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Best Easy Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Sugar Sauce

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These Guest-Favorite Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Sugar Sauce are the kind of dessert that makes people close their eyes after the first bite. They’re simple enough for a Tuesday night but impressive enough for a holiday table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and halved
  • 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (14.1 ounces)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, divided
  • 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (turbinado or demerara)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the center of the oven.
  2. Prepare the apples: Peel both apples completely. Cut each apple in half through the stem, then use a melon baller or small spoon to scoop out the core and seeds. Pat the apples dry with a paper towel.
  3. Make the cinnamon sugar filling: In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and the nutmeg. Stir together and set aside.
  4. Roll out the pie crusts: Unroll both pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll each one out slightly until about 1/8-inch thick. Cut each crust into two equal halves, so you have four pieces total.
  5. Assemble the dumplings: Place one apple half, cut-side up, in the center of each pie crust piece. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon sugar mixture into the cavity of each apple half. Dot each with 1/2 tablespoon of the softened butter (using 2 tablespoons total).
  6. Wrap the apples: Gently bring the corners of the pie crust up and over the apple, pinching the edges together to seal. Place each wrapped dumpling, seam-side down, into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.
  7. Apply the egg wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture over the top and sides of each dumpling. Sprinkle the coarse sugar over the tops.
  8. Make the cinnamon sugar sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, the brown sugar, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup butter pieces, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and the salt. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  9. Pour the sauce over the dumplings: Slowly and carefully pour the hot sauce around the dumplings, not directly over the tops. The sauce should pool in the bottom of the dish, coming about halfway up the sides of the dumplings.
  10. Bake: Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the sauce is bubbly and thickened. Halfway through, spoon some of the sauce over the tops of the dumplings.
  11. Rest before serving: Let the dumplings cool in the dish for at least 10 minutes. Serve warm, with a generous spoonful of the cinnamon sugar sauce over each dumpling.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting time after baking. The dumplings need a few minutes to set, otherwise the filling is lava-hot and the sauce is too thin. For extra firm apples, microwave the apple halves for 60 seconds before wrapping. Seal the seams well to prevent leaking. Use a baking sheet under the dish to catch any drips. Baste the dumplings halfway through baking for a moist, caramelized finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple dumplings, cinnamon sugar sauce, easy dessert, apple dessert, guest favorite, comfort food

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/best-easy-apple-dumplings-with-cinnamon-sugar-sauce/