Description

Nothing says comfort like Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings. This timeless dessert wraps tender, spiced apples in buttery pie dough, then bakes them in a rich apple cider sauce. The result? A golden, flaky treat with warm, gooey apples inside and a caramel-like sauce you’ll want to pour over everything. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or a cozy night in, this recipe is simple enough for beginners and satisfying for everyone.

Ingredients

For the Dumplings:

Medium baking apples such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith (6)
Pie dough for a 9-inch double-crust pie (homemade or store-bought)

For the Filling:

Unsalted butter, cut into 6 equal pieces (3 tablespoons)
Granulated sugar (6 tablespoons)
Apple pie spice (1 teaspoon)

For the Sauce:

- Unfiltered apple juice or apple cider (1 cup)
- Lightly packed light brown sugar (3/4 cup)
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup)

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Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Peel and Core the Apples:
Peel the apples and remove the cores, ensuring they remain whole. To prevent browning, place the prepared apples in a bowl of cold water with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Roll Out the Dough:
If using homemade pie dough, roll it into a large rectangle approximately 21×14 inches and cut it into six equal pieces (7×7 inches each). For store-bought dough, unroll it and divide into six sections.
Prepare the Filling:
Mix the granulated sugar and apple pie spice in a small bowl.
Stuff and Wrap the Apples:
- Place an apple in the center of each dough square.
- Fill the core of the apple with one piece of butter and 1 tablespoon of the sugar-spice mixture.
- Bring the corners of the dough up and over the apple, pinching the edges together to seal completely. Place the wrapped apples in the greased baking dish.
Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine the apple juice or cider, brown sugar, and butter. Heat over medium, whisking frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Remove from heat and pour evenly over the dumplings.
Bake the Dumplings:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and a knife easily pierces the apples.
Serve Warm:
Let the dumplings cool slightly before serving. Drizzle the sauce from the dish over each dumpling, and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.

Notes

Choosing Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice balance to the sweet filling, while Honeycrisp offers a slightly sweeter option.
Extra Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the sauce for even more fall flavor.
Make Ahead: Assemble the dumplings and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before baking.
Storage: Leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American