This melt-in-your-mouth recipe combines tender pastry with apples baked in a deliciously spiced, buttery sauce. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream these homemade apple dumplings will give everyone warm fuzzy feelings.
What is an Apple Dumpling?
If you’ve never had apple pie dumplings, then you’re in for a special treat. With flavors that are similar to apple pie, this is a favorite dessert recipe. Whole apples are peeled, topped with cinnamon sugar, wrapped in flaky pastry dough, and then baked in a spiced sauce until bubbling and syrupy.
Apples for Dumplings: Use crisp apples like Granny Smith for the best results. This firm tart variety is the reliable go-to apple (and the same apples I prefer to use in apple pie). They soften and mellow as they bake without getting mushy. Other great options are Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonagolds.Pastry Dough: If you’re rushed for time, go ahead and use premade pie dough. But for the best flavor, a flaky homemade pie crust is ideal.
TIP: You can create an elegant presentation by cutting leaf and stem shapes out of some of the pastry dough and gently pressing on top of each dumpling for a pretty decoration. Cut leaves out with a knife or cookie cutter (I made my leaves using a “Christmas light bulb” cookie cutter).
How to Make Apple Dumplings
Do not overbake or the dumplings may burst. Serve warm with ice cream or dollops of crème Fraiche.
Storage and Leftovers
Leftover or make-ahead apple dumplings can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days. Tightly cover with cling wrap and store in plastic or glass. Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 – 15 minutes in a foil-covered pan. The foil will prevent the pastry from burning. Apple dumplings can also be reheated in the microwave but the crust will be soft instead of crisp.
Amazing Apples
Apple Cobbler – completely from scratch!Apple Pie Bites – perfect fall biteBaked Apples – surprisingly simple to makeApple Cheesecake Pie – two favorites combined!The Best Apple Crumb Pie Ever! – light crumb topping!
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