The Machine Shed Apple Dumplings

June 18, 2020

The Machine Shed Restaurant opened its first location in 1978 in the outskirts of Davenport. It had just 100 seats but was founded on a powerful commitment — a dedication to the American farmer. The five-word constitution, “Dedicated to the American Farmer,” meant owners and employees worked hard to create a restaurant that wasn’t just farm themed, but something farmers could be proud of.

Today, the Machine Shed Restaurant has six locations across Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Its menu is chef driven, farm fresh fare, inspired by the seasons and made from scratch, daily.

In this video, the chefs at the Urbandale location will take you into the kitchen to learn how to make their famous apple dumplings at home. This sweet treat is sure to be a family favorite for summertime celebrations!

Apple Dumpling Recipe

Pastry Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup lard
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 cup ice water

Apple Dumpling

Apple Dumpling recipe | Photo courtesy of the Machine Shed Restaurant.

Syrup Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Filling Ingredients

  • 6 peeled and cored apples
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon butter

Pastry Directions

Mix flour and salt and cut in shortening and lard. Add 1 tablespoon of water at a time, mixing until all flour is moistened. Form into a ball. Roll pastry into a 1/8-inch thick 12x18 rectangle.

Syrup Directions

Mix all the ingredients and boil for at least three minutes.

Filling Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place a prepared apple on each of the pastry squares. Fill cavity with the cinnamon-sugar mixture and dot with butter. Bring the corners of the pastry up, moisten them with water and overlap to seal. Lift apple and place it in a baking dish.

Pour boiling syrup over the dumplings.

Bake for approximately 40 minutes.

About the Virtual Learning Series

Tune into the Iowa Food & Family Project’s new learning series to be virtually transported across the state for behind-the-scenes farm and restaurant tours, mealtime tips, cooking demonstrations and family-friendly activity ideas.

We’re sharing a new video every Thursday at noon CDT throughout April, May and June. You can access the videos on our Facebook, Instagram or YouTube channels.

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