Indulge in the sweet and comforting flavors of these Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings. This delightful dessert features tender, spiced apples wrapped in crescent roll dough, baked to perfection, and served with a warm, homemade sauce. It’s a simple yet delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
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:
Prepare the Apples:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut each apple into 8 slices. Set aside.
Assemble the Dumplings:
- Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll dough triangle, starting from the wide end.
- Place the wrapped apples in a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir well and let it cook for a few minutes until the mixture is smooth.
Pour the Sauce:
- Pour the sauce over the wrapped apple dumplings in the baking dish.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Make the Sauce for Serving:
- In a separate saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and vanilla extract for the serving sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sugar is dissolved.
Serve:
- Once the apple dumplings are baked, remove them from the oven.
- Serve them warm, drizzled with the warm serving sauce.
FAQ Section:
Q1: Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe? A1: Yes, you can use other apple varieties, but Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firmness, which balance well with the sweet sauce.
Q2: Is it necessary to use crescent roll dough? A2: Crescent roll dough is recommended for its convenience and texture, but you can experiment with other types of pastry dough if desired.
Q3: Can I make the dumplings ahead of time? A3: It’s best to bake the dumplings just before serving for the best texture, but you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them when ready to bake.
Q4: How should I store leftover apple dumplings? A4: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q5: Can I add nuts or other spices to the recipe? A5: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the dumplings by adding nuts like pecans or walnuts, or spices like nutmeg or allspice to the sugar mixture for added flavor.
Enjoy the warm, comforting taste of these Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings, a dessert that’s sure to please any crowd with its delightful combination of flavors and textures.