One of the more popular confections to originate from Berks County is the Apple Dumpling. We love them so much, we even have a festival every year. So it was only natural that I wanted to take on the challenge to make my version of this delightful pastry.
I have been fortunate enough to perfect my version of apple dumplings, that my recipe won Second Place in the North Platte Telegraph 2014 Holiday Recipe Contest. I have also baked apple dumplings for parties, holiday events, and for my brothers in 3 Pill Morning. Heck, if they are rock band approved, they have to be good, right? ;-)
Speaking of which, these talented dudes released their newest song TODAY. If you love rock music, you will enjoy the high-intensity amazingness of this song. It's my musical inspiration for the day and it's posted at the end of the recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 cup butter, chilled
⅓ cup ice water
For the Apples:
8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
8 tsp. unsalted butter
7 tsp. granulated sugar
1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
For the Spiced Caramel Sauce:
1½ cups light brown sugar
1 cup water
½ cup salted butter
1 tbs. vanilla
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
STEP 1 -
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Gradually add the ice water, tossing the mixture with a fork, until the dough forms a cohesive mass. Divide the dough into eight equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
STEP 2 -
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
STEP 3 -
Roll each portion of dough on a lightly floured work surface into a 7-inch square. Place an apple in the center of each square. Place 1 teaspoon of butter and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar mixture in the center of each apple.
STEP 4 -
Gently bring up the corners of the pastry to the center of each apple; pinch the edges to seal. Place the pastry-encased apples in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture.
STEP 5 -
In a large saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, vanilla, spices and butter over medium-high heat until it just begins to boil, stirring occasionally. Pour the sauce evenly over the apples.
STEP 6 -
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until the apples are tender and the pastry is golden brown, basting occasionally with the sauce. These are best served warm immediately after baking.
In Pennsylvania, my family enjoys pouring a bit of cold milk on top of a serving of the dumplings, but you can substitute vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.