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Apple Dumplings

Apple dumplings are a comforting dessert featuring tender apples wrapped in flaky pastry, baked with a cinnamon-spiced syrup for a warm and nostalgic treat.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Apple, Baked, Classic, Comforting, Easy
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 medium apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and quartered
  • 1 package refrigerated pie crust dough 2 sheets, ensure no animal fats or use homemade -friendly dough
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup apple juice 100% pure, no added sugars
  • 1/4 cup raisins or chopped nuts optional, such as walnuts or pecans

Instructions

  • Start by peeling, coring, and quartering your apples. Toss the apple pieces with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a bowl for extra flavor.
  • Roll out each sheet of pie crust onto a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into four equal squares, yielding eight squares total.
  • Place one apple quarter in the center of each dough square. Sprinkle raisins or nuts on top if using, then drizzle with vanilla extract. Fold the dough around the apple and pinch edges to seal.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the dumplings seam-side down, leaving space between each.
  • In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and apple juice. Stir until sugar dissolves, then pour evenly over the dumplings.
  • Bake for 40–45 minutes until pastry is golden and cooked. Halfway through, spoon some syrup from the pan over the tops to keep moist.
  • Let dumplings cool slightly before serving. The syrup will thicken; serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Rolling surface

Notes

Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to prevent mushiness. Chill dough for flakier crust. Soak raisins or nuts in warm apple juice for more flavor. Watch syrup level during baking to avoid burning. Seal dough edges tightly to prevent leaks. Variations include adding cloves or allspice, substituting sweeteners, gluten-free crust options, fruit swaps, and nut-free versions.