Tender baked apples wrapped in a buttery, cinnamon-spiced pastry and baked in a sweet syrup—this classic dessert is pure comfort in every bite. Perfect for cozy fall evenings, family gatherings, or holiday baking, these old-fashioned apple dumplings are a nostalgic treat that never goes out of style.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Comfort Food – A warm, homemade dessert with rich flavors and a hint of nostalgia.
- Perfectly Spiced – Cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the natural sweetness of the apples.
- Easy to Make from Scratch – Simple ingredients create a buttery, flaky pastry.
- Versatile – Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Great for Holidays – A beautiful and delicious dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cold water (more if needed)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon butter (for dotting on top)
- 1 cup water (for baking sauce)
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Apples – Peel and core the apples, cutting each into halves or quarters, depending on their size.
- Make the Pastry Dough – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Incorporate Butter – Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until it forms pea-sized crumbs.
- Form the Dough – Gradually add the cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. If needed, add a little more water until you have a soft dough.
- Roll Out Dough – Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a square or circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Cut into 4 squares large enough to wrap around each apple piece.
- Assemble the Dumplings – Place one apple half or quarter in the center of each dough square. Sprinkle the inside of each apple with a little brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Wrap the Apples – Fold the dough over the apples and pinch the edges to seal them.
- Prepare for Baking – Place the dumplings into the prepared baking dish. Dot the tops with small pieces of butter and sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Add Baking Sauce – Pour 1 cup of water around the dumplings in the baking dish.
- Bake – Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool & Serve – Let the dumplings cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with optional vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add Nuts – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the dumplings for extra crunch.
- Caramel Apple Dumplings – Drizzle caramel sauce over the dumplings before serving.
- Spiced Syrup – Add a cinnamon stick and a splash of vanilla to the baking sauce for extra depth.
- Apple Pie Filling – Instead of fresh apple halves, use an apple pie filling mixture inside the dough for a softer texture.
- Different Fruits – Try using pears or peaches for a twist on this classic dessert.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked dumplings in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pastry dough?
Yes! You can use refrigerated pie crust or puff pastry for a quicker version.
What are the best apples for dumplings?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal because they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
How do I prevent soggy dumplings?
Make sure the dough is sealed well around the apples and avoid overloading with liquid.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! Assemble the dumplings and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking.
Should I peel the apples?
Yes, peeling ensures a softer texture, but you can leave the skin on for a more rustic dish.
Can I use apple cider instead of water?
Yes! Apple cider will add even more flavor to the syrup.
What’s the best way to serve apple dumplings?
They taste amazing with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or whipped cream.
Can I make this recipe without cinnamon?
You can, but cinnamon adds a warm, classic flavor. If avoiding cinnamon, try cardamom or allspice instead.
How do I keep the pastry from breaking while wrapping?
Roll the dough evenly and work gently to avoid tearing. If it cracks, pinch it back together.
Can I bake these in individual ramekins?
Yes! Place each dumpling in a small ramekin for personal-sized servings.
Conclusion
Old-fashioned apple dumplings are a warm, comforting dessert that brings nostalgic flavors to the table. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, these buttery, spiced apple dumplings are a treat that everyone will love. Try them today and enjoy a slice of classic homemade goodness!
Print
Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings are pure comfort in every bite! Tender baked apples are wrapped in a buttery, cinnamon-spiced pastry and baked in a sweet syrup until golden brown. This classic homemade dessert is perfect for fall, holidays, or any cozy occasion!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cold water (more if needed)
For the Filling:
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled and cored
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon butter (for dotting on top)
For the Baking Sauce:
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and core the apples, cutting each into halves or quarters, depending on their size.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until it forms pea-sized crumbs.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the cold water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Add more water if needed until you have a soft dough.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a square or circle about 1/8-inch thick. Cut into 4 squares large enough to wrap around each apple piece.
- Assemble Dumplings: Place one apple half or quarter in the center of each dough square. Sprinkle the inside of each apple with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Wrap Apples: Fold the dough over the apples and pinch the edges to seal them.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the dumplings into the prepared baking dish. Dot the tops with small pieces of butter and sprinkle with the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Add Baking Sauce: Pour 1 cup of water around the dumplings in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Serve: Let the dumplings cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with optional vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Notes
- Best Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dumplings in advance and refrigerate them before baking.
- Serving Suggestion: Drizzle with caramel sauce or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Traditional
