Apple dumplings are like little bundles of joy filled with sweet, spiced apples wrapped in soft dough. They’re super warm and comforting, perfect for any time of year!
My favorite part is how the apples get so soft and tasty while baking. Honestly, who can resist a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top? They smell amazing, and I love serving them with a scoop of ice cream. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: For apple dumplings, I recommend tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They balance sweetness well. If you prefer sweeter dumplings, Fuji or Gala apples can work, but watch the sugar amount.
Pie Crusts: Store-bought pie crust saves time, but you can make your own if you’re feeling adventurous! A simple butter pie crust can add a personal touch. Using puff pastry is another fun option for flakiness.
Sugar: Feel free to reduce the sugar if you want a less sweet dessert. Coconut sugar or maple sugar are great alternatives too, adding a slight twist to the flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness. However, you can use margarine or a non-dairy spread if you want to keep it dairy-free.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth to the dish. If you don’t have nutmeg, skip it and use a touch more cinnamon. You can experiment with pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor.
How Do You Wrap the Apples Without Making a Mess?
Wrapping the apples in dough may seem tricky, but it’s pretty straightforward! Make sure you have enough dough around each apple quarter to close it up without tearing.
- After cutting the pie crusts, place an apple quarter in the center.
- Sprinkle with the sugar mixture and place butter on top.
- Carefully gather the corners of the dough and pinch together at the seams, sealing well to prevent leaks while baking.
Don’t worry if they’re not perfect! As they bake, they’ll puff up beautifully, and any imperfections will become hidden.
How to Make Delicious Apple Dumplings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dumplings:
- 4 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup apple juice (or apple cider)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For Serving:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes for prep and roughly 1 hour of baking time, making a total of about 1 hour and 15-20 minutes. It’s a great dessert to make when you want something comforting yet easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking while the dumplings bake.
2. Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and quarter the apples. This will give you nice, easy-to-wrap pieces for your dumplings. Set them aside for the later steps.
3. Prepare the Pie Crusts
Unroll the pie crusts on a clean surface and cut each crust into 4 equal squares. You should have 8 squares total, perfect for wrapping up the apple quarters!
4. Mix the Sugar and Spices
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). This will be your delicious filling!
5. Assemble the Dumplings
Place one apple quarter in the center of each pastry square. Sprinkle 1 to 2 teaspoons of the sugar-cinnamon mixture over the apple and top with a small piece of butter. Gather the corners of the square and pinch them together to seal the apple inside.
6. Place in Baking Dish
Carefully place each wrapped apple seam-side down in your greased baking dish. This way, they’ll hold together beautifully as they bake!
7. Make the Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, apple juice, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Bring this mixture to a boil, making sure to stir it to fully dissolve the sugar.
8. Pour the Syrup
Once your syrup is bubbling, pour it evenly over the dumplings in the baking dish. This will help create a delicious sauce as they bake!
9. Bake the Dumplings
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the dumplings are golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
10. Optional Sauce Thickening
If you want a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the hot baking liquid and cook until thickened. This step is optional, but it makes the sauce extra luscious!
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, spoon the dumplings and syrup into serving bowls while they’re warm. For an even sweeter treat, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your delightful apple dumplings!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can also use Fuji or Gala apples for a sweeter version. Just remember that tart apples balance the sugar nicely!
Can I Prepare These Dumplings in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the dumplings ahead of time and store them in the fridge before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap. When ready, pour the syrup over them and follow the baking instructions.
How Should I Store Leftover Dumplings?
Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them for a quick option.
Can I Freeze Apple Dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked dumplings! Assemble them, then freeze without the syrup on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
