Name: Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and halved); 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust (or homemade); 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into small pieces); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash); 3/4 cup water; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp unsalted butter

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If you’re searching for a nostalgic, indulgent dessert that fills the kitchen with the coziest aroma, Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings are pure comfort on a plate. Picture this: tart apples wrapped in flaky pastry, stuffed with brown sugar and spices, swimming in a golden vanilla syrup that bubbles up sweetly around each parcel. Whether you grew up eating them or are discovering them for the first time, Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings promise a bite of that sweet simplicity we all crave, especially when fall’s chill starts to settle in.

Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create truly memorable Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings, you only need a handful of humble ingredients, but each one earns its place. Every component brings its own magic to the mix, from the tart apples to the warm spices, all wrapped up in flaky pie dough and finished with a luscious buttery syrup.

Granny Smith apples (2 large, peeled, cored, and halved): Their tartness balances the sweetness and they hold their shape beautifully while baking.
Refrigerated pie crust (1 sheet, or homemade): For easy, flaky wrapping; if you have a favorite pie dough recipe, feel free to use it here.
Unsalted butter (¼ cup, cut into small pieces, plus 2 tbsp for syrup): Rich flavor that melts into the apples and fortifies the syrup.
Brown sugar (¼ cup): Enhances the apple filling with a deep caramel-like sweetness.
Cinnamon (1 tsp): The essential warming spice for any apple dessert, infusing every bite with cozy flavor.
Nutmeg (¼ tsp): Adds a hint of earthy spice that rounds out the sweetness.
Egg (1, beaten, for egg wash): Gives the pastry a beautiful, shiny golden finish in the oven.
Water (¾ cup, for syrup): Forms the base of the syrup that bubbles up around the dumplings.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup, for syrup): Sweetens the syrup so it caramelizes perfectly as it bakes.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp, for syrup): Lends a gentle aromatic finish to the sauce.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples and Dough

Start by peeling, coring, and cutting your Granny Smith apples in half. This is where the magic begins — you want nice, even halves so they bake up tender yet still retain their shape. Roll out your pie crust gently on a floured surface and then trim it into four even squares. These will be your pastry blankets, ready to tuck around the apples.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This is the sweet-spicy sprinkle that will fill each apple’s hollow core. It might look simple now, but as the dumplings bake, this mix will melt into the apples, creating irresistible flavor pockets in every bite.

Step 3: Assemble the Dumplings

Place each apple half, cut-side down, onto one square of dough. Spoon some of the brown sugar-spice mixture into the center of each apple, then tuck in a few pieces of butter. Wrap the pastry over and around the apple half, pinching the edges to completely seal it. Place each dumpling seam-side down in your lightly greased baking dish, giving them a little room to puff and expand.

Step 4: Add the Egg Wash

Brush the tops of the wrapped dumplings with beaten egg. This step might seem small, but it’s how you achieve that gorgeous golden color and slight sheen on your finished pastries — the finishing touch that makes them utterly irresistible straight from the oven.

Step 5: Prepare the Vanilla Syrup

While your dumplings rest, combine water, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and two tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer and stir just until the sugar dissolves. This syrup is the luscious bath that cooks and glazes the dumplings, making them sticky and sweet all over.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour your warm syrup around (not over) the dumplings in the baking dish. Slide the whole thing into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. Watch for the pastry to turn beautifully golden and crisp while the apples inside turn soft and fragrant. As soon as the tops are golden and the kitchen smells like heaven, they’re ready to serve warm, with that rich syrup spooned over for extra love.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings

Garnishes

The classic pairing for Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings is a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. As the cold creaminess mingles with the hot syrup and tender apple, you get a glorious mess of melty, sweet perfection. If you want a little crunch, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts is extra special.

Side Dishes

While these dumplings can absolutely shine on their own, a handful of tart fresh berries or some sliced cheddar cheese on the side bring even more complexity to the plate. The contrast of fruity, milky, or tangy sides elevates the dessert and adds a bit of color.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice each dumpling in half and arrange the pieces on a small platter, drizzling syrup and adding your garnish of choice. Or turn your Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings into a rustic “a la mode” bar, with bowls of toppings — caramel, pecans, whipped cream, and fresh berries — and let everyone create their perfect bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container to preserve the pastry’s tenderness and prevent the syrup from evaporating or absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

To freeze, allow your dumplings to cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so they stay moist and delicious.

Reheating

Warm your Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings in a 325°F oven, covered loosely with foil for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For a quicker fix, you can microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, though the pastry will be softer. Spoon over any extra syrup before serving to keep everything as luscious as when first baked.

FAQs

Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?

Absolutely! Puff pastry results in an even flakier, lighter crust, giving your Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings a lovely, crispy texture that soaks up the syrup just as well.

What are the best apples to use?

Granny Smith apples are classic for their tart bite and firm texture, but Fuji or Honeycrisp apples also work brilliantly. Just avoid apples that get too soft, like Red Delicious, as they can turn mushy during baking.

Can I make Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings ahead of time?

You can assemble the dumplings a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge before baking. For best results, add the syrup just before they go in the oven so the pastry stays crisp.

How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?

Sealing the edges well and pouring syrup around (not over) the dumplings helps preserve that flaky crust. If your oven runs cold, an extra five minutes of baking may help, too!

Is there a dairy-free version?

Sure! Use plant-based butter in place of regular butter and choose a vegan-friendly pie crust or make your own. The end result is every bit as mouthwatering as the original Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about baking up a batch of Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings — the way the warm spices and syrupy apples fill your home with the scent of comfort and joy. Take the time to make these from scratch, and you’ll quickly see why they remain a cherished favorite. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love to join in, and make dessert memories you’ll both treasure!

Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe

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4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings are a classic dessert featuring tender, spiced apples wrapped in flaky pastry and baked to golden perfection. Served warm with a drizzle of sweet syrup, these comforting treats are perfect for fall or anytime you crave a delicious, homestyle dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dumplings:

2 large Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and halved)
1 sheet refrigerated pie crust (or homemade)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

For the Syrup:

3/4 cup water
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp unsalted butter

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish. Roll out pie crust and cut into squares.
Prepare Apples: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Place apple halves on dough squares, fill with sugar mix and butter. Wrap dough around apples, seal edges, and place in dish.
Brush and Make Syrup: Brush dumplings with egg wash. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, vanilla, and butter. Simmer until sugar dissolves.
Bake: Pour syrup around dumplings, bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and apples are tender. Serve with syrup spooned over.