Today we are sharing a recipe that’s been a beloved classic in many Amish households: Old-Fashioned Amish Apple Dumplings. These delightful treats are the perfect combination of tender apples, flaky pastry, and a sweet, cinnamon-spiced sauce. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or simply as a cozy dessert on a chilly evening, these apple dumplings are sure to impress.
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked apple dumplings wafting through the house.
I first fell in love with Amish apple dumplings during a visit to an Amish market. The warm, inviting smell drew me in, and one bite of these delicious dumplings had me hooked. The simplicity and wholesome flavors reminded are so delicious and comforting.
There is an apple dumpling that we used to get from Omaha Steaks. We kept these for special occasions. I wanted to be able to serve these for Sunday dinners throughout the year. I knew I had to recreate them in my own kitchen. Now, they’re a cherished dessert in our family, especially during the fall when apples are at their peak.
Apple Dumplings Serving Suggestions
Amish apple dumplings are delightful on their own, but for an extra special touch, serve them with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A dollop of whipped cream
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar
Recipe Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Apples: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet syrup.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before rolling it out.
- Evenly Cooked Dumplings: Ensure the dumplings are evenly spaced in the baking dish to allow for even cooking.
Old-Fashioned Amish Apple Dumplings Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup shortening or unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup milk
Apples:
- 4 medium apples peeled and cored (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Syrup:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt with a whisk. Cut in the shortening or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs using a pastry blender. Gradually add the milk, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough into four equal parts.2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2/3 cup shortening, 1/2 cup milk
- Prepare the Apples: Prepare the apples. Peel and core apples. Cut in half. Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set it aside.4 medium apples, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Roll Out the Ball of Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough into a square large enough to wrap around an apple half.
- Assemble the Dumplings: Place an apple half in the center of each dough square. Fill the core cavity with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Fold the corners of the dough over the apple, pinching the edges to seal.
- Make the Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, butter, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup water, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Bake the Dumplings: Place the dumplings in a baking dish. Butter or spray the baking dish with oil cooking spray. While the syrup is still hot, pour syrup over them. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Serve: Let the dumplings cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm, drizzled with the syrup from the baking dish.
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Recipe Variations
- Nutty Apple Dumplings: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a crunchy texture.
- Spiced Apple Dumplings: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for additional warmth and depth of flavor.
- Cheese-Stuffed Dumplings: For a savory twist, place a small piece of sharp cheddar cheese inside each apple half before wrapping it in dough.
Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Prepare Ahead of Time and Freeze
You can prepare Amish apple dumplings ahead of time and freeze them either before or after baking. Here’s how you can do it:
Freezing Before Baking
Assemble the Dumplings: Follow the recipe instructions to assemble the dumplings up to the point of baking.
Flash Freeze: Place the assembled dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and flash freeze them for about 1-2 hours, or until they are firm.
Package for Freezing: Transfer the frozen dumplings to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label with the date.
Store: Store the dumplings in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Bake from Frozen: When ready to bake, place the frozen dumplings in a baking dish, prepare the syrup, and pour it over the dumplings. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and tender.
Freezing After Baking
Bake the Dumplings: Follow the recipe instructions to bake the dumplings.
Cool Completely: Allow the baked dumplings to cool completely.
Package for Freezing: Wrap each dumpling individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label with the date.
Store: Store the dumplings in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, place the frozen dumplings in a baking dish and cover with foil. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual dumplings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed.
Tips for Freezing and Reheating
Flash Freeze for Best Results: Flash freezing prevents the dumplings from sticking together and helps them maintain their shape.
Use Airtight Packaging: Ensure the dumplings are well-wrapped and stored in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn.
Adjust Baking Time: When baking from frozen, you may need to extend the baking time slightly to ensure the dumplings are fully cooked and the apples are tender.
Enjoy your Amish apple dumplings whenever the craving strikes.
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Old-Fashioned Amish apple dumpling recipe as much as my family does. Their comforting, homemade flavor is sure to bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia to any gathering. If you love apple recipes, we have a delicious apple pie, caramel apples and other scrumptious dishes.
This worked exactly as written, thanks!