed

6 Medium Granny Smith apples

5 tbsp Ice cold apple cider

2 tbsp Coconut sugar

1 tsp Ground cinnamon

¼ tsp Ground nutmeg

6 small pats of room-temperature butter

350ml Apple cider (for sauce)

2 tbsp Maple syrup

1 tsp Vanilla extract

1 Cinnamon stick

Instructions

Step 1: In a food processor, pulse the flour and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Gradually add ice-cold apple cider, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just holds together. Wrap the dough in parchment paper and chill for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Peel and core the Granny Smith apples. In a small bowl, mix the coconut sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Roll each apple in the spice mixture until fully coated, then place a small pat of room-temperature butter inside each core cavity.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled pastry dough and cut it into six equal squares. Place one prepared apple in the center of each square. Bring the corners of the dough up around the apple and pinch to seal securely.

Step 4: In a small saucepan, combine 350ml apple cider, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for 5 minutes to concentrate the flavors.

Step 5: Arrange the dumplings in a 9×13 inch ceramic baking dish. Pour the warm cider sauce evenly over the dumplings. Bake for 45 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.

Tips & Variations

For a richer crust, brush the pastry with an egg wash before baking.

Try using pears instead of apples for a different fruity twist.

Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, inside the apple core for extra texture.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, while Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firmness, you can use other baking apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn. Just be aware that softer apples may become mushy.

Is it possible to make the dough by hand?

Absolutely. To make the dough by hand, cut the cold butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse sand, then gradually add the cold cider and mix until the dough just comes together.