Cracker Barrel Apple Dumpling Recipe

by
Cracker Barrel Apple Dumpling freshly baked on a plate.

Discover the perfect Cracker Barrel Apple Dumpling recipe that’s easy, flavorful, and delicious for any occasion.

Introduction

Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings are a quintessential American dessert that epitomizes comfort and warmth. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, a festive holiday, or simply craving a sweet treat on a chilly evening, these apple dumplings are an ideal choice. Their ease of preparation ensures that even novice bakers can achieve delicious results without extensive culinary experience. Additionally, the rich, comforting flavors of tender apples enveloped in buttery pastry make them irresistibly delicious and a favorite among dessert enthusiasts.

Not only do these apple dumplings offer delightful taste, but they also provide versatility for various customizations. Adjust the sweetness, incorporate different spices, or even add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce to enhance their flavor profile. For those looking to explore more dessert ideas, our Apple Crisp Recipe by the Pioneer Woman pairs perfectly with the apple dumplings.

Furthermore, Cracker Barrel is renowned for its authentic and hearty Southern-inspired dishes, and these apple dumplings are no exception. By recreating this beloved recipe at home, you enjoy a delicious dessert and bring a piece of Cracker Barrel’s nostalgic charm to your kitchen. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed on their own, these dumplings are sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Apple Dumpling

Creating Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings at home is a rewarding experience that combines simplicity with exquisite taste. This recipe prioritizes authenticity, ensuring that each bite mirrors the comforting flavors found in Cracker Barrel’s original offering. The homemade appeal of these dumplings lies in their straightforward preparation and the use of fresh, quality ingredients. Together, they create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. By following these step-by-step instructions, you craft a dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth and brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to your dining table.

Ingredients

Apple Dumpling Ingredients

  • 4 large apples (preferably Granny Smith): These apples provide a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, ensuring the dumplings are flavorful without being overly sweet.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the apples and the dough, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the dumplings with a warm, spicy aroma that complements the apples beautifully.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth and complexity to the spice blend, enhancing the overall taste.
  • 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough: Offers a convenient and buttery pastry base that encases the apples perfectly.
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted: Used to brush the dumplings, ensuring a golden, crispy finish once baked.

Pecan Streusel Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the streusel, providing structure and a slight crispness.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture, balancing the crunchy texture of the pecans.
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Introduces a delightful crunch and rich, nutty flavor that elevates the dumplings.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: When combined with the dry ingredients, it creates a crumbly texture essential for the streusel topping.

Instructions

Making the Pecan Streusel

Step 1: Combining Ingredients

Begin by preparing the pecan streusel topping, which adds a delightful crunch and rich flavor to your apple dumplings. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Stir thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of all ingredients.

Step 2: Achieving a Crumbly Texture

Next, incorporate the cold, cubed unsalted butter into the mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms large clumps. Evenly sprinkle the topping over the pear mixture. resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly texture is essential as it creates a perfect contrast to the soft, tender apples and the flaky pastry. Once achieved, set the streusel aside; it will be sprinkled generously over the assembled dumplings before baking.

Making the Apple Dumpling

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Pastry Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s adequately heated for baking. Meanwhile, unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface. Carefully separate the dough into individual squares, following the package instructions. These dough squares will serve as the pastry casing for the apples. Handle them gently to maintain their shape and integrity.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Prepare Pastry Squares

In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. This spice mixture infuses the dumplings with a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over each dough square, ensuring that every part of the pastry is lightly coated. This step enhances the flavor and adds a subtle sweetness to the crust.

Step 3: Assemble the Apple Dumplings

Carefully core each apple to remove the seeds and create a cavity for the pastry. Place a cored apple in the center of each dough square. Fold the corners of the dough over the apple, sealing them tightly to encase the fruit completely. Ensure that the seams are well-sealed to prevent the apple juices from leaking during baking, which could make the pastry soggy.

Step 4: Seal and Finish the Dumplings

Once the dumplings are assembled, brush the tops with melted butter. This step is crucial as it helps achieve a golden, crispy finish once baked. The butter adds a rich flavor and enhances the overall texture of the dumplings, making them irresistibly crunchy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

Step 5: Bake with Temperature Guidance

Place the assembled dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the apples are tender. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so monitor the dumplings towards the end of the baking period to achieve perfect doneness.

Recipe Title: Cracker Barrel Apple Dumpling Recipe

  • Prep Time: 40 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 Minutes
  • Course: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American
  • Servings: 4

Recipe Overview

Cuisine: American
Type: Dessert
Prep Time: 40 Minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings are a classic representation of American dessert cuisine. They merge the natural sweetness and tartness of fresh apples with the rich, buttery flavors of streusel and pastry. This recipe is perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday feasts, or simply as a comforting treat any time of year. The combination of tender apples, spiced sugar, and crunchy pecan streusel creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is both nostalgic and freshly delightful. Additionally, the simplicity of the recipe ensures that you prepare this beloved dessert without hassle, making it an excellent choice for both everyday indulgence and special occasions.

Ingredients (Detailed List)

Apple Dumpling Ingredients

  • 4 large apples (Granny Smith recommended for their tartness): The tartness of Granny Smith apples balances the sweetness of the dough and streusel, providing a well-rounded flavor.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness): This sugar sweetens the apples and caramelizes during baking, adding a rich, sweet glaze to the dumplings.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (adds warmth): Cinnamon is a classic spice that infuses the dumplings with a warm, comforting aroma, enhancing the overall flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for depth of flavor): Nutmeg adds a subtle, earthy spice that complements the cinnamon and elevates the taste profile.
  • 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (for the pastry): The crescent roll dough provides a flaky, buttery crust that encases the apples beautifully, ensuring a delightful texture contrast.
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing): Brushing the dumplings with melted butter ensures a golden-brown finish and adds a rich, buttery flavor to the pastry.

Pecan Streusel Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (base of streusel): Flour provides the structural foundation for the streusel, allowing it to hold together while maintaining a crumbly texture.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (for sweetness and moisture): Brown sugar adds depth of sweetness and retains moisture, preventing the streusel from becoming too dry.
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (adds crunch and flavor): Pecans introduce a delightful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the softness of the apples and the flakiness of the pastry.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (to create crumbly texture): Cold butter ensures that the streusel remains crumbly and doesn’t become greasy, providing the perfect topping texture.

Instructions (Detailed Steps)

Preparing the Glaze

While the dumplings bake, elevate their sweetness by preparing a simple glaze. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with a splash of fresh lemon juice until smooth. This glaze adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the rich flavors of the apple dumplings. Drizzle the glaze over the warm dumplings just before serving to add an extra layer of flavor and a visually appealing finish.

Serving Suggestions and Finishing Touches

To maximize the enjoyment of your Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings, serve them warm. The warmth enhances the flavors and keeps the pastry soft and tender. Top each dumpling with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold ice cream or whipped cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced apples and crispy pastry, creating a harmonious blend of temperatures and textures.

For an added touch of indulgence, sprinkle a bit of additional pecan streusel on top or drizzle with caramel sauce. These finishing touches enhance the flavor and make the presentation more appealing. Additionally, pairing the dumplings with a cup of hot coffee or spiced tea can make for a cozy and satisfying dessert experience.

Explore more dessert inspirations with our Blue Jam Garlic Aioli Recipe and Crab Brulee Recipe. These recipes offer unique flavor combinations that complement your apple dumplings or provide alternative options for your dessert repertoire.

Additional Recipes

If you love Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings, you’ll also enjoy these related recipes that offer a variety of flavors and textures:

Cracker Barrel Apple Dumpling freshly baked on a plate.
Warm and delicious Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings perfect for any dessert table.

These recipes not only complement your apple dumplings but also provide a diverse range of options for different tastes and occasions. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or unique, these additional recipes have you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Did Cracker Barrel discontinue apple dumplings?

As of my knowledge cutoff in April 2023, Cracker Barrel still offers apple dumplings on their menu. However, restaurant menus can change frequently. It’s always best to check directly with your local Cracker Barrel restaurant or visit their official website for the most current offerings.

Does Cracker Barrel sell apple dumplings?

Yes, Cracker Barrel is well-known for their delicious apple dumplings. These dumplings are a popular dessert choice among patrons and are often praised for their authentic taste and comforting flavors. They remain a staple dessert option at many Cracker Barrel locations.

What are Cracker Barrel dumplings made of?

Cracker Barrel dumplings are crafted with fresh apples wrapped in a buttery pastry dough. This combination creates a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors. Typically, the dumplings are topped with a sweet streusel or glaze, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture. The tender apples, flaky dough, and crunchy streusel make them a beloved dessert choice.

Do you eat apple dumplings cold or hot?

Apple dumplings are best enjoyed warm. The heat enhances the flavors and keeps the pastry soft and tender. Warm dumplings allow the spices to fully develop and the pastry to remain flaky. However, they can also be served cold if preferred, offering a different texture and a refreshing contrast to the rich filling.

Leave a Comment