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Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings

Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings

Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings feature tender, flaky pastry wrapped around sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples, delivering a warm, comforting dessert with a perfect balance of textures and rich flavors. This easy-to-make, family-friendly recipe captures the essence of homemade goodness with a touch of southern charm, ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

  • 4 crisp apples (Granny Smith recommended)

Dough

  • 1 package buttery, flaky pie crust dough (store-bought or homemade)

Filling

  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons butter (cut into small pats)
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Finishing

  • 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
  • Butter or melted butter (for brushing)
  • Optional: caramel sauce or powdered sugar for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and cut the apples into thick wedges that will hold their shape during baking but become tender and juicy.
  2. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and any optional spices like vanilla extract or nutmeg. Toss the apple wedges in this mixture until they are well coated to infuse maximum flavor.
  3. Roll Out the Dough: Roll the pie crust dough into circles large enough to fully enclose each apple wedge. Aim for thin dough without tearing to ensure a flaky crust.
  4. Assemble the Dumplings: Place each coated apple wedge on a dough circle, add a small pat of butter on top, then wrap the dough around the apple, pinching the edges tightly to seal.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Arrange the dumplings on a greased baking dish, brush the tops with melted butter or an egg wash to achieve a golden, crispy crust. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown and tender.
  6. Add the Finishing Touch: After baking, optionally drizzle with warm caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar to enhance sweetness and presentation.

Notes

  • Keep the dough chilled until ready to use to maintain flakiness.
  • Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance and texture.
  • Avoid overfilling to prevent leakage or sogginess during baking.
  • Brushing with an egg wash produces a beautiful golden shine on the crust.
  • Serve the dumplings warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple dumplings, Pioneer Woman recipe, dessert, apple dessert, cinnamon apple, flaky pastry, family dessert, southern dessert, baked apples