Grandmother's Apple Dumplings
For as long as I remember, Grandmother's house was one of my favorite places to visit. She
always had fresh baked fruit pies, seasoned pretzels, cookies, fruit, and my favorite: her delicious apple dumplings. To make a long story short, my grandmother started baking shoo-fly pies for a small road side market approximately fourty years ago.
My grandmother added fresh fruit pies to the list, and eventually started making apple dumplings were an immediate hit with everyone that tried them. The sweet syrup, the fruit, and the pastry dough were a delectable combination that she became known for. Grandmothers pastries were sold at farmer's markets, trade shows, grocery stores and fairs.
When I was growing up, I went over to her house all the time to help her bake. I treasure the memories that were made (such as me and my cousin making such a mess while helping). I still make the dumplings every now and then for friends- they're especially delicious served with vanilla icecream!
Here is the recipe:
4 apples, peeled, cut in half and cored.
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
cinnamon
butter
Pre-made pie dough or recipe below
Pie dough:
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter
1/4 cup cold water
1 Tbsp granulates sugar 3 Tbsp brown sugar
In small mixing bowl, mix together flour, sugar and salt then cut in butter. Rub mixture between hands until lumps are gone, then add water. Do not make dough too wet, just wet enough to roll. I usually don’t add quite all the water, since it comes out flakier with less water.
Peel and core apples, set aside and roll out dough on lightly floured surface. Cut into 4 pieces and place 1/2 apple on square, middle side up. Fill center with 1/4 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/4 tsp granulated sugar, and small sliver of butter, then sprinkle cinnamon on top. Place other half of apple on top and wrap dough around apple. Place each apple into baking pan.
While finishing apples, simmer syrup of 1cup water, 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 Tbsp butter on stove. When all apples are in the pan, pour syrup over apples making sure to make all dough wet. (This will help them get golden brown). Put in oven and bake at 350F for 45 minutes. Serve hot with vanilla ice-cream or milk.
For a healthier version, slice 1 teaspoon butter into apple instead of sugar, sprinkle with cinnamon, a little nutmeg and drops of vanilla, then wrap in dough. Brush with 1 beaten egg instead of using syrup. Bake at 350F for 45 minutes.
ENJOY! -Kate Stoltz
33 comments
Hey Kate,
I love the apple dumplings, my husband begs me to bake them, which I do often. I love your fashion line, one of your dresses is on my Christmas list. I love your classic style, so feminine. I wish you much success in your study’s, your clothing line, and your receipes, please keep up posting them.I do not know where you get all your energy from? such a busy schedule. I admire you for what you have accomplished in such a short time, I know it was not easy. I think you are a wonderful model for young girls today, to show them that it is not easy, but if you work hard, you can achieve your dreams. Much success, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
Carol
Great memories for you Kate. Going to make tonight, I need some comfort today.. Thanks for sharing! Blessings Deb
I’ve always had a love for any dessert that includes apples. These were moist, tender, light & flakey crust. I added a little extra cinnamon just because it is so good for us and we don’t get it in many foods. Unfortunately, I am an only child and my mother was very abusive so it is enjoyable to read stories like yours about the love of family. I’m glad you are doing well and thankful that you have a website so we can continue on this journey with you of your clothing line and modeling career. Cute doggie!
Hi Kate,
This look like it would taste awesome…I am not a baker by any means (ok honestly, I don’t bake at all) but I would like to try it and then use it to teach the boys at the elementary school I work at to make it as well.
Will let you know how it works out…
Michele
I made the Apple dumplings and I used fresh peaches and made peach dumplings. Both were so good; Thank you Kate.