The Most Scrumptious Apple Dumplings Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Crisp autumn mornings inspire delightful apple dumplings that dance between comfort and pure culinary magic.

Warm spices wrap around tender fruit nestled in buttery pastry.

My grandmother’s cherished recipe whispers sweet memories of kitchen gatherings.

Fragrant cinnamon and soft dough create a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Flaky layers envelop juicy apples with a promise of pure delight.

Baking these treats fills your home with irresistible aromas that beckon everyone to the table.

FAQs About Apple Dumplings

• What kind of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet pastry.

• Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dumplings up to a day in advance. Assemble them in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best texture.

• Is it necessary to use crescent roll dough?

While crescent roll dough is convenient, you can substitute with pie crust or puff pastry for a similar result. Just ensure the dough is rolled thin and can easily wrap around the apple slices.

Why Apple Dumplings Are a Classic Comfort Dessert

• Capture Comfort: Dive into a heartwarming dessert that wraps sweet apples in tender crescent dough, creating a nostalgic treat reminiscent of grandma's kitchen.
• Simplify Baking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to impress at potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers with its irresistible combination of warm spices and golden-brown pastry.
• Versatile Indulgence: Enjoy as a delightful dessert or breakfast pastry, paired with vanilla ice cream or enjoyed solo for a sweet moment of pure bliss.

Ingredients for Apple Dumplings

• Apples: Sweet and crisp fruit perfect for creating delicious dumplings.

• Crescent Roll Dough: Soft, flaky pastry that wraps around the apple slices for a tender exterior.

• Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides delightful caramelized sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, rich aromatic undertones to the dessert.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth coating that helps develop golden brown color.
• Orange Juice: Adds moisture and subtle citrusy brightness to the baking process.

• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the apple's natural sweetness and adds depth to the dessert.

How to Make Apple Dumplings Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), getting it ready for some baking magic.

Step 2: Slice and Unroll

• Carefully slice each apple into 8 perfect wedges
• Gently unroll the crescent roll dough
• Separate the dough into individual triangles

Step 3: Wrap Apple Treasures

Lovingly wrap each apple slice with a dough triangle, starting from the wider end and rolling towards the pointed tip. Make sure each apple is snugly tucked in its pastry blanket.

Step 4: Arrange in Baking Dish

Place the wrapped apple bundles into a 9×13 inch baking dish, giving them a little breathing room.

Step 5: Create Decadent Sauce

• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract

Pour this luxurious mixture generously over the apple dumplings.

Step 6: Sprinkle Sweet Topping

Evenly scatter brown sugar across the top of the dumplings, creating a sparkling sweet layer.

Step 7: Add Citrusy Moisture

Carefully pour orange juice around the edges of the baking pan, adding a bright splash of flavor.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown color and tender, soft apples.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out the dumplings and serve them warm. For an extra indulgent treat, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Pro Tips for Delicious Apple Dumplings

• Select firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor retention.
• Use refrigerated crescent roll dough at room temperature to prevent tearing while wrapping apples.
• Brush additional butter on top of dumplings for extra golden and crispy exterior during baking.
• Drizzle caramel sauce or sprinkle chopped nuts over warm dumplings for added decadence and crunch.
• Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container and reheat in oven to maintain crispy texture.

Variations to Try With Apple Dumplings

• Nutty Caramel Apple Dumplings: Add chopped pecans or walnuts between apple and dough, drizzle with rich caramel sauce before baking.
• Maple Cinnamon Apple Dumplings: Replace sugar with maple syrup, increase cinnamon quantity, sprinkle extra ground nutmeg on top for warm spice profile.
• Berry Fusion Apple Dumplings: Mix fresh raspberries or blueberries with apple slices inside crescent roll, add cream cheese for creamy texture.
• Bourbon Glazed Apple Dumplings: Incorporate bourbon into butter mixture, garnish with toasted almonds, serve with bourbon-infused whipped cream for adult version.

Pairing Suggestions for Apple Dumplings

• Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm apple dumplings, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures that elevates the dessert's richness.
• Complement with Caramel Drizzle: Smooth, golden caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and depth, enhancing the apple's natural flavors and the buttery crescent roll exterior.
• Match with Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: A hot, aromatic coffee with a hint of cinnamon perfectly balances the sweet, warm apple dumplings, offering a cozy and comforting flavor experience.
• Serve with Chai Tea: Spicy, warming chai tea with its blend of cardamom, ginger, and cloves provides a complementary flavor profile that harmonizes wonderfully with the cinnamon and apple notes.

Storing Apple Dumplings Properly

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep in the coolest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual dumplings tightly in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Warm in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy edges and warm center. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Ensure dumplings are heated completely through before serving.

Apple Dumplings Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible apple dumplings dance with warmth and nostalgia, bringing classic American comfort straight to your kitchen. Buttery pastry hugs sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, promising delightful moments of pure culinary bliss you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large Granny Smith apples
• 1 can crescent roll dough

Sweeteners and Sugars:

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• Sugar for sprinkling

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C), creating an ideal baking environment for the dumplings.
2. Carefully slice each apple into eight uniform wedges, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
3. Gently unroll the crescent roll dough, separating each triangular section with precision.
4. Encase each apple slice within a dough triangle, starting from the broader end and rolling towards the point.
5. Arrange the wrapped apple parcels neatly in a 9×13 inch baking dish, positioning them with care.
6. Craft a luxurious sauce by blending melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a small mixing bowl.
7. Generously drizzle the prepared sauce over the dumplings, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Distribute brown sugar evenly across the top, creating a caramelized finishing layer.
9. Delicately pour orange juice around the pan’s perimeter, adding moisture and depth to the dish.
10. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the dumplings transform into a golden-brown delight and the apples become tender.
11. Serve immediately while warm, optionally accompanied by a scoop of creamy ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent experience.

Notes

• Swap crescent roll dough with gluten-free options like almond flour pastry for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Choose firmer apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold shape better during baking and provide balanced tartness.
• Pre-cook apple slices briefly in butter and cinnamon to ensure they’re tender without becoming mushy during the final baking process.
• Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or cutting sugar quantities by 25% for a lighter dessert option without compromising flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 434 kcal
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 292 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 59 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg