Apple Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Dumplings are incredibly satisfying and simple to make with pantry staples. The combination of buttery pastry, spiced apples, and a rich syrup creates a nostalgic, cozy dessert that feels both rustic and indulgent. Perfect for fall baking, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a homemade dessert that fills your kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Apples (peeled and cored, typically Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• Refrigerated or homemade pie crust or crescent roll dough
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg (optional)
• Vanilla extract
• Water
• Optional: chopped nuts or raisins for filling
• Optional: egg wash (egg + milk) for brushing the tops

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Peel and core the apples, then cut them in halves or quarters, depending on the size of your dough.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into squares large enough to wrap each apple piece.
4. In a small bowl, mix cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle some of this mixture over each apple piece and place a small cube of butter in the hollow center.
5. Wrap the dough around each apple piece and pinch to seal. Place seam-side down in the prepared dish.
6. In a saucepan, combine the remaining butter, water, sugars, and vanilla. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Pour the syrup over and around the dumplings.
7. Brush the tops with egg wash if desired for extra golden color.
8. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the syrup is bubbly.
9. Let cool slightly and serve warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6–8 apple dumplings, depending on the size of the apples.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Maple Apple Dumplings: Substitute some or all of the sugar in the syrup with maple syrup for added depth.
• Spiced Rum Sauce: Add a splash of spiced rum to the syrup mixture for a grown-up twist.
• Cheddar Crust: Use a sharp cheddar pie crust for a sweet-savory flavor combo.
• Nutty Filling: Add chopped pecans or walnuts inside each apple piece.
• Caramel Apple Dumplings: Place a soft caramel candy inside each apple for a gooey center.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pastry dough for a wheat-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds until warmed through.
You can also freeze baked dumplings for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.

FAQs

What apples work best for dumplings?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are ideal because they hold their shape and offer great flavor.

Can I use crescent roll dough?

Yes, crescent roll dough works wonderfully and makes this recipe even quicker.

Is the syrup poured over or into the dumplings?

The syrup is poured around the dumplings to keep the bottoms moist and create a caramel-like sauce.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them a few hours in advance and bake when ready.

Can I use puff pastry?

Yes, puff pastry gives a flaky texture but may brown faster—watch closely while baking.

Do I need to precook the apples?

No, they soften perfectly during baking inside the pastry.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes, just adjust the ingredients accordingly and use a smaller baking dish.

What can I serve them with?

They pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, reduce the sugar slightly in the syrup or filling, but keep enough to balance the tartness of the apples.

How do I keep the dough from getting soggy?

Make sure to bake uncovered and evenly space the dumplings to allow air circulation and browning.

Conclusion

Apple Dumplings are a timeless, heartwarming dessert that turns simple ingredients into something truly special. With flaky pastry, soft spiced apples, and a buttery caramel sauce, these dumplings are perfect for cozy evenings, fall baking, or sharing with loved ones. Easy to prepare and always a hit, they’re a must-have recipe for anyone who loves the flavors of homemade apple pie in a comforting, individual portion.

Apple Dumplings

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Apple Dumplings are a cozy, classic dessert featuring tender apples wrapped in buttery pastry and baked in a warm cinnamon-sugar syrup. Perfectly golden and gooey, they’re ideal for fall baking or holiday desserts.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6–8 apple dumplings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2–3 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and cored
• 1 package refrigerated pie crust or crescent roll dough
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided (some for filling, some for syrup)
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: chopped nuts or raisins (for filling)
• Optional: 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Peel and core the apples, then cut them into halves or quarters depending on dough size.
3. Roll out dough and cut into squares large enough to wrap each apple piece.
4. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Place each apple piece on a dough square. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mix and add a small cube of butter into the hollow center.
6. Add optional nuts or raisins, if using. Wrap the dough around the apple and seal edges. Place seam-side down in the baking dish.
7. In a saucepan, combine water, remaining butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Heat and stir until sugar is dissolved and syrup is smooth.
8. Pour syrup around (not over) the dumplings in the dish.
9. Brush tops with egg wash if desired.
10. Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, until the pastry is golden and syrup is bubbling.
11. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

• Granny Smith apples add tartness that balances the sweetness.
• Assemble a few hours in advance and bake when ready.
• Crescent dough or puff pastry can be used for a flakier crust.
• Add a caramel candy inside for an extra gooey center.
• Freezes well—cool completely before freezing.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 dumpling
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg