Apple dumplings are sweet little pockets that wrap juicy apples in a soft, buttery dough. Topped with a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon, they smell heavenly when baked!
They’re fun to make and perfect for dessert, but be careful—once you start, you might not want to stop at just one! I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. 🍏🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their perfect sweetness and tartness balance. You can also use Fuji or Braeburn apples if you prefer. Avoid using overripe apples, as they can get mushy when cooked.
Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar works best. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, though this might change the flavor a bit.
Pie Crust: You can use store-bought crust for convenience. If you’re up for it, homemade pie dough can be more flavorful and fresh. For a gluten-free version, look for almond flour or coconut flour crusts available in stores.
Corn Syrup: This helps create a nice syrupy glaze. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with maple syrup or honey, but it will alter the taste slightly. Just reduce the sugar in the syrup mix accordingly.
How Do I Ensure My Dumplings Are Perfectly Sealed?
Sealing the dumplings well is crucial to keep the filling inside and maintain their shape during baking. Here’s how to do it right:
- After placing the apple filling on the dough, bring the corners together over the filling.
- Pinch the edges firmly to seal. You can even use a fork to crimp the edges, which also makes a pretty pattern.
- Make sure there are no gaps, as this is where the filling can leak out while baking.
Taking your time with this step will help ensure that your apple dumplings turn out looking neat and polished!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Apple Dumplings?
Apple dumplings taste amazing warm from the oven. To enhance their flavor, consider these tips:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful contrast between warm and cold.
- Top with whipped cream if you want something lighter.
- Drizzle some of the cinnamon syrup over your dumplings just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
These simple extras can really elevate your apple dumpling experience!
How to Make Apple Dumplings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Dough:
- 1 package (2 sheets) refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pie dough
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for sprinkling on top)
- Optional: pinch of ground nutmeg
For Serving:
- Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious apple dumpling recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes to bake, for a total of about 1 hour. Perfect for a cozy afternoon in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the dumplings from sticking.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated and set aside.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
Take your pie crusts and roll them out. Cut each sheet into 4 squares, giving you a total of 8 pieces if you’re using 2 sheets.
4. Fill the Dumplings:
Place 2–3 tablespoons of the apple mixture in the center of each square. Add a few small pieces of butter on top of the apples to keep them moist and flavorful.
5. Shape the Dumplings:
Fold the corners of the dough over the apple filling and pinch the edges well to seal them. This will form a lovely dumpling shape!
6. Arrange in the Baking Dish:
Place the dumplings seam-side down in your prepared baking dish, making sure they’re spaced apart a bit.
7. Make the Syrup:
In a saucepan, combine the water, 1 cup sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved completely.
8. Pour Over Dumplings:
Pour the syrup mixture evenly over the arranged dumplings in the baking dish, making sure to cover them nicely.
9. Sprinkle with Cinnamon:
Take a little extra ground cinnamon and sprinkle it on top of the dumplings to enhance their flavor.
10. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the dumplings from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm, spooning some of that delicious syrup over the top.
12. Enjoy with a Treat:
For an indulgent dessert, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy your warm, gooey apple dumplings!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can use any firm apples that hold their shape well when baked. Fuji, Braeburn, or Gala apples also work nicely for a touch of sweetness.
What If I Don’t Have Corn Syrup?
If you don’t have corn syrup on hand, you can replace it with maple syrup or honey. Just keep in mind that this may change the flavor slightly; you can also reduce the sugar in the syrup mixture to keep it balanced.
How Can I Store Leftover Dumplings?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quicker option. Just remember, the pastry may lose some crispness when reheated.
Can I Make the Dumplings Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dumplings and place them in the baking dish with syrup ahead of time. Cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven without needing to thaw!
