Vegan Apple Dumplings Recipe

Apples: The star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and a juicy texture.

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, giving structure to the dumplings.

Coconut oil: A vegan alternative to butter, adding a subtle flavor and flaky texture.

Cold water: Helps bind the dough together, ensuring it rolls out smoothly.

Brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the filling.

Cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy note that complements the apples.

Nutmeg: Adds a hint of warmth and complexity to the filling.

Apple cider: Enhances the apple flavor and adds moisture to the dish.

When working with coconut oil in the dough, make sure it is solid and not melted. This will help create a flaky texture similar to traditional pastry dough. If your kitchen is warm, you can chill the coconut oil in the refrigerator for a few minutes before using it. Additionally, handle the dough as little as possible to prevent the coconut oil from melting, which can result in a tougher crust.

• Apples - Substitute with pears: Pears have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a great alternative in dumplings.

• All-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients while maintaining a similar texture.

• Solid coconut oil - Substitute with vegan butter: Vegan butter provides a similar fat content and texture, making it a good replacement for coconut oil.

• Cold water - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can add a slight nutty flavor and additional creaminess to the dough.

• Brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and provides a similar sweetness and caramel-like flavor.

• Cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices like ginger and cloves, adding a more complex flavor.

• Nutmeg - Substitute with allspice: Allspice has a similar warm and slightly sweet flavor, making it a good substitute for nutmeg.

• Apple cider - Substitute with pear juice: Pear juice has a similar sweetness and acidity, making it a suitable alternative for apple cider.

• Allow the apple dumplings to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the pastry soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the dumplings in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer them warm, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

• For longer storage, refrigerate the apple dumplings in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.

• To freeze the dumplings, first, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once frozen, transfer the apple dumplings to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the dumplings in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the pastry is crisp.

• For an extra touch, brush the dumplings with a bit of melted coconut oil before reheating to enhance their golden-brown color and add a touch of richness.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover apple dumplings in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the dough from drying out. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes or until the dumplings are warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the dough.

• Microwave Method: Place the apple dumplings on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a microwave-safe cover or a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heated evenly. This method is quick but may result in a slightly softer dough.

• Stovetop Method: If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can reheat the apple dumplings on the stovetop. Place them in a skillet over low heat and cover with a lid. Add a splash of apple cider or water to create steam, which will help reheat the dumplings without drying them out. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even warming.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the apple dumplings in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through. This method helps to retain the crispiness of the dough while reheating the apple filling thoroughly.

• Oven: Used for baking the apple dumplings to a golden brown perfection.

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the flour and coconut oil to create a crumbly mixture.

• Rolling pin: Helps in rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.

• Knife: Useful for peeling and coring the apples, as well as cutting the dough into squares.

• Baking dish: Holds the wrapped apples and allows them to bake evenly in the oven.

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like flour, coconut oil, and apple cider.

• Measuring spoons: Used for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like cinnamon and nutmeg.

• Pastry brush: Optional, but can be used to brush any remaining apple cider over the dumplings before baking.

• Spatula: Helps in transferring the dough squares and wrapped apples without tearing the dough.

• Peeler: Makes peeling the apples quick and easy.

• Apple corer: Simplifies the process of removing the core from the apples.

Prepare the filling: Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in advance and store in an airtight container.

Pre-make the dough: Prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it. This way, you only need to roll it out when ready.

Use a melon baller: Quickly core the apples using a melon baller to save time and ensure uniformity.

Preheat the oven: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the ingredients to save time.

Measure ingredients beforehand: Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before starting the recipe.