Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Decadent: The warm apple filling wrapped in buttery dough and caramelized in a cinnamon sugar syrup creates the ultimate comforting dessert.
- Classic Southern Charm: Trisha Yearwood’s recipe embodies Southern hospitality with its simple yet delicious flavors.
- Quick and Easy: This dessert comes together with minimal prep and in under an hour, making it perfect for a cozy family dessert or special gathering.
- Unexpected Twist: The addition of lemon-lime soda makes the syrup bubbly and adds a citrusy zing that elevates the flavor in a way you wouldn’t expect.
Ingredients
For 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
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples into even wedges. To prevent browning and to add brightness, place the slices in a bowl of water mixed with the juice of one lemon. This will keep the apples fresh and add a subtle zing that balances the sweetness.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Butter Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 stick of butter, and vanilla extract. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Once the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, remove it from the heat.
Step 3: Wrap the Apples
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Open the can of biscuits and gently separate each biscuit into two layers. Place one apple slice in the center of each biscuit and wrap the dough around the apple slice, pinching the edges to seal. Arrange each dumpling seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Pour the warm butter sauce evenly over the dumplings. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup sugar with the ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the dumplings. This will create a beautiful, golden, and slightly crackly crust while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed, golden brown, and the sauce is bubbling around the dumplings. The apples should be tender, but still firm enough to hold their shape.
Step 6: Serve
Allow the apple dumplings to cool for 5 minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Add Toasted Pecans: For added crunch, sprinkle toasted pecans on top before baking.
- Substitute Honeycrisp Apples: For a sweeter alternative, you can use Honeycrisp apples for a juicy, crisp bite.
- Vegan Version: Swap out the butter for vegan butter and use dairy-free biscuit dough for a vegan-friendly option.
- Extra Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warming spiced flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dumplings in advance, cover them, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Can I use a different type of apple?
While Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness and firmness, you can substitute with Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples for a sweeter, juicier filling.
Why do I need to add lemon juice to the apples?
The lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the sugar and butter in the sauce.
Can I make this recipe without the soda?
Yes, while the lemon-lime soda adds a unique flavor and helps form the bubbly syrup, the dumplings will still be delicious without it.
Can I freeze these apple dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked dumplings for up to 1 month. Bake them from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
Trisha Yearwood’s Apple Dumplings are a perfect blend of sweet, tart, and comforting flavors. With their simple ingredients and rich buttery syrup, these dumplings capture the essence of Southern hospitality and home-cooked warmth. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just because, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite. Enjoy the cozy, nostalgic flavors of Southern comfort with every bite!
Trisha Yearwood’s Apple Dumplings: A Southern Comfort Classic
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Trisha Yearwood’s Apple Dumplings are a comforting Southern classic that combines tart Granny Smith apples, buttery pastry, and a rich caramelized cinnamon syrup. With a hint of lemon-lime soda, these dumplings offer the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. A quick and easy dessert that embodies Southern hospitality, this dish is perfect for family dinners or any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dumplings:
2 Granny Smith apples—peeled, cored, and sliced into 8 wedges each
1 lemon—juice only, to keep the apples fresh
8 canned buttermilk biscuits—separated into layers for easier wrapping
For the Sauce:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
1/4 cup sugar
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
-
Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into even wedges. To keep the apples fresh and add brightness, place the slices in a bowl of water mixed with the juice of one lemon.
-
Make the Cinnamon Butter Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 stick of butter, and vanilla extract. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat once the sauce is smooth.
-
Wrap the Apples: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Open the can of biscuits and gently separate each into two layers. Place one apple slice in the center of each biscuit and wrap the dough around the apple slice, pinching the edges to seal. Arrange the dumplings seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
-
Add the Finishing Touches: Pour the warm butter sauce evenly over the dumplings. Mix the remaining 1/4 cup sugar with the cinnamon and sprinkle this mixture generously over the top.
-
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
-
Serve: Allow the dumplings to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel sauce.
Notes
Add Toasted Pecans: For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted pecans on top before baking.
Substitute Honeycrisp Apples: For a sweeter option, use Honeycrisp apples for a juicy bite.
Vegan Version: Swap out the butter for vegan butter and use dairy-free biscuit dough for a vegan-friendly option.
Extra Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for added warmth and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Southern Comfort, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
