Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe
If you’ve never experienced the cozy joy of Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings, you’re in for a treat that feels like a warm hug straight from grandma’s kitchen. Imagine tender apples lovingly wrapped in flaky pastry, baked in a buttery brown sugar sauce until golden and bubbling. This classic dessert brings together the best parts of apple pie and self-saucing pudding, with just enough spice to make your kitchen smell heavenly. Whether you’re after a comforting fall sweet or simply want to impress with an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings deliver pure nostalgia and unbeatable flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings rely on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a starring role, from crisp apples to warming spices. Every item on this list contributes to the irresistible flavor, texture, or aroma that makes this dessert such a classic.
- Granny Smith apples (2 large, peeled and cored): Their tartness balances the sweetness and holds up beautifully when baked.
- Puff pastry (1 sheet) or refrigerated pie crust (2 crusts): For that golden, flaky exterior that wraps the apples in buttery layers.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Creates the rich, silky sauce and adds richness to every bite.
- Brown sugar (¾ cup): Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with apples and spice.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Essential for that classic, warm flavor and irresistible aroma.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth and cozy note to the filling.
- Water (1 cup): Helps create the luscious sauce that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Infuses the sauce with a sweet, fragrant finish.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to balance sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
- Optional: extra cinnamon sugar for sprinkling: For a little extra sparkle and crunch on top.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings
Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Pastry
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and core the Granny Smith apples, then cut each one in half so you have four apple halves ready to go. Roll out your sheet of puff pastry or pie crust and cut it into four equal squares. This gives you the perfect base for each dumpling and ensures every bite is wrapped in delicious, flaky dough.
Step 2: Fill the Apples with Spiced Sugar
In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of brown sugar with the cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix them together until well blended. Place each apple half in the center of a pastry square, then spoon a generous amount of the spiced sugar mixture into the hollowed-out center of each apple. This filling melts as the dumplings bake, creating a gooey, fragrant core.
Step 3: Wrap and Seal the Dumplings
Fold the corners of the pastry up and over each apple half, pinching the dough at the top to seal it completely. Don’t worry if they look rustic; the charm of Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings is in their homemade appeal. Carefully transfer the wrapped dumplings to a greased baking dish, making sure they’re snug but not crowded.
Step 4: Make the Buttery Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the remaining ½ cup brown sugar, water, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce turns glossy and aromatic. This sauce is what will keep your dumplings tender and infuse them with even more flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the warm sauce evenly over the dumplings in the baking dish, making sure each one gets a good drenching. If desired, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top for sparkle. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, basting the dumplings occasionally with the bubbling sauce. They’re ready when the pastry is golden and the sauce is thick and syrupy. Let them cool slightly before serving so the sauce can cling to every bite.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings
Garnishes
These dumplings are heavenly as is, but a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of thick heavy cream on top takes them right over the edge. For extra flair, try a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar. Each garnish adds a new layer of texture and flavor that makes Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings truly irresistible.
Side Dishes
Balance out the sweetness of your dumplings with something light and fresh, like a crisp green salad or a platter of sliced fresh fruit. If you’re serving these for a special occasion, a mug of hot spiced cider or strong coffee pairs perfectly with the rich, buttery flavors of the dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a showstopping presentation, serve each Old-Fashioned Apple Dumpling in a shallow bowl with a generous ladle of sauce. You can also bake them in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. For gatherings, place them on a platter surrounded by cinnamon sticks and apple slices for a festive look that’s as inviting as the aroma in your kitchen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings (lucky you!), simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days, and the flavors often meld and deepen overnight.
Freezing
These dumplings freeze surprisingly well! Let them cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for a sweet treat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place your Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave them for 30 to 60 seconds, but the oven will help revive that bakery-fresh texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are the classic choice for their tartness and baking quality, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even Pink Lady apples for a sweeter twist. Just choose a firm apple that won’t turn mushy in the oven.
Can I make Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dumplings and store them, unbaked and covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Pour the sauce over right before baking so the pastry stays crisp and flaky.
What can I use instead of puff pastry or pie crust?
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own dough from scratch, or use crescent dough for a softer, more pillowy dumpling. The recipe is adaptable to whatever you have on hand!
How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
Make sure to seal the pastry well around each apple and avoid overfilling with sauce before baking. Basting occasionally helps the tops get that irresistible golden finish without soaking the pastry.
Are Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian, as it uses butter and pastry without any meat or animal-based gelatin. Just be sure to check your pie crust or puff pastry ingredients if you’re serving strict vegetarians.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings with loved ones, especially when the kitchen fills with the scent of cinnamon, butter, and baking apples. Whether it’s your first time making them or you’re reviving a cherished family tradition, this recipe guarantees comfort and delight in every forkful. Give it a try and let these golden dumplings work their old-fashioned magic at your table!
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Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings are a nostalgic dessert featuring tender apple halves wrapped in flaky puff pastry or pie crust, baked to golden perfection and smothered in a warm, cinnamon-spiced buttery sauce. This classic American treat is perfect for cozy fall evenings and pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or cream.
Ingredients
For the Dumplings
- 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
- 1 sheet puff pastry or 1 package refrigerated pie crust (2 crusts)
For the Filling
- ¾ cup brown sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional
- Extra cinnamon sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Apples: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and core the apples, then cut each apple in half, creating 4 halves in total.
- Cut Dough: Roll out the pie crust or puff pastry and cut into 4 equal squares to wrap each apple half.
- Prepare Filling and Stuff Apples: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of the brown sugar with the ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Spoon some of this sugar-spice mixture into the hollow center of each apple half.
- Wrap Apples: Place one apple half in the center of each dough square. Fold the corners of the dough over the apples and pinch to seal, forming individual dumplings.
- Arrange Dumplings: Place the wrapped dumplings in a greased baking dish, ensuring they have some space between them.
- Make Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the remaining ½ cup brown sugar, water, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Pour Sauce and Bake: Pour the warm buttery sauce evenly over the dumplings. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, basting occasionally with the sauce, until the dumplings turn golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar and serve warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream or heavy cream.
Notes
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream for extra indulgence.
- For a sweeter flavor, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples make excellent substitutes for Granny Smith.
- For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans inside the apple centers before wrapping in dough.
- If using pie crust instead of puff pastry, the texture will be slightly more crumbly but still delicious.
- Make sure to seal the dough corners tightly to prevent the sauce from leaking during baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dumpling
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
