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Best Easy Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings – Quick Homemade Dessert

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
  1. 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:
  1. 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:
  1. 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:
  1. Mix the granulated sugar and apple pie spice in a small bowl.
Stuff and Wrap the Apples:
  1. Place an apple in the center of each dough square.
  2. Fill the core of the apple with one piece of butter and 1 tablespoon of the sugar-spice mixture.
  3. 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:
  1. 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:
  1. 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:
  1. 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.

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