The Best Apple Dumplings Recipe

Introduction

Apple dumplings are a classic comfort dessert featuring tender apples wrapped in flaky pastry and baked with a sweet, spiced sauce. This recipe shows you how to make the perfect apple dumplings from scratch, ideal for cozy gatherings or a special treat at home.

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples
• 6 teaspoons unsalted butter
• 6 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• For the pastry:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour plus extra ½ cup for rolling
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¾ cup solid shortening, chilled (such as Crisco)
• ½ cup whole milk
• For the sauce:
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• For the egg wash:
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Step 1: To prepare the pastry, combine the flour, salt, and chilled shortening in a medium bowl. Use a pastry blender or two forks to cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse meal with a few larger pieces remaining.
2. Step 2: Gradually add the milk, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until combined. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently form it into a ball. Cut the dough into 6 equal portions, shape into disks, and refrigerate until ready to roll.
3. Step 3: For the sauce, mix sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Peel, core, and prepare apples for wrapping.
5. Step 5: Roll out one dough disk on a floured surface into a 6-inch circle or square. Place one apple in the center, add 1 tablespoon butter in the apple’s core, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the sugar-cinnamon mix.
6. Step 6: Wrap the dough around the apple, sealing completely, and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Repeat with all apples.
7. Step 7: Whisk together egg and water for the egg wash. Brush each dumpling thoroughly to achieve a golden crust.
8. Step 8: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the dumplings. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. Step 9: Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Cut a thin slice off the apple bottoms so they stand upright in the dough for easier wrapping.
• Peel your apples or leave the skin on for more texture, depending on preference.
• Use store-bought refrigerated pie crust to save time without sacrificing flavor.
• Don’t overbake; overcooked apples will become mushy and leak juices.
• Ensure all apple cores and seeds are fully removed using an apple corer and a small sharp knife.
• Substitute pears for apples using firm varieties like cooking pears or sand pears, peeled.
• Keep shortening chilled in the refrigerator for easier pie dough preparation.
• Peel and core apples just before assembling to prevent browning.

Storage

Store leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes for crisp pastry or microwave briefly, though this may soften the crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make apple dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dumplings and assemble them, then refrigerate covered until ready to bake. Bake them fresh for best texture.

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Jonagold hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the sauce perfectly.

The Best Apple Dumplings Recipe

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This classic Apple Dumplings recipe features tender apples wrapped in a flaky homemade pastry, baked to golden perfection and topped with a rich cinnamon-spiced sauce. Perfect as a cozy dessert, these dumplings combine the sweetness of apples and sugar with a buttery crust and a delicious sauce, ideal for serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apples and Filling

• 6 medium apples
• 6 teaspoons unsalted butter
• 6 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

Pastry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour plus ½ cup for dusting
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¾ cup chilled solid shortening (such as Crisco)
• ½ cup whole milk

Sauce Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Egg Wash

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Make the Pastry: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, and chilled shortening. Use a pastry blender or two forks to cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse meal with a few larger pieces remaining. Slowly add milk a little at a time, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until combined. Turn dough onto a floured surface, gently form into a ball, divide into six equal pieces, and shape each into a round disk. Chill the disks in the refrigerator until ready to roll out.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter. Stir and bring to a boil, continuing to cook for a few minutes until the butter melts and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Assemble the Dumplings: Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Peel, core, and prepare the apples, cutting a thin slice from the bottom if desired so they sit flat. Roll out one pastry disk on a floured surface into a 6-inch circle or square. Place one apple in the center, insert one tablespoon of butter into the apple’s core hole, and sprinkle one teaspoon of the sugar and cinnamon mixture over the apple.
4. Wrap the Apples: Gather the edges of the dough up around each apple and pinch or mold to seal it completely. Place each wrapped apple in a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Repeat with remaining apples and dough.
5. Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat together the egg and water. Brush the egg wash evenly over the tops of all the wrapped apples to achieve a golden, shiny crust during baking.
6. Bake the Dumplings: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over and around the dumplings in the baking dish. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.
7. Serve: Allow the dumplings to cool slightly before serving. Top each dumpling with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

Notes

• Leftover apple dumplings can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
• Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes or in the microwave for a minute or two; reheating in the microwave will result in a softer pastry.
• To help the apples stand upright, slice a thin piece off the bottom before wrapping in pastry.
• You may leave apple peels on if preferred, though peeling is traditional.
• To save time, use refrigerated pie crust instead of making pastry from scratch.
• Avoid overbaking to prevent apples from turning to applesauce and leaking from the crust.
• Ensure all seeds and core are fully removed from apples for the best texture and taste.
• Firm cooking pears can be used as a substitute for apples; peel and prepare similarly.
• Keep shortening refrigerated to maintain freshness and optimal texture for pastry making.
• Peel and core apples just before assembly to prevent browning.

Keywords: apple dumplings, classic dessert, homemade pastry, baked apples, cinnamon sauce, comfort food, fall dessert