Apple Dumplings With Rich Cinnamon Sauce

Submitted by hannahactually

"From USA Weekend. I haven't tried this one yet, but it sounds like a wonderful dessert, especially for fall. USA Weekend recommends NOT using Golden Delicious apples for this recipe. This is definitely a dessert for special occasions; it's somewhat involved. :)"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 30mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 3 tablespoons softened butter, plus
• 2 tablespoons softened butter (for the sauce)
• 1⁄2 cup packed dark brown sugar, plus
• 1⁄2 cup packed dark brown sugar (for the sauce)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the sauce)
• 1⁄4 cup chopped toasted pecans or 1/4 cup walnuts
• 4 small apples, peeled, halved, and cored
• 2 (9 inch) pie crusts (store-bought 15-ounce box)
• 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

directions

1. Cut a thin sliver off of the bottom of each apple so that they sit flat.
2. Heat oven to 425 degrees.
3. Mix 3 tablespoons butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and all the nuts in a small bowl.
4. Spoon a portion of the mixture into each hallowed-out apple.
5. For boxed pie crust, unroll one of the dough sheets onto a floured work surface.
6. Pulling on side of dough to straighten rounded edges, roll it into an approximate 12-inch square.
7. Then cut the dough into four 6-inch squares.
8. Brush the edge of each square with egg white.
9. Set an apple half on each square.
10. Bring up the dough's 4 corners around the apple and pinch edges to seal.
11. Place on a large (at least 12-by-18-inch) parchment-covered baking dish.
12. Brush dumpling tops and sides with egg whites.
13. Sprinkle with sugar.
14. Repeat the process with remaining apples and dough.
15. Bake dumplings until pastry sets and starts to turn golden, about 10 minutes.
16. Reduce heat to 375 and bake until golden-brown, about 20 minutes longer.
17. While apples bake, bring 1 cup water, the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to boil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
18. Dissolve cornstarch in 2 teaspoons water; whisk into hot syrup for a smooth sauce.
19. Cover, keep warm.
20. For each serving, spoon a portion of sauce on a dessert plate.
21. Set apple dumpling over warm sauce, and serve immediately.