When I think of cozy autumn afternoons, warm apple dumplings always come to mind. This fall favorite combines tender apples, flaky pastry, and sweet syrup for a dessert that’s always a hit. In this article, I’ll show you how to make apple dumplings that are perfect for any occasion.
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Apple Dumplings Recipe
Apple dumplings are classic comfort food desserts. They consist of whole or halved apples wrapped in pastry dough and baked in a sweet syrup until golden and bubbling.
The heart of apple dumplings is their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients—apples, dough, butter, sugar, and cinnamon—they capture the essence of autumn. They’re the perfect dessert to make when apples are in season.
The dumplings can be served with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, whipped cream, or a drizzle of heavy cream. You can enjoy these desserts alongside a cup of hot coffee, spiced chai tea, or warm apple cider. For brunch, they complement scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or sausage links. You can even enjoy them with sharp cheddar cheese, for a sweet-savory twist.
These dumplings are a comforting dessert after a hearty meal like roast chicken or pork chops, or as a special treat at a fall gathering. Here’s how to make the apple dumplings:
Apple Dumplings
Nutrition
Ingredients
For the dumplings
- 2 large Granny Smith apples peeled and halved, cored,
- 1 sheet pie dough or puff pastry
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter cut into 4 cubes
- 4 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
For the sauce
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 or 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Halve and core the apples. Place a cube of butter and 1 tsp brown sugar in the center of each half. Sprinkle cinnamon over each half.
- Cut the pie dough into 4 squares. Place each apple half, cut side down, on a square. Bring the corners up and press the seams to seal. Crimp or fold gently at the top. If using whole apples, use larger dough squares to wrap fully.
- Brush with egg wash and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter, sugar, water, and vanilla. Stir until sugar dissolves. Pour around (not over) the dumplings in the pan.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and puffy.
- Cool slightly before serving. Best with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Notes
- Puff pastry gives a lighter, flakier texture. Pie dough is more traditional and rustic.
- Assemble dumplings (without sauce) up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate. Add sauce and bake fresh.
- Use extra pastry to cut leaf shapes for decoration.
- Add a splash of apple cider to the sauce or a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Apple Dumplings Variations
From this basic recipe, you can create other versions of these apple dumplings. Here’s how:
- Crescent Roll Dumplings use refrigerated crescent roll dough to wrap apple slices, then bake them in a buttery cinnamon syrup. This shortcut makes assembly quick and delivers a flaky, golden crust every time.
- Mountain Dew Dumplings include a splash of lemon-lime soda (like Mountain Dew or Sprite) poured over the dumplings before baking. The soda interacts with the butter and sugar to create an extra-rich, caramelized sauce that’s uniquely delicious.
- Spiced Apple Dumplings add extra spices such as nutmeg, allspice, or cloves to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a more complex, warming flavor profile. This version is perfect for those who love deep autumn spice.
- Apple Nutty Dumplings incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans, either mixed with the apple filling or sprinkled on top, for an added crunch and a nutty aroma.
- Pear Dumplings substitute ripe pears for apples for a sweeter, softer variation that still highlights the cozy flavors of fall.
- Caramel Additions add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the dumplings before baking or after serving.
- Savory Versions reduce the sugar and add a pinch of salt, fresh herbs like thyme, or a tangy cheese inside the dumpling. This playful approach makes them suitable as a side dish or appetizer.
Apple dumplings bring together the warmth and nostalgia of fall in every bite. Whatever versions you choose, these dumplings are sure to wow your friends and family.