Last Updated on July 16, 2023
Cracker Barrel Apple Dumpling is a classic dessert. This dish is perfect for any family gathering or special occasion. It’s easy to make and can be customized with different types of apples and nuts for an even more delicious treat. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this dish is sure to please everyone.
In this article, we will go over the ingredients needed, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to make Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings. We’ll also include some tips and nutrition information so you can enjoy this classic dessert guilt-free!
So grab your apron and get ready to bake up something special – it’s time to make Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings!
What is Cracker Barrel Apple Dumpling?
Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings is a famous dish from the Cracker Barrel old country store. It features classic ingredients like puff pastry, apples, and a delicious streusel topping. The combination of these ingredients creates an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
This time-tested recipe has been around since the 1970s and is still as popular as ever. So whether you’re having a family gathering or just want to treat yourself, Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings is the perfect way to do it.
What does it taste like?
Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings combine sweet and tart flavors for a delicious treat. The flaky puff pastry is light and buttery, while the tart apples provide a contrast in flavor.
The pecan streusel topping adds crunchy texture and nutty goodness to the mix. This dessert is not overly sweet but still satisfying enough to satisfy any sweet tooth.
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How did I first get introduced to the Cracker Barrel Apple Dumpling?
I first heard of the Cracker Barrel Apple Dumpling on a family vacation. We stopped at the Cracker Barrel store for dinner, and I spotted the sign advertising apple dumplings that were made in-house.
I was intrigued by the idea and decided to give it a try. After taking one bite, I knew this would be a dessert I would make for years to come.
How to make Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings?
Making Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings is easy and doesn’t require much time or effort. Here are the ingredients & step-by-step guidelines for this:
Ingredients
- Frozen puff pastry: This forms the base of the apple dumpling.
- Dry breadcrumbs: This helps absorb any excess moisture that can occur during baking.
- Confectioners’ sugar: This adds a hint of sweetness to the dish.
- Ground nutmeg: A pinch of ground nutmeg gives the dish an aromatic, warm flavor.
- White sugar: This helps to sweeten the apples for the filling.
- Granny Smith apples (peeled and halved): Granny Smith apples are perfect for this dish as they remain firm during baking and do not become mushy.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a classic flavor to the dish.
- Egg (beaten): A beaten egg helps bind the pastry together and gives it a golden color when baked.
- Milk: Milk helps to make the dough more pliable.
- Ground cinnamon: This adds a touch of spice to the dish.
For The Pecan Streusel
- Toasted pecans (chopped): Toasted pecans give a crunchy and flavorful topping to the dessert.
- Butter (melted): Butter adds flavor and helps bind the streusel together.
- All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour binds the ingredients in the streusel together, creating a crunchy topping.
- Brown sugar (packed): Brown sugar adds sweetness and flavor to the streusel.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2
Unroll puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface and cut it into 8 equal squares.
Step 3
In a medium bowl, mix together the dry breadcrumbs, confectioners’ sugar, nutmeg, and white sugar. Set aside.
Step 4
Peel and halve 4 apples. Place an apple half in the center of each pastry square. Sprinkle each apple with the dry breadcrumb mixture.
Step 5
In a small bowl, combine the vanilla extract, egg, and milk. Brush each pastry square with this mixture using a pastry brush.
Step 6
Fold up the four corners of each pastry square to meet in the center above the apple. Press down firmly to seal the pastry together. Sprinkle each apple dumpling with ground cinnamon.
Step 7
In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, melted butter, all-purpose flour, and brown sugar until they form a streusel topping.
Step 8
Sprinkle the streusel topping over the top of each apple dumpling.
Step 9
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Tips
• For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of melted butter to the dry breadcrumb mixture.
• Substitute granny smith apples with other types of apples such as honey crisp or pink lady.
• If desired, you can swap out the pecans for almonds or walnuts in the streusel topping.
• To make the dish vegan, substitute the egg and milk with a plant-based alternative such as almond or soy milk.
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 parchment paper or cooking spray
- 1 rolling pin
Ingredients
- 1 package Frozen puff pastry, (17 1/2 oz)
- 3⁄8 cup Dry breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Confectioners’ sugar
- 1 pinch Ground nutmeg
- White sugar, 1 cup
- Granny smith apples (peeled and halved), 4
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
- Egg (beaten), 1
- Milk, 3 tablespoons
- The ground cinnamon, 3 tablespoons
For The Pecan Streusel
- Toasted pecans (chopped), 2⁄3 cup
- Butter (melted), 5 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour, 2⁄3 cup
- Brown sugar (packed), 2⁄3 cup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Unroll puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface and cut it into 8 equal squares.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the dry breadcrumbs, confectioners’ sugar, nutmeg, and white sugar. Set aside.
- Peel and halve 4 apples. Place an apple half in the center of each pastry square. Sprinkle each apple with the dry breadcrumb mixture.
- In a small bowl, combine the vanilla extract, egg, and milk. Brush each pastry square with this mixture using a pastry brush.
- Fold up the four corners of each pastry square to meet in the center above the apple. Press down firmly to seal the pastry together. Sprinkle each apple dumpling with ground cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, melted butter, all-purpose flour, and brown sugar until they form a streusel topping.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping over the top of each apple dumpling.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of melted butter to the dry breadcrumb mixture.
- Substitute granny smith apples with other types of apples such as honey crisp or pink lady.
- If desired, you can swap out the pecans for almonds or walnuts in the streusel topping.
- To make the dish vegan, substitute the egg and milk with a plant-based alternative such as almond or soy milk.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
- Total fat: 11 g
- Saturated fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Total carbohydrates 28 g
- Dietary fiber 3 g
- Protein 3 g
What to serve with Cracker Barrel Apple Dumpling?
Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings are a great dessert to serve on any occasion. It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, and/or caramel sauce.
You can also serve this dish with sides such as fresh fruit salad or an indulgent hot fudge sundae. The possibilities are endless! No matter what you decide to serve it with, you can be sure it will be a hit with everyone.
How to store leftover Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings?
You can store leftover Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To store, place the dumplings in a shallow dish or container and cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
Store in the refrigerator until ready to eat. When ready to reheat, remove from the container and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings. However, it is important to note that this dish contains raw eggs which may contain harmful bacteria.
To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, be sure to cook the dumplings thoroughly before eating. Pregnant women should also avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products such as milk and cream as these can also contain bacteria.
FAQs
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings ahead of time. To do so, simply follow the instructions above to assemble the dumplings then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake as directed.
Is this a healthy dish?
This dish isn’t necessarily considered to be healthy food, as it does contain some high-fat ingredients such as butter and cream.
However, the apples in the dumplings are a great source of dietary fiber as well as other vitamins and minerals. Eating these dumplings in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.
Can I substitute the ingredients?
Yes, you can experiment with different ingredients to customize this recipe to your taste. You can swap out the apples for other types of fruit such as pears or peaches, and you can also use different nuts in the streusel topping instead of pecans.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings vegan, you can substitute the egg and milk with plant-based alternatives such as almond or soy milk. Additionally, use a vegan butter to replace the regular butter in the recipe.
Wrapping Up
Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings are the perfect dessert to make for any occasion. Not only is it delicious and sweet, but it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
Whether you enjoy it as-is or experiment with different ingredients, this dish will be a hit! Be sure to store any remaining leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them within 3 days.
Thank you for reading! We hope you enjoyed learning about Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings. Share your own recipes and tips in the comments below!
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more
