A Warm, Cozy, and Classic Homemade Dessert
Description
Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings are a nostalgic, comforting dessert made with whole apples wrapped in flaky pie crust and baked until tender. As they cook, they soak in a buttery cinnamon apple cider sauce that caramelizes beautifully. Each dumpling becomes a warm pocket of sweet, spiced apple goodness.
Introduction
This timeless dessert is beloved for its simple ingredients, rustic charm, and irresistible flavor. Apple dumplings were traditionally baked during fall harvest season, but they’re delicious any time of the year. Using just apples, spices, and pie crust, you can create a show-stopping dessert that looks impressive yet comes together easily. Serve these dumplings warm with ice cream for the ultimate comforting treat. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just enjoying a cozy evening, this dessert never disappoints.
Ingredients
For the Dumplings
6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
2 nine-inch pie crusts
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter
For the Sauce
2 cups apple cider
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Butter a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
2. Prepare the Pie Dough
Divide the pie crusts into six equal pieces.
Roll each portion into a roughly 7-inch square or circle—big enough to fully wrap an apple.
3. Fill the Apples
Place one peeled, cored apple in the center of each dough piece.
Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a small bowl.
Sprinkle some inside the hollow apple center and the rest around the base.
Add one tablespoon of butter into each apple opening.
4. Wrap the Dumplings
Fold the dough edges up over the apple and seal tightly.
Pinch seams well so they do not open during baking.
Place dumplings seam-side down into the baking pan.
5. Prepare the Sauce
In a saucepan, combine apple cider, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Cook over medium-high heat until gently boiling, stirring constantly.
Once the sugar dissolves, cook for 1 more minute.
Let the sauce cool for 5 minutes, then pour it evenly over the dumplings.
6. Bake
Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are soft.
Let the dumplings rest for 10 minutes before serving.
7. Serve
Spoon extra sauce from the pan over the dumplings.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle.
Variations
Caramel Apple Dumplings
Add a soft caramel candy or a spoonful of caramel sauce inside each apple before wrapping for a gooey caramel center.
Cinnamon Candy Dumplings
Place a few red cinnamon imperials (red hot candies) inside the apple center for a spicy-sweet retro twist.
Puff Pastry Shortcut
Swap regular pie dough for puff pastry sheets. They bake up extra flaky and golden.
Spiced Pear Dumplings
Replace apples with firm pears for a delicate, sweet variation with a slightly floral flavor.
Maple Apple Dumplings
Add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup to the filling for a rich, warm sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream—the heat melts the ice cream into a creamy caramel-like sauce.
Drizzle with extra cider sauce from the pan for more flavor.
Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving for a pretty presentation.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra warmth.
Enjoy for holidays, Sunday dinners, or cozy nights.
Storage Tips
Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and crisp again.
Freeze baked dumplings for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven before serving.
Avoid microwaving if possible—it softens the crust instead of keeping it flaky.
FAQ
Q: Do I have to use Granny Smith apples?
No, but they work best because their tartness balances the sweet sauce. Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Snapdragon also work well.
Q: Can I prepare the dumplings ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them and store covered in the fridge for several hours. Pour the sauce over and bake when ready.
Q: My apples are very large. Should I adjust anything?
If the apples are extra large, simply roll the dough a little thinner so it fully wraps around.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Apple Dumplings are the perfect mix of warm spices, tender fruit, and buttery crust. They deliver true homemade comfort with every bite. Whether you’re making them for a holiday meal or treating yourself to a cozy dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. If you’d like, I can also create a caramel sauce version, a mini-dumpling version, or a slow cooker version!