Trisha Yearwood, a renowned country music star, has also made a significant mark in the world of Southern cooking. Beyond her Grammy-winning performances, Yearwood has brought her family’s recipes into the kitchens of millions through her cookbooks and the Food Network show, “Trisha’s Southern Kitchen.” Among her array of comforting and hearty dishes, her apple dumplings stand out as a quintessential Southern dessert, embodying the warmth and generosity of Southern hospitality.

This recipe, simple in its ingredients and preparation, offers a taste of home. Wrapped in soft buttermilk biscuits, the tartness of Granny Smith apples is beautifully balanced with a sweet, cinnamon-infused sauce, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and irresistibly delicious. It’s a testament to Yearwood’s ability to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary, making her apple dumplings a favorite among fans and home cooks alike.

The Recipe’s Origin and Popularity

The apple dumplings recipe is a cherished inclusion in Trisha Yearwood’s cookbook, “Home Cooking with Trisha Yearwood,” which showcases a collection of family recipes passed down through generations. This particular recipe holds a special place in the book, reflecting Yearwood’s Georgia roots and her family’s tradition of gathering around delicious, homemade meals.

Since its publication, the recipe has gained a following not just among those who appreciate Southern cooking but also among Yearwood’s music fans, who are eager to bring a piece of her home into theirs. Its popularity has surged on social media, with countless fans and food bloggers sharing their own takes on the recipe, further cementing its status as a beloved Southern classic. The apple dumplings have become synonymous with comfort food, embodying the essence of Southern hospitality and the warmth of family gatherings.

Ingredients Breakdown

To create Trisha Yearwood’s apple dumplings, you’ll need:

2 Granny Smith apples: Chosen for their tartness and firm texture, these apples hold up well during baking and offer a perfect contrast to the sweet sauce.
1 lemon: The lemon juice prevents the apple slices from browning and adds a subtle brightness to the dish.
1 cup sugar: Essential for creating the rich, caramel-like sauce that envelops the dumplings.
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor of the dessert.
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla adds warmth and complexity to the sauce.
8 canned buttermilk biscuits: The convenience of canned biscuits simplifies the recipe, providing a soft and fluffy wrapping for the apple slices.
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Cinnamon introduces a spicy warmth, complementing the apples and sugar beautifully.

Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in the recipe, from the tartness of the apples to the richness of the butter and the warmth of the cinnamon, coming together to create a dessert that’s both simple and profoundly satisfying.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Creating Trisha Yearwood’s apple dumplings is a delightful process that fills the kitchen with the comforting aromas of cinnamon and baked apples. Here’s how to bring this Southern classic to your table:

Preparing the Apples

Start with the Apples: Choose 2 firm Granny Smith apples for their tartness and ability to hold up during baking. Peel, core, and slice each apple into 8 equal pieces. This ensures that each dumpling has a consistent amount of apple.
Lemon Bath: Squeeze the juice of one lemon into a bowl of water. Soak the apple slices in the lemon water to prevent them from browning and to add a slight zesty flavor that complements the sweetness of the dumplings.

Making the Sugar Mixture

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix 1 cup of water, 3/4 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter, and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This combination will create a rich, caramel-like sauce that’s integral to the dumplings’ flavor.
Heat: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture is boiling, remove it from the heat. The sauce should be smooth and golden.

Wrapping the Apples in Biscuits

Prepare Biscuits: Open a can of buttermilk biscuits and separate each biscuit into two layers. This thin layer of dough will wrap around the apple slices more easily.
Wrap: Place an apple slice on one layer of biscuit dough. Stretch the dough slightly to wrap it around the apple, overlapping the edges and sealing them at the bottom. This ensures the apple is fully encased in the dough.
Arrange: Place the wrapped apples, seal side down, in a 9×13 inch baking dish. This arrangement allows the dumplings to be evenly coated with the sugar mixture.

Baking Instructions

Preheat Oven: Ensure your oven is preheated to 375°F (190°C) for even baking.
Pour and Sprinkle: Pour the hot sugar mixture over the arranged apple dumplings in the baking dish. Then, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar with 4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and sprinkle this mixture over the dumplings. The cinnamon sugar will create a beautifully spiced crust as they bake.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. The dough should be cooked through, and the apples should be tender.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Apple Dumplings

Best Apples for Dumplings

While Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firmness, other varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn can also be used. These alternatives still provide a good balance of sweetness and acidity, ensuring the dumplings are flavorful.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overstuffing the Dough: Avoid the temptation to overfill the biscuit dough with apple slices. Too much filling can cause the dumplings to open during baking, leading to a mess. Stick to one slice per piece of dough for the best results.
Not Sealing the Dough Properly: Ensure the edges of the biscuit dough are well-sealed around the apple slice. Any gaps can allow the sauce to seep in, making the dumplings soggy.
Uneven Baking: To ensure even baking, arrange the dumplings in a single layer with some space between each. This allows the heat to circulate properly, ensuring each dumpling is perfectly golden brown.

Following these steps and tips will help you create delicious apple dumplings that are sure to impress, embodying the warmth and comfort of Southern cooking.

Variations of the Recipe

Trisha Yearwood’s apple dumplings are wonderfully adaptable, allowing for various dietary preferences and ingredient substitutions. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan canned biscuits available in most health food stores. To make this recipe gluten-free, opt for gluten-free biscuit dough, which is becoming increasingly available, and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free certified to avoid cross-contamination.

Experimenting with different fillings can also add a unique twist to the recipe. Consider adding a small spoonful of pecan pieces or a sprinkle of raisins inside each dumpling before wrapping for added texture and flavor. These simple adjustments ensure everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Trisha Yearwood’s apple dumplings are a versatile dessert that pairs beautifully with a range of accompaniments. For a classic Southern experience, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing it to melt into the dumplings for a creamy contrast. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also elevate the dish, adding a luxurious finish.

Presentation Tips: Serve the dumplings in a beautiful dish, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. For a festive occasion, individual serving plates with a dumpling and a mint leaf can make each guest feel special.

FAQs

Can the dumplings be made ahead of time? Yes, the dumplings can be prepared a day in advance. Assemble and store them in the refrigerator overnight. Before serving, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.
Are there any shortcuts for busy cooks? For those short on time, prepping the apples and making the sugar mixture ahead can save time. Additionally, using pre-made biscuit dough is a significant time-saver without compromising the taste.
How to store and reheat leftovers? Leftover apple dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps retain the texture and flavor of the dumplings better than microwaving.