ADVERTISEMENT
Instructions: How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray, so the dumplings don’t stick as they bake.
2. Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and cut the apples into 8 wedges each. You want slices that are thick enough to hold up during baking but small enough to fit inside the crescent dough.
3. Wrap the Apples in Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough, and separate it into individual triangles. Place one apple slice on the wide end of each dough triangle. Sprinkle the apple slice with a little sugar and cinnamon, then roll it up, pinching the sides to seal the dough around the apple. Repeat until all the apple slices are wrapped.
4. Arrange the Dumplings in the Baking Dish
Place the rolled apple dumplings in the prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer. It’s okay if they touch; they’ll puff up and bake beautifully together.
5. Make the Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and butter. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-5 minutes, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Pour the Syrup Over the Dumplings
Pour the syrup evenly over the dumplings, making sure the syrup coats them well. The syrup will form the base of a gooey caramel sauce that will develop as the dumplings bake.
7. Bake the Dumplings
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the syrup has thickened into a rich, caramel-like sauce. The dumplings should be tender and slightly puffed, with the syrup bubbling around them.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Allow the dumplings to cool for a few minutes before serving. The syrup will have thickened, and the apples inside will be soft and tender. Serve the dumplings warm, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Why Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings Are So Special
- The Sweet Cinnamon Apples: The apples inside the dumplings are naturally sweet and tender after baking, and the cinnamon gives them a wonderful spice that balances the richness of the syrup.
- The Buttery Crescent Dough: Using crescent roll dough may seem like a shortcut, but it creates the perfect flaky, buttery shell for the apples. The dough bakes up beautifully, providing a soft, slightly crispy texture that complements the warm apples and syrup.
- The Gooey Caramel Sauce: As the dumplings bake, the syrup transforms into a rich, golden sauce that’s incredibly flavorful and sticky in all the best ways. This sauce is what makes the dessert irresistible!
Serving Suggestions
While these dumplings are delicious on their own, they’re even better when paired with a little extra sweetness. Here are a few ideas to take your Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings to the next level:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these warm dumplings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo that’s perfect for a cozy night.
- Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream can add a nice touch of freshness to balance out the richness of the dumplings.
- Caramel Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of the dumplings for added sweetness.
- Chopped Nuts: Add a little crunch by sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the dumplings before serving.
Conclusion
Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are the epitome of comfort food in dessert form. They’re warm, sweet, and comforting, with just the right amount of spice and sweetness. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or as a simple treat for your family, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Serve them as they are, or elevate them with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel. Either way, they’re guaranteed to be a hit! 🍏🍂✨
ADVERTISEMENT
