Apple dumplings have a way of instantly transporting me to cooler autumn days, when the smell of cinnamon and butter wafts through the kitchen, and a cozy, freshly baked treat is just what you need to end the day right.
These dumplings aren’t just your average apple dessert—they’re simple to prepare but deliver big on flavor. There’s something magical about wrapping crisp apples in a buttery, flaky crust, baking them until golden, and watching them slowly bubble in a spiced syrup.
What sets this apple dumpling recipe apart is the way the apples soften into a tender filling, while the crust gets perfectly crisp, soaking up just the right amount of syrup.
Plus, it’s one of those desserts that looks impressive but doesn’t take hours to prepare, making it a hit for busy home bakers.
Why I Love This Recipe
- A foolproof favorite: I’ve made these for years, and they come out perfectly every single time—no need for fancy techniques.
- Quick to assemble: These are done in under an hour, from prep to plate, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert.
- Comfort food vibes: The warm spices and buttery crust make these apple dumplings feel like a hug on a chilly day.
- Versatile: You can switch up the apples or spices based on what’s in season, making it a recipe for any time of year.
- Crowd-pleaser: My family goes wild for these, and I love that they always ask for seconds!
Apple Dumplings Recipe
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Peeler
- Rolling Pin
- Small Bowl
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
- 6 medium baking apples such as honeycrisp or granny smith
- Pie dough for a 9-inch double-crust pie homemade or store bought
For the filling:
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into 6 equal pieces
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
For the sauce:
- 1 cup unfiltered apple juice or apple cider
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup lightly packed light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Peel and core the apples. To stop browning, place them in cold water with lemon juice.
- Roll out the pie dough into a large rectangle (21×14 inches) and cut into 6 equal pieces (7×7 inches). For store-bought dough, simply divide into 6 pieces.
- Mix the sugar and apple pie spice in a small bowl.
- Place an apple in the center of each dough piece. Fill the core with butter and spiced sugar, then fold the dough around the apple and seal it. Place in the baking dish.
- In a saucepan, bring the sauce ingredients to a boil, stirring often. Pour the hot sauce over the apples and sprinkle any leftover sugar on top.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes until golden and the apples are tender. Let cool slightly and serve warm with sauce.