Introduction
Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are a classic, comforting dessert that brings together sweet, tart apples wrapped in flaky dough, all bathed in a buttery syrup.
It’s a dish that evokes warmth and nostalgia, perfect for cozy family gatherings or a special treat on a chilly evening.
The combination of tender apples, cinnamon, and sugar wrapped in dough and baked to golden perfection makes this dish a favorite in many homes.
Ingredients
For the Dumplings:
-2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
-2 cans (8 oz each) crescent roll dough
-1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
-1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Sauce:
-1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
-1 cup water
-1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, peel, core, and slice each apple into wedges.
Make sure to remove all the seeds and the core, leaving only the crisp apple flesh. Next, prepare the crescent roll dough by unrolling the sheets and separating them into individual triangles.
Take one apple slice and place it at the wide end of each crescent roll triangle. Sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon over the apple.
then carefully wrap the dough around the apple slice, pinching the edges to seal the apple inside the dough. Repeat this process for all the apple slices.
Now, place the wrapped apple dumplings in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once melted, stir in the sugar and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the syrup evenly over the wrapped apple dumplings in the baking dish. Make sure the syrup covers most of the dumplings, as it will infuse the dough with sweetness as it bakes.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the syrup is bubbling.
Once the dumplings are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
The sweet syrup will have soaked into the dough, creating a delightful sticky and sweet coating. Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
How to Make
To make Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings, start by selecting firm apples that will hold up during baking.
Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and cutting them into wedges. This step is crucial because it ensures the apples cook evenly inside the dough.
Next, unroll the crescent roll dough, and lay out each triangle to be filled. Place an apple wedge on each triangle and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over it for flavor.
Carefully wrap the dough around the apple, ensuring the edges are sealed so the syrup doesn’t leak out during baking.
The next important step is preparing the syrup. Melt the butter and mix in the sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Bring this mixture to a simmer to thicken it slightly, then stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Once your apple dumplings are wrapped and the syrup is ready, place the dumplings in a greased baking dish.
Pour the syrup evenly over them and make sure each dumpling is soaked well.
Baking the dumplings in a preheated oven ensures they cook thoroughly and turn golden brown, with the syrup thickening around the dumplings, creating a luscious glaze.
After the baking time, check the dumplings for doneness. They should be golden and crispy on top, and the syrup.
should be bubbling around the edges. Allow the dumplings to cool briefly before serving to prevent burning your mouth from the hot syrup.
For the ultimate treat, serve these warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
. The combination of cold and warm is irresistible, enhancing the overall experience of the dessert.
Finally, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven, and they’ll still be delicious!
Tips
When selecting apples, opt for a firm variety such as Granny Smith or Gala. These apples hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet syrup.
For a touch of extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon before sprinkling it over the apples.
This will enhance the warmth of the spices and create a richer flavor profile.
If you don’t have crescent roll dough on hand, you can substitute it with puff pastry or homemade biscuit dough.
Both options will give a slightly different texture but still result in a delicious dessert.
Be sure to seal the edges of the crescent dough well when wrapping the apples. If the dough isn’t sealed properly, the syrup might leak out, resulting in less flavorful dumplings.
You can make the syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. When ready to bake, simply reheat the syrup in a saucepan before pouring it over the dumplings.
For a more indulgent twist, try topping your apple dumplings with a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.
It pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-sugar flavor and adds an extra layer of decadence.
If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, you can assemble.
the dumplings and store them in the fridge before baking. Just make sure to pour the syrup on just before putting them in the oven.
Conclusion
Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are a simple yet indulgent treat that will quickly become a family favorite.
With just a few basic ingredients and some easy steps, you can create a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether served on a chilly evening or for a special celebration, these apple dumplings are sure to bring comfort and joy.
This recipe has stood the test of time for a reason – it’s both delicious and easy to make. The combination of buttery dough, cinnamon-sugar apples, and syrupy sweetness will keep you coming back for more.