Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings

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Warm, nostalgic, and downright irresistible—Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings bring the flavors of fall into every flaky, syrupy bite. Learn how to make them from scratch, explore smart tips and tricks, and discover how to store and serve them like grandma used to.

There’s something timeless about a perfectly baked apple dumpling. With a buttery pastry wrapped around tart, spiced apples and a rich cinnamon-sugar sauce bubbling underneath, this dessert feels like a warm hug from the oven. Whether you’re making them for a holiday table or just a cozy Sunday treat, these dumplings deliver that old-school magic with every bite.

In this post, we’ll explore the essential ingredients, creative twists you can try, and the best ways to serve and store this classic dessert.

What’s in Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings?

At the heart of this dessert are just a few simple pantry staples, but when baked together, they create a rich, sweet, and flaky masterpiece. Here’s what goes into each batch:

• Pie crust: You’ll need a double pastry crust, either homemade or store-bought.
• Apples: Granny Smith is the go-to variety for their tart flavor and firm texture.
• Butter: Adds richness to both the apple filling and the warm sauce.
• Brown & white sugar: Together, they caramelize into a buttery syrup.
• Spices: A warm blend of cinnamon and nutmeg gives these dumplings their signature aroma.
• Water & vanilla: Forms the base of the luscious, pour-over sauce.

When baked, the crust turns golden, the apples become tender, and the whole dish is bathed in a sweet, spiced syrup.

Variations on Apple Dumplings

There are a few ways to personalize this classic treat depending on your mood or pantry:

• Swap the apples: Try Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix for a different flavor profile.
• Add filling: Stuff the apples with chopped walnuts or raisins for texture.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cloves or a dash of cardamom for extra warmth.
• Change the crust: Try puff pastry instead of pie crust for a lighter bite.
• Top it off: A drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of sea salt can add a modern twist.

These dumplings are wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to play around and make them your own.

FAQ

1. Can I use pre-made crust?
Absolutely. A store-bought double crust is a great time-saver and works beautifully.

2. Do I have to use Granny Smith apples?
Granny Smith is preferred for its tartness and structure, but Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or even Gala can also work.

3. Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce the sugar in the sauce if desired. However, keep in mind the balance with tart apples.

4. Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dumplings and refrigerate them for up to 8 hours before baking.

5. Are these freezer-friendly?
Definitely. Read below for freezing tips.

How to Store and Reheat

Store cooled dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 15 minutes. You can also microwave individual dumplings for 1–2 minutes.

How to Freeze

To freeze, allow dumplings to cool completely, then wrap each one individually in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F until warm and bubbling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve each dumpling warm in a dessert bowl with a generous spoonful of the cinnamon syrup ladled over the top. For an extra touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle with cinnamon or drizzle with caramel if you want to go the extra mile.

Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings are a timeless dessert that never goes out of style—perfect for autumn evenings, holiday dinners, or any time you’re craving a little homemade comfort.

Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings

Tender apples wrapped in flaky pastry, baked in a spiced buttery syrup — this recipe is the definition of old-school dessert comfort.

Course: Dessert  
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 899 per serving (approx.)

Ingredients

• 1 (14.1 oz) double pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
• ½ cup butter (1 stick), divided
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 cups water
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare crust: Roll the dough into a 24×16-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Cut into six 8-inch squares.

3. Fill apples: Place one apple in the center of each square. Fill each apple core with a small piece of butter and divide the brown sugar among the apples, stuffing inside and around the base. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg.

4. Seal dumplings: Moisten fingertips and bring opposite corners of each square together over the apple. Pinch the dough closed at the top and along the sides to seal. Transfer dumplings to the prepared dish.

5. Make sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining butter, water, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer for 5 minutes or until the sugar dissolves completely.

6. Bake: Pour the warm sauce evenly over the dumplings. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.

7. Serve: Spoon extra sauce over each dumpling and serve warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Shortcut tip: Use pre-rolled pie crusts to save time.
• Make it in ramekins: For individual servings, bake each dumpling in its own dish.
• Spice variation: A pinch of cloves or cardamom adds an extra layer of flavor.

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