An apple dumpling is a classic dessert typically made by wrapping a whole or sliced apple in pastry dough, which is then baked until the apple is tender and the pastry is golden brown. The apple is usually sweetened and spiced with ingredients like sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes nutmeg or cloves before being encased in the dough. The pastry can be made from various types of dough, such as pie dough or biscuit dough.

Once the apple dumplings are baked, they are often served hot with a sweet sauce, such as caramel or vanilla sauce, and sometimes topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. The combination of the warm, tender apple and the flaky, buttery pastry is a delightful contrast in textures and flavors, making apple dumplings a favorite comfort food dessert in many regions, particularly in the United States.

There are many variations of apple dumplings, with different recipes and techniques, but the core idea remains the same: encasing apples in pastry and baking them to create a delicious dessert.

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