Grilled Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Dumplings

Introduction

These Grilled Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Dumplings bring a beloved rustic dessert to your backyard fire with rich caramelized flavors and a cinnamon-sugar finish. Cooked entirely on the Arteflame grill, these dumplings combine sweet apples, flaky pastry, and warm spices finished with a crisp grilled crust. It’s an indulgent campfire-style treat that captures the heart of Dutch country tradition—all without needing an oven.

Ingredients

• 4 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
• 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 egg, beaten (for pastry wash)
• Granulated sugar (for dusting)
• Cinnamon-sugar mixture (for garnish)
• Optional: caramel sauce for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a few tablespoons of vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them in the fire bowl of your Arteflame grill.
2. Build a stack of firewood on top of the soaked napkins.
3. Light the napkins and let the wood catch. The grill will be hot and ready for cooking in about 20 minutes. The heat zones will be hotter near the center and cooler toward the edge of the flat cooktop.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Fill the center of each cored apple with the sugar-spice mixture.
3. Top each apple's center with 1 tbsp of unsalted butter.

Step 3: Wrap the Apples

1. Cut each puff pastry sheet into two squares.
2. Place a filled apple in the center of each square.
3. Fold the pastry around the apple to enclose it, pinching seams to seal.
4. Brush each wrapped apple with butter, then the beaten egg for golden browning.
5. Sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar.

Step 4: Grill the Dumplings

1. On the flat cooktop of the Arteflame, place the apple dumplings near the mid-zone (not too close to the center) to achieve a steady medium-high heat.
2. Use a small piece of parchment underneath each dumpling if desired, just for easier handling.
3. Grill for about 15–18 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly.
4. The pastry should puff and become golden brown while the sugar caramelizes slightly on the surface.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from grill and drizzle with caramel sauce (optional).
2. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar for extra warmth and texture.
3. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips

• Place the dumplings closer to the outer edge at first if you’re concerned about overheating the pastry too quickly.
• Brush occasionally with melted butter to promote even browning and extra flavor.
• Use parchment paper to make flipping easier and reduce direct sticking.
• Don’t overstuff with sugar as it may leak during grilling—moderation is key.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts inside for a crunchy interior surprise.

Variations

1. Maple Glazed Dumplings: Use maple syrup in the filling and brush outside with maple-butter mixture for a caramelized, sweet crust.
2. Pear & Ginger Dumplings: Swap apples for firm Bartlett pears and add a pinch of ground ginger to the filling for a spiced twist.
3. Cheddar Apple Dumplings: Add a thin slice of sharp cheddar inside each apple for a savory-sweet contrast inspired by classic apple pie pairings.
4. Spiced Rum Dumplings: Macerate apples in dark spiced rum and sugar for 20 minutes before assembly for a bold adult variation.
5. Berry-Stuffed Dumplings: Mix a few fresh raspberries or blackberries inside the apple’s core along with the sugar for juicy, fruity complexity.

Conclusion

These Pennsylvania Dutch-style Grilled Apple Dumplings come to life on the Arteflame grill, delivering caramelized, rustic brilliance with every bite. With no need for pots, pans, or ovens, you can grill the full recipe start to finish over fire, creating a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Best pairings

• Vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream
• Hot apple cider or mulled wine
• Smoked pork chops or grilled sausage for a savory-sweet meal
• Fresh green salad with toasted pecans