Warm, flaky, and brimming with apple sweetness, Grandma’s apple dumplings are a testament to the simple pleasures in life. This recipe, draped in a sweet drizzle, isn’t just about creating a dessert; it’s about rekindling warm memories and continuing a cherished family tradition. While the process requires a bit of patience, the result—a comforting, heartwarming treat—is absolutely worth it.
Ingredients:
2 Granny Smith apples: These apples are chosen for their firmness and slightly tart flavor, which complements the sweet filling beautifully.
1 lemon: The lemon juice prevents the apple slices from browning and adds a subtle zest.
1 cup sugar: This is used both within the sauce and as a sprinkle on top, offering the dumplings their characteristic sweetness.
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter: Butter enriches the sauce, giving it a creamy texture and a rich flavor.
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla adds depth to the sweet sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
8 canned buttermilk biscuits: The convenience of canned biscuits makes this recipe accessible, providing a soft, flaky crust with minimal effort.
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Cinnamon and apples are a match made in heaven, offering warmth and spice to the dumplings.
Directions:
Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Then, peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples into 8 slices each. Dip the slices in lemon-water to prevent browning.
Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 3/4 cup of sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir over medium heat until the mixture reaches a boil.
Wrap the Apples: Separate the biscuits into two layers. Wrap each apple slice in a biscuit layer, ensuring the dough overlaps and seals at the bottom. Arrange these wrapped slices, seal down, in a casserole dish.
Add the Sauce: Pour the boiling sugar mixture over the wrapped apples in the dish.
Cinnamon Sugar: Combine the remaining sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle it generously over the dumplings.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the dumplings turn golden brown.
Serving:
Serve these golden dumplings warm, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra layer of indulgence. The blend of tart apples, sweet, syrupy sauce, and spiced sugar crust makes each bite a delightful journey back to Grandma’s kitchen.
This recipe, handed down through generations, is more than just a dessert; it’s a bridge to the past, a nod to simplicity, and a celebration of family heritage. As you enjoy these apple dumplings, you’re not just savoring a treat; you’re partaking in a legacy of love and warmth. Here’s to Grandma’s wisdom, where a few simple ingredients can create something truly magical.
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