Sticky Maple Apple Dumpling Turnovers

Long associated with American farmhouse baking, apple dumplings seal fruit in pastry until sticky and tender. These maple turnovers fold tart apples with pure maple syrup and warm spice into flaky crusts for a handheld spin on the classic.

Serves 4 · 25 min prep · 22 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 410 cal
• 5g protein
• 58g carbs
• 19g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 1 package (2 crusts) refrigerated pie crusts
• 3 medium tart apples
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 tbsp light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp coarse sugar
• 1 pinch of salt

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and crisp bottoms.
2. 2Peel and finely dice the apples so they cook through quickly inside the pastry without making it soggy.
3. 3In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it foams, then add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
4. 4Cook the apple mixture 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the fruit softens and releases juices that look syrupy.
5. 5Sprinkle in the cornstarch and stir constantly for 1 minute until the filling thickens and coats the apples; remove from heat and stir in half the maple syrup.
6. 6Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and cut each into two large rounds or squares, re-rolling scraps if needed for even pieces.
7. 7Spoon cooled apple filling onto one half of each pastry piece, leaving a clear border so the edges seal cleanly.
8. 8Fold the pastry over the filling to form turnovers, press the edges firmly with a fork to crimp, and transfer to the prepared sheet.
9. 9Whisk the egg with a splash of water, then brush the tops of the turnovers thoroughly so they brown evenly.
10. 10Cut two small steam vents in each top, drizzle the remaining maple syrup over the surfaces, and sprinkle with coarse sugar for crunch.
11. 11Bake 18 to 22 minutes until the pastry is deep golden, puffed, and the maple glaze is sticky and caramelized at the edges.
12. 12Cool on the sheet 5 minutes so the filling sets slightly, then serve warm while the crust shatters and the spiced apples steam.