Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup vegan butter or solid coconut oil
- 6-8 tablespoons ice-cold water
For the Filling:
- 4-5 medium-sized apples (peeled, cored, and halved)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter (cut into small cubes)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the vegan butter or solid coconut oil using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, chopped nuts (if using), and lemon zest (if using).
- Take each apple half and fill the center with the sugar-spice mixture. Place a cube of vegan butter on top of each filled apple.
- Assemble the Dumplings:
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the dough into squares large enough to wrap each apple half completely.
- Place each filled apple half in the center of a dough square. Fold the dough around the apple and seal the edges, making sure the apple is fully covered. Place the wrapped dumplings seam side down in a baking dish.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, vegan butter, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium-high heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a simmer. Remove from heat.
- Bake:
- Pour the sauce over the apple dumplings in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until the dumplings are golden brown and the apples are tender. Baste the dumplings with the sauce occasionally while baking.
- Serve:
- Once done, remove the apple dumplings from the oven. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vegan ice cream or a drizzle of dairy-free caramel sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Recipe makes 8 servings):
Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients used:
- Calories: Around 400-450 calories per serving
- Total Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: Varies based on the type and amount of vegan butter or coconut oil used
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 55-60g
- Dietary Fiber: Around 5-7g
- Sugars: Varies, but around 30-35g (from the apples and sugar used)
- Protein: Approximately 3-5g
