Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Trisha Yearwood’s Apple Dumplings are more than just a dessert—they are a culinary journey into the heart of Southern comfort food. With each bite, you experience a rich blend of soft, cinnamon-spiced apple wrapped in a golden biscuit dough, drenched in a sweet, buttery sauce that caramelizes to perfection in the oven. The dish evokes a sense of nostalgia, taking you back to family dinners and cozy gatherings. The addition of lemon-lime soda adds an unexpected but essential touch of effervescence, creating a syrup that infuses the dumplings with a burst of citrusy flavor, making each bite more delightful than the last.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
The Dumplings:
- 2 Granny Smith apples—peeled, cored, and sliced into 8 wedges each
- 1 lemon—juice only, to keep the apples fresh and bright
- 8 canned buttermilk biscuits—separated into layers for easier wrapping
The Sauce:
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter
- 1 cup water
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
The Topping:
- ¼ cup sugar
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples into even wedges. Place the slices in a bowl of water with the juice of one lemon to prevent browning and maintain their crisp texture. The tartness of Granny Smith apples works beautifully in this dish, balancing the sweetness of the syrup.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Butter Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, ¾ cup of sugar, 1 stick of butter, and a splash of vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Once smooth and slightly thickened, remove the sauce from the heat.
Step 3: Wrap the Apples
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Separate each canned biscuit into two layers. Place one apple slice in the center of each dough piece, then stretch and wrap the dough around the apple, pinching the edges to seal. Arrange the dumplings seam-side down in the prepared dish.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Pour the warm butter-sugar sauce over the wrapped dumplings, ensuring that they are evenly coated. In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup sugar with 4 teaspoons cinnamon and sprinkle it generously over the top. This creates a beautifully golden, spiced crust as they bake.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed and golden brown, and the sauce is bubbling around the dumplings. The apples should be tender, and the biscuit dough should have a soft, golden texture that’s infused with the syrup.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 (1 dumpling per serving)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Apple Variety: Experiment with different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a unique flavor twist. These apples offer additional sweetness or a firmer texture, respectively.
- Topping Ideas: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Citrus Twist: Try adding orange zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs well with the apples.
- Sugar-Free: You can substitute the sugar in the sauce with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit if you’re looking to reduce the sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover apple dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the dumplings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the texture might be slightly softer.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn. Just make sure the apples hold their shape while baking.
2. Can I make these apple dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dumplings and the sauce ahead of time. Assemble the dumplings in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, pour the sauce over them and bake as directed.
3. What’s the secret to the perfect dumpling texture?
The key is using fresh biscuit dough, separating the biscuits into layers to create a light, flaky texture. Be sure not to overstuff the dumplings to avoid sogginess.
4. Can I make this recipe without the lemon-lime soda?
The soda is an essential ingredient that helps create the golden syrup that makes these dumplings so unique. If you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with ginger ale or lemon soda, but it’s best not to skip it altogether.
5. How can I make these apple dumplings less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the sauce and the topping. The tartness of the apples will still provide a nice balance.
6. Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned biscuits?
Yes, homemade biscuit dough can be used if you prefer. Just make sure it’s light and flaky for the best results.
7. How do I prevent the dumplings from getting soggy?
Be sure not to overstuff the dough and leave enough space between the dumplings in the pan. This allows the heat to circulate and the sauce to caramelize around the dumplings without making them too soggy.
8. Can I freeze the dumplings before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dumplings before baking. Wrap them tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
9. What can I pair these dumplings with?
These apple dumplings are perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of dessert.
10. Can I use a different type of butter for the sauce?
You can use unsalted butter or a butter substitute like margarine or a plant-based butter if desired. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly.
Conclusion
Trisha Yearwood’s Apple Dumplings are the ultimate comfort food, bringing together sweet apples, buttery dough, and a rich syrup that’s simply irresistible. This dessert captures the essence of Southern hospitality and creates a nostalgic experience with every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or a cozy evening at home, these apple dumplings are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Trisha Yearwood Apple Dumplings Are Pure Comfort
Trisha Yearwood’s Apple Dumplings are a beloved Southern dessert that combines sweet and tart apples wrapped in biscuit dough, drenched in a buttery, cinnamon-spiced syrup, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (1 dumpling per serving)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 Granny Smith apples—peeled, cored, and sliced into 8 wedges each
1 lemon—juice only, to keep the apples fresh and bright
8 canned buttermilk biscuits—separated into layers for easier wrapping
1 cup sugar
½ cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup water
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup sugar
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into even wedges. Place the slices in a bowl of water with the juice of one lemon to prevent browning and maintain their crisp texture.
- Make the Cinnamon Butter Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, ¾ cup of sugar, 1 stick of butter, and a splash of vanilla extract. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat once smooth and slightly thickened.
- Wrap the Apples: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Separate each canned biscuit into two layers. Place one apple slice in the center of each dough piece, then stretch and wrap the dough around the apple, pinching the edges to seal. Arrange the dumplings seam-side down in the prepared dish.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Pour the warm butter-sugar sauce over the wrapped dumplings, ensuring that they are evenly coated. In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup sugar with 4 teaspoons cinnamon and sprinkle it generously over the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 35 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed and golden brown, and the sauce is bubbling around the dumplings. The apples should be tender, and the biscuit dough should have a soft, golden texture infused with the syrup.
Notes
Leftover apple dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes for best texture.
For a citrus twist, try adding orange zest to the sauce.
You can freeze the dumplings before baking. Wrap them tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dumpling
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
