Nothing says comfort like the smell of warm, freshly baked apple dumplings wafting through your home on a crisp autumn day. These old-fashioned treats are a nostalgic favorite that will transport you back to simpler times. The combination of tender, spiced apples wrapped in a flaky pastry and baked to golden perfection is sure to delight your taste buds and bring a touch of warmth to your heart.
**Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings**
**Ingredients:**
– 6 large apples, peeled and cored
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
– 2 sheets of refrigerated pie crust
– 1 egg, beaten
– Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
3. Take each peeled and cored apple and place it on a clean surface. Fill the cavity of each apple with a spoonful of the sugar mixture and top with a few pieces of butter.
4. Roll out the pie crusts and cut each into thirds. Place an apple in the center of each pastry strip.
5. Fold the pie crust over the apple, sealing the seams and tucking the edges underneath. Place the dumplings seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
6. Brush the tops of the dumplings with the beaten egg, and sprinkle with any remaining sugar mixture.
7. Bake the apple dumplings in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.
8. Remove the dumplings from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. For an extra indulgent treat, serve the apple dumplings warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of these old-fashioned apple dumplings that are a perfect blend of sweet apples and comforting spices. Whether enjoyed as a cozy dessert after a hearty meal or as a special treat for a gathering of loved ones, these timeless pastries are sure to become a new favorite in your home. Embrace the joy of simple pleasures with this classic recipe that celebrates the beauty of fall flavors and the warmth of homemade goodness.
