Looking for a cozy individual-portion dessert that combines warm, spiced flavors with a buttery, flaky crust? These homemade apple dumplings are a delightful way to use fresh apples and transform them into a comforting treat, and they’re the perfect little treat baked and served in Polish pottery apple jars. Perfect for a fall gathering or a special family dinner, these dumplings are filled with a sweet cinnamon-nut mixture and wrapped in a golden pastry. Topped with a warm, spiced brown sugar sauce, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, the recipe is simple enough that even the littlest helpers can get involved, making it a fun family project.
Apple Dumpling Recipe: Ingredients:
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
- 4 apples (any variety, except Red Delicious), peeled, halved, and cored
- 1 (15-ounce) package of 9-inch pie crusts
- 1 egg white, beaten
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and adjust the rack to the lower-middle position.
- In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the chopped nuts. Spoon a portion of this mixture into the hollow of each apple half.
- On a floured surface, unroll one pie crust and shape it into a 12-inch square by gently pulling and rolling it. Cut it into four 6-inch squares. Brush the edges of each square with egg white.
- Place an apple half in the center of each dough square. Fold the corners of the dough up around the apple and pinch the edges to seal tightly. Arrange the wrapped apples in each apple jar. Brush the tops with egg white, sprinkle with white sugar, and cover with the jar’s lid.
- Bake for 10 minutes until the pastry starts to set and turn golden. Then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the dumplings are fully golden.
- While the dumplings are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, ½ cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 2 teaspoons of water and whisk it into the boiling syrup to thicken. Keep the sauce warm until ready to serve.
- To serve, spoon a generous portion of the warm sauce over each pastry, letting it pool in the bottom. Enjoy immediately!
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