Cozy Country Apple Dumplings with Vanilla Bean Glaze
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a slice of heaven? Remember that warmth Anne With An E showed us? Let's bake! Have you ever made something so comforting, it felt like a warm hug? I'm talking about Country Apple Dumplings , the kind that makes your kitchen smell divine.
These are a slice of my childhood; autumn in every bite.
Quick Hook
Craving a Country apple dessert ? This apple dumpling recipe easy is for you! Sweet apples wrapped in flaky pastry, bathed in a dreamy vanilla bean glaze recipe .
Seriously, what's not to love? This is way easier than that tricky croquembouche that almost made me throw in the towel after watching Melanie Martinez music video.
Brief Overview
These old fashioned apple dumplings have roots deep in American comfort food. They bring a touch of that heartland feeling.
This recipe is a medium difficulty. It will take you around 1 hour and 40 minutes from start to finish.
This will give you 6 dumplings. They are perfect for sharing, or not.
Main Benefits
These dumplings are more than just a treat. They're a soul soothing comfort food dessert . The apples deliver a healthy dose of fiber.
They are perfect for a chilly evening. I love serving them after a big Sunday roast. What makes these homemade apple dumplings special is the combination of textures and flavors.
Flaky, tender, sweet, and spiced. It’s like a Fall baking recipes dream come true. I always feel good feeding these to friends and family.
I have only ever seen them bring smiles to everyone's faces.
Ready to get baking?
What you Need to Make Country Apple Dumplings.
Are you ready to make delicious apple dumplings with pastry ? Lets gather the ingredients. Everything you need to get started is easy to get at your local grocery store.
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Cozy Country Apple Dumplings Toolkit
Let's talk ingredients for these unbelievably good Country Apple Dumplings ! Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. But like Anne With An E taught us, "It's not what the world holds for you, it's what you bring to it.
" So, let's bring quality ingredients!
Main Ingredients: Applelicious Goodness
- Flour: 2 cups ( 250g ) all-purpose, plus extra for dusting.
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon ( 5g ).
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5g ).
- Butter: 3/4 cup ( 170g ) cold, unsalted, cubed. Gotta be cold, cold, cold !
- Ice Water: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ). Seriously, use ice water.
- Apples: 3 medium (approx. 450g ). Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work a treat.
- Sugar: 1/4 cup ( 50g ) granulated.
- Flour: 1 tablespoon ( 8g ) all-purpose (again!).
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon ( 2g ) ground.
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1g ) ground.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons ( 30g ) unsalted, small pieces.
- Butter: 1/2 cup ( 115g ) unsalted. (More butter? Yes, please!)
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup ( 200g ) packed light.
- Water: 1 cup ( 240ml ).
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ).
- Powdered Sugar: 2 cups ( 240g ).
- Milk: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ). Whole or 2% does the trick.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) (again!).
- Vanilla Bean: Seeds from 1/2 bean (or 1/2 teaspoon paste). This vanilla bean glaze recipe will make these dumplings shine.
Apple quality is key. You want apples that are firm and slightly tart. Think about that perfect bite!
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!
Cinnamon and nutmeg are your essential fall baking spices. They are what makes a Country apple dessert feel, well, like autumn! But don't be afraid to add a pinch of cloves for warmth, or cardamom for something a bit different.
As for vanilla, don’t skimp!
Vanilla extract is important here. It gives that extra bit of flavor.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need fancy gear for old fashioned apple dumplings . Just the basics!
- Large mixing bowl.
- Pastry blender (or food processor if you're fancy!).
- Rolling pin.
- Sharp knife.
- 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Small saucepan.
- Whisk.
Honestly, if you don't have a pastry blender, use your fingers! Just work fast to keep the butter cold. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
You know, homemade apple dumplings are about having fun!
I once tried making these after watching a Melanie Martinez video, and I got distracted and nearly burnt the sauce! So, maybe save the music for after baking, yeah?
These are the perfect comfort food desserts! If you’re looking for fall baking recipes that are easy and impressive, these apple dumplings with pastry are calling your name.
Cozy Country Apple Dumplings with Vanilla Bean Glaze
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good comfort food dessert ? These Country Apple Dumplings are like a warm hug on a chilly day.
They remind me of watching "Anne With An E" on a Sunday afternoon. It's totally my kind of vibe.
Prep Steps
Essential Mise en Place
Alright, first things first. Get all your ingredients measured and prepped. Chop those apples! Peel and core 3 medium apples (Granny Smith are great), and cut them into half inch pieces.
Get that cold butter cubed. Oh my gosh, it's important! For the vanilla bean glaze recipe , scraping vanilla beans is kinda bougie but worth it.
Otherwise, vanilla extract does the trick!
Time Saving Organization Tips
Listen, ain’t nobody got time for mess! Make the dough ahead of time. It needs to chill for 30 minutes anyway.
You know? That gives you time to clean up or, like, catch up on Melanie Martinez's new music. The apple dumpling recipe easy to love just got even easier!.
Safety Reminders
Careful with that sharp knife, yeah? And watch out for the hot oven. 375° F ( 190° C) is no joke!
step-by-step Process
- Make the Dough: Combine 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cut in 3/4 cup cold butter until crumbly. Slowly add 1/2 cup ice water until dough forms.
- Chill Out: Form the dough into a disc. Wrap in plastic. Chill for 30 minutes . Seriously, don’t skip this!
- Apple Filling: Mix apples, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg.
- Sauce it Up: Melt 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1 cup water in a saucepan. Simmer until sugar dissolves. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla.
- Assemble Dumplings: Roll out dough. Cut into 6 squares. Fill each with apple mixture, then dot with butter. Fold the corners over and pinch to seal.
- Bake it!: Pour sauce into a baking dish. Arrange dumplings in the sauce. Bake for 40- 45 minutes , or until golden.
- Make the Glaze : Whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and vanilla bean seeds until smooth.
- Glaze & Devour: Drizzle glaze over warm dumplings. Serve!
Pro Tips
Expert Techniques and Shortcuts
Keep that butter COLD! Seriously. And don't overmix the dough. The most important tips for homemade apple dumplings .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t overbake them, or they’ll be dry. Also, sealing the edges properly stops the filling from escaping.
make-ahead Options
You can make the dough the day before. Just keep it in the fridge. These old fashioned apple dumplings are even better the next day.
This country apple dessert and perfect part of your list of fall baking recipes , is waiting for you! Enjoy!.
Recipe Notes
Right then, let’s talk about nailing these Country Apple Dumplings . This apple dumpling recipe easy to follow, but there are a few bits to keep in mind for pure perfection.
Honestly, after making these, I felt like Anne With An E, but in my kitchen!
Serving Suggestions to Wow
These old fashioned apple dumplings are proper comfort food desserts. For a bit of Melanie Martinez inspired whimsy, serve each dumpling on a cute vintage plate.
A dollop of vanilla ice cream is a must. A drizzle of extra warm caramel sauce? Oh my gosh, yes please! Pair it with a cuppa, or even a cheeky glass of dessert wine.
The vanilla bean glaze recipe will make you feel like a MasterChef!
Storage Tips to Keep ‘Em Fresh
If you’ve got any leftovers, (doubtful, but hey, miracles happen!), pop them in an airtight container. They'll keep in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheating? A quick zap in the microwave works, but a few minutes in a low oven (about 300° F/ 150° C ) will bring them back to their just baked glory.
Can you freeze them? Yes, you can. Wrap each dumpling individually in cling film, then foil. They'll keep for up to a month. Defrost fully before reheating.
Variations for Every Taste
Want to mix things up? For a gluten-free version, use a good quality gluten-free flour blend. Vegan Country Apple Dumplings ? Easy! Use vegan butter and plant based milk for the dough and glaze.
For a seasonal twist, swap apples for pears or peaches. Honestly, this is one of the best fall baking recipes, it is just so versatile.
Nutrition Basics: A Little Treat
Each dumpling is around 450-500 calories. They have about 4g of protein, 25g of fat, and 60g of carbs, with about 40g of sugar.
This isn’t a health food, but a soul food. Remember, it's country apple dessert meant to be enjoyed in moderation!
So there you have it. Everything you need to make these homemade apple dumplings a roaring success. Don't be scared to give it a go.
And don’t worry if it doesn't all go to plan. Just have fun, and you'll soon have apple dumplings with pastry your friends and family will love!
Frequently Asked Questions
My dough is a bit tough. What did I do wrong and how can I avoid that next time when making Country Apple Dumplings?
Ah, tough pastry, a baker's nemesis! Most likely, you overmixed the dough. This develops the gluten too much, leading to a less tender result. Next time, mix the dough just until it comes together, and don't be tempted to knead it.
Keeping the butter properly chilled also helps those little pockets of fat create flaky layers as they melt in the oven. Think of it like handling a delicate secret; treat that dough gently!
Can I use a different kind of apple in these Country Apple Dumplings? Granny Smiths are a bit too tart for my taste.
Absolutely! Granny Smiths are a classic choice for their tartness, but feel free to experiment. Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples will give you a sweeter, slightly softer filling. A mix of different apples can also add complexity.
Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to your preference, especially if you're using a sweeter variety.
How do I store leftover Country Apple Dumplings and how long will they last?
Leftover Country Apple Dumplings are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm them in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave them in short bursts.
A little scoop of ice cream on top will make them taste fresh out of the oven!
I'm watching my sugar intake. Are there any ways to make these Country Apple Dumplings a bit healthier?
Yes, there are definitely ways to lighten them up! You could reduce the amount of sugar in both the filling and the sauce, and perhaps substitute some of the sugar in the sauce with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or a sugar substitute. Using whole wheat flour for part of the dough can also add some fiber.
Finally, load up on the apples! The more apples and less dough the healthier this treat will be.
Can I make the dough for these Country Apple Dumplings ahead of time?
You certainly can! In fact, chilling the dough is essential for achieving the right flakiness. You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for longer storage, just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.
My sauce turned out too thin. How do I thicken it?
No worries, thin sauce is a common baking hiccup! To thicken it, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for a minute or two until it thickens to your liking.
Alternatively, you can continue to simmer the sauce over low heat, uncovered, allowing it to reduce naturally, which will concentrate the flavour, too.
Cozy Country Apple Dumplings With Vanilla Bean G
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 475 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |