Apple dumplings are a delightful dessert that captures the comforting essence of baked apples, warm spices, and flaky pastry. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy fall evening, a holiday gathering, or simply craving something indulgent, apple dumplings are a go-to recipe that never disappoints. This recipe combines tender apples, buttery pastry, cinnamon-sugar filling, and a luscious syrup that caramelizes during baking.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Comforting and nostalgic – Apple dumplings bring back memories of family dinners and holidays. They taste just like Grandma’s kitchen.
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Simple ingredients – Most of the ingredients are pantry staples and fresh apples.
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Perfect for all occasions – Whether it’s a weekday treat or a festive dessert, this recipe fits all settings.
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Versatile – You can customize the filling, syrup, or even make them ahead of time.
Ingredients List
For the Dumplings:
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2 large Granny Smith apples (or other tart, firm apples)
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1 sheet of puff pastry or homemade pie dough
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¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
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¼ cup light brown sugar
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For the Syrup:
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup water
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
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Vanilla ice cream
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Caramel sauce
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Whipped cream
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
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Cook Time: 35 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour
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Servings: 4 dumplings
Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Dumplings
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
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Peel and core the apples.
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Cut each apple in half from top to bottom.
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Remove any remaining seeds or core fragments.
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Set aside while preparing the pastry and filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
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In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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Cut the butter into small pieces (about ½ teaspoon each).
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This mixture will be spooned into the apple cavity.
Step 3: Roll the Dough
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Roll out the puff pastry or homemade dough into a large rectangle.
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Cut into four equal squares.
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Place each apple half cut-side-down on a square of dough.
Step 4: Fill and Wrap
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Spoon some of the cinnamon-sugar mixture into the apple center.
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Add a piece of butter on top.
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Fold the dough up and over the apple, pinching the corners to seal.
Step 5: Arrange in Baking Dish
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Place the wrapped dumplings in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, seam side down.
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Leave some space between each dumpling to allow even baking.
Step 6: Make the Syrup
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In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and butter.
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Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
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Stir in vanilla extract.
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Pour the hot syrup over the dumplings in the baking dish.
Step 7: Bake
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the dumplings are golden brown and the syrup is bubbling.
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Let cool slightly before serving.
Best Apples for Dumplings
Tart and firm apples hold up best to baking. Here are a few options:
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Granny Smith (most recommended)
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Honeycrisp
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Braeburn
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Jonathan or Jonagold
Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious, which tend to become mushy.
Serving Suggestions
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Classic: Serve warm dumplings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Caramel twist: Drizzle caramel sauce on top for added richness.
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Holiday feel: Sprinkle with crushed nuts and cinnamon.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make-Ahead
You can assemble the dumplings a few hours ahead and refrigerate them covered. Just pour the syrup over right before baking.
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Wrap baked dumplings in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Reheating Instructions
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Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
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Microwave: Heat each dumpling individually for 1–2 minutes.
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Stovetop syrup refresh: Add a splash of water to the syrup when reheating to thin it slightly.
Variations to Try
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Pecan-stuffed apples – Add chopped pecans with the brown sugar.
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Cream cheese twist – Add a dollop of sweetened cream cheese inside the apple cavity.
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Spiced rum syrup – Replace a portion of water with spiced rum for a holiday version.
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Crescent roll dumplings – Use refrigerated crescent rolls for a shortcut.
Tips for Perfect Dumplings
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Don’t overstuff the apples, or the filling may leak out during baking.
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Make sure the dough seals tightly around the apple to trap the steam and juices.
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Use chilled dough to make wrapping easier and prevent tearing.
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Pour hot syrup over dumplings, not cold—it helps caramelize the crust during baking.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie dough?
Yes! Store-bought pie dough or puff pastry both work great for apple dumplings.
What if I don’t have whole apples?
You can use sliced apples and wrap small bundles in the dough instead, similar to turnovers.
Can I reduce the sugar in the syrup?
Yes. You can cut the syrup sugar to ¾ cup or even ½ cup for a lighter version, though the syrup will be thinner.
How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Use a glass or ceramic baking dish and bake uncovered so the bottoms caramelize properly.
Are apple dumplings gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free pastry dough. The filling and syrup can easily be made gluten-free.
Can I use different fruits?
Yes! Pears, peaches, or even plums can work, but they have different baking times and may require adjustments.
Conclusion
Apple dumplings are a timeless, comforting dessert that combines simple ingredients with rich flavor and texture. Whether you serve them with ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, or enjoy them plain and warm, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With this detailed guide, you have everything you need to make the perfect apple dumplings from scratch—every time.