Look up the definition of “dumpling” in any dictionary and in most cases it will describe “a piece of dough, sometimes stuffed, and cooked in liquid.” However, not all dumplings are cooked in liquid, and that is certainly the case when describing Southern Apple Dumplings which are more like individual bundles of cobbler or apple pie. These yummy southern desserts are not at all like the classic apple dumplings that consist of whole cored apples filled with cinnamon sugar, wrapped in pastry, and baked in syrup. In fact, if you happen to peruse a few southern cookbooks, you’ll find dozens of recipes for apple dumplings, and they aren’t cooked in liquid at all.

If you are looking for a good “soul food” dessert, these Southern Apple Dumplings are perfect. Serve them anytime, but definitely on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday which is always celebrated on the third Monday in January. A scoop or two of good ice cream is the perfect accompaniment to a warm dumpling. Cobbler aficionados who love lots of crust will especially love these, since they are thoroughly wrapped in light, slightly sweet, thick and buttery crust. The following recipe was modernized and adapted from an old southern soul food cookbook, and is definitely a keeper.

6 Servings

Crust:
3 cups flour
5 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
2 egg yolks
3 to 6 tablespoons ice water

Filling:
6 large Granny Smith apple, pared, cored, and sliced
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground mace
6 tablespoons butter

1 beaten egg

Topping:
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Line a shallow baking sheet with parchment.
3. Mix the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl; cut in the butter until it is the size of small peas.
4. Mix the egg yolks and 3 tablespoons of the ice water; pour into the butter mixture and mix until it holds together, adding more ice water if necessary to make a soft dough.
5. Transfer the dough to a floured pastry cloth or counter.
6. Roll out into a square 24" x 24" and cut into six squares.
7. Toss the filling ingredients, except the butter, together until well mixed and divide between the pastry squares; place a tablespoon of butter on top of each of the squares.
8. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg; bring the corners of each pastry to the center, and press to form a package, using more egg wash if necessary.
9. Place the packages on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with the topping ingredients.
11. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Remove to cooling racks and let sit at least 10 minutes before serving with whipped cream or ice cream.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 834 Calories from Fat 347
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 46% Protein 4% Carb. 50%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 39 g
Saturated Fat 23 g
Cholesterol 197 mg
Sodium 565 mg
Total Carbohydrate 113 g
Dietary Fiber 4 g
Sugars 19 g
Protein 9 g

Vitamin A 37% Vitamin C 19% Calcium 0% Iron 13%