Unbelievable Apple Dumpling Strawberry Shortcake in 1 Hour

Okay, so, apple dumplings and strawberry shortcake… sounds kinda wild, right? But trust me, it *works*. It’s like summer and cozy autumn had a baby, and that baby is the most delicious, comforting dessert ever. I’m Lisa Raymond, and I’m all about unfussy meals that bring joy to the kitchen. This **apple dumpling strawberry shortcake** is exactly that – a fun, easy twist on two classics that’s guaranteed to become a new favorite. So, let’s get ready to make some magic!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Dumpling Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Seriously, this **apple dumpling strawberry shortcake** is a winner! Here’s why you’re gonna be obsessed:

• It’s SO easy! Seriously, if I can do it, you can do it.
• Two desserts in one? Genius! You get the cozy apple dumpling vibe AND the fresh strawberry shortcake deliciousness.
• Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a regular ol’ Tuesday. I mean, why not?
• Your house will smell AMAZING. Cinnamon and baked apples…need I say more?
• It’s a total crowd-pleaser. Watch everyone’s eyes light up, it’s the best!

Ingredients for Your Apple Dumpling Strawberry Shortcake

Alright, gather ’round, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing too crazy here, just good ol’ basics to make this magic happen. You’ll need:

• 6 medium apples. I usually go for Granny Smiths ’cause I love that tartness, but Honeycrisp or even Fuji work great too. Just peel ’em and core ’em!
• 1 cup all-purpose flour. You probably already have this in your pantry!
• 1 cup granulated sugar. For that perfect sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder. Gotta get that rise!
• ½ teaspoon salt. Just a pinch to balance it all out.
• ½ cup milk. Any kind works.
• ¼ cup melted butter. Unsalted is my go-to, but salted works in a pinch – just maybe ease up on the added salt!
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The good stuff, if you got it!
• 2 cups sliced strawberries. Fresh is best, but if it’s the dead of winter, frozen (thawed, of course!) will do.
• 1 cup whipped cream. Store-bought is totally fine, promise! Or, if you’re feeling fancy, whip it up yourself!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Apple Dumpling Strawberry Shortcake

Okay, folks, let’s get baking! Don’t worry, it’s way easier than it sounds. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be munching on **apple dumpling strawberry shortcake** in no time!

1. First things first: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important! You don’t want a sad, undercooked shortcake, now do ya?
2. Grab a bowl – any bowl will do, really! – and mix together your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk it or stir it, just make sure it’s all combined.
3. Now, add in the milk, melted butter (careful, it’s hot!), and vanilla extract. Mix it all up until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! Lumps are okay, we aren’t going for perfection here.
4. Pour that batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. If you don’t have one, whatever similar size you have will work just fine. I usually just spray mine with cooking spray, easy peasy.
5. Arrange those apple slices over the batter. Get creative! Make rows, spirals, whatever your heart desires. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top if you’re feeling fancy (I usually am!).
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and those apples are soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Basically, golden and gorgeous!
7. Let it cool slightly. I know, the hardest part, right? But trust me, you want it to set a little before you add the strawberries.
8. Finally! Top with sliced strawberries and a big dollop of whipped cream. And that’s it! Prepare for everyone to sing your praises!

Tips for the Best Apple Dumpling Strawberry Shortcake

Want to take your **apple dumpling strawberry shortcake** from “yum” to “OMG!”? Here are a few of my secret weapons:

• Don’t skimp on the apples! Seriously, pile ’em high. They shrink down a bit while baking, so more is definitely more.
• Melted butter is key for that perfect texture. But make sure it’s not *too* hot, or it’ll cook the eggs in the batter (yikes!). Let it cool for a sec.
• Want a little extra somethin’ somethin’? Toss the strawberries with a tablespoon of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice before piling them on top. It brings out their natural sweetness!
• Serving it warm is a *must*, in my humble opinion. The warmth really brings out the flavors, ya know?
• If you’re an apple crumble fan (and who isn’t?!), you can totally add a crumble topping to this recipe for extra texture. Hop over here for my favorite recipe! You won’t regret it.

Variations on Apple Dumpling Strawberry Shortcake

Okay, so, you’ve mastered the original **apple dumpling strawberry shortcake**? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little wild and try some fun variations. Here are a couple ideas to get you started:

• **Berry Blast:** Not feeling strawberries? No problem! Use a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a super summery twist.
• **Spice It Up:** Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor. My favorite part is how it makes the house smell!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Apple Dumpling Strawberry Shortcake

Want to get ahead of the game? I get it! Here’s the lowdown on making this **apple dumpling strawberry shortcake** in advance and storing any leftovers (if there *are* any!).

• **Make-Ahead:** You can totally bake the apple dumpling part a day ahead! Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Then, right before serving, add the fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Easy peasy!
• **Storing Leftovers:** If you happen to have any leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The shortcake might get a little soggy, but it’ll still taste amazing. I swear!
• **Reheating:** Honestly, I prefer eating it cold straight from the fridge! But if you *must* reheat, a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick. Just maybe skip the whipped cream until after. Though, I won’t judge if you don’t!

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Dumpling Strawberry Shortcake

Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few things folks often wonder about this **apple dumpling strawberry shortcake** masterpiece:

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yup, absolutely! If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, frozen ones work just fine. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess juice before you slice them up for on top. Nobody wants a soggy shortcake! For an even deeper dive, check out my classic strawberry shortcake recipe for more tips about using frozen strawberries.

What kind of apples are best for apple dumpling strawberry shortcake?

Honestly, it’s all about personal preference! I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even Gala apples work great too. Just choose your favorite baking apple, you know? Have you tried my apple cake recipe? Many of the apple varieties that work well there are great for this dessert too!

Can I make apple dumpling strawberry shortcake ahead of time?

You betcha! You can bake the “apple dumpling” part (the cake and apples) up to a day in advance. Let it cool completely, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Then, just add the sliced strawberries and whipped cream right before serving. It makes life so much easier, doesn’t it?

Is this apple dumpling strawberry shortcake recipe easy to customize?

Oh, totally! That’s what I love about it! Feel free to experiment with different fruits, spices, or toppings. Get creative and make it your own, ya know? That’s the best part of home cooking!

Nutritional Information for Apple Dumpling Strawberry Shortcake

Okay, so just a heads up: the nutrition info is just an estimate, okay? It can vary based on the brands and ingredients you use. Just keep that in mind!

Enjoy Your Apple Dumpling Strawberry Shortcake

Alright, that’s it! You’ve officially conquered the **apple dumpling strawberry shortcake**! I really hope you love it as much as my family does. I love hearing from you, so please, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And if you’re feeling extra generous, give the recipe a rating! Don’t forget to share it with your friends on social media! Want to know more about me? Thanks for trying my recipe, happy baking!

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