If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, cozy dessert that instantly fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of baked apples and cinnamon, this Apple Dumplings Dessert Recipe is your answer. Tender apples are wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust and then baked with a luscious cinnamon-sugar syrup that seeps into every nook and cranny. It’s a nostalgic treat that feels like a warm hug in dessert form, perfect for sharing with friends and family on a chilly evening or anytime you want a sweet slice of comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, well-chosen ingredients is key to making this Apple Dumplings Dessert Recipe shine. Each one plays an important role — from the juicy apples providing natural sweetness to the buttery crust bringing that perfect flaky texture and the cinnamon and nutmeg adding depth and warmth.
- 6 medium apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of tartness and sweetness.
- 6 teaspoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the apples caramelize beautifully during baking.
- 6 teaspoons granulated sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and balances the tartness.
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses the filling with that classic spicy warmth you expect in apple desserts.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the foundation of the flaky crust; keep extra flour on hand for dusting.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor by balancing sweetness and boosting the buttery notes.
- ¾ cup solid shortening (chilled): Creates a tender and flaky pastry with the right texture.
- ½ cup whole milk: Moistens the dough for perfect pliability and tenderness.
- 2 cups granulated sugar (for syrup): Gives the syrup its sweet, luscious consistency.
- 1 cup water (for syrup): Combines with sugar and spices to make the cozy cinnamon syrup.
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (for syrup): Adds subtle spice to the syrup to complement the apple filling.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (for syrup): Boosts the warm autumnal spices in the dish.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for syrup): Makes the syrup glossy and rich.
- 1 egg: Used for egg wash to give the pastry a golden, appetizing finish.
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash): Dilutes the egg for an even, shiny glaze.
How to Make Apple Dumplings Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the flour and kosher salt in a large bowl. Cut in the chilled shortening using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the milk and gently mix until the dough comes together but remains slightly crumbly. Be careful not to overwork the dough—you want it flaky, not tough. Wrap it in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes to make rolling easier.
Step 2: Prep the Apples
While the dough chills, peel and core the apples. Try not to slice them fully through—keep them whole if possible to maintain structure and allow the filling to stay juicy inside the pastry pockets. Mix 6 teaspoons of granulated sugar with 1½ teaspoons cinnamon, and roll the apples in this mixture for that irresistible sweet-spicy coating.
Step 3: Roll and Wrap
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle about ⅛ inch thick. Cut it into six equal squares large enough to wrap each apple. Place an apple in the center of each square, tuck 1 teaspoon of butter atop each apple, then carefully fold and seal the dough around the apple. Make sure the seams are tight to keep the syrup inside during baking.
Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Syrup
Combine the water, 2 cups sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and 4 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan. Heat gently, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens slightly. This syrup will soak into the dumplings, making each bite wonderfully moist and flavorful.
Step 5: Bake the Dumplings
Place the wrapped apples in a buttered baking dish. Carefully pour the warm cinnamon syrup over the dumplings. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush the top of each pastry for a golden crust. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 35 minutes until the crust is golden and the syrup is bubbly. The kitchen will fill with delicious, comforting aromas you won’t want to miss.
How to Serve Apple Dumplings Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
Serve these apple dumplings with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts deliciously over the warm pastry. A sprig of fresh mint or a cinnamon stick on the side makes lovely, inviting garnishes that can brighten the plate.
Side Dishes
This Apple Dumplings Dessert Recipe pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a heartier twist, serve alongside a cup of strong black coffee or a warm chai tea to complement the spiced apples.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern spin, serve individual portions in small ramekins with a splash of cream poured right before eating. You can also crumble the baked crust over vanilla yogurt for a fun and casual treat that’s different but just as delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Apple dumplings keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the crust from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, wrap the uncooked dumplings tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the baking instructions as usual for freshly baked results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to restore the flaky crust’s crispness. Microwaving works for quick reheating but might soften the crust, so the oven is preferred for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully, feel free to experiment with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala for a milder flavor.
Is it necessary to use shortening in the dough?
Using shortening helps create a tender, flaky crust, but you can substitute with cold butter if you prefer, just expect a slightly different texture.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking and be sure to check all other ingredient labels for gluten content.
How can I prevent the apples from becoming too mushy?
Choosing firmer apples and wrapping the dough snugly around the whole apple will help maintain structure and prevent the filling from turning overly soft.
What’s the best way to serve leftover apple dumplings?
Leftovers are delicious warmed up with a scoop of ice cream or a dusting of cinnamon sugar—simple touches that bring them back to life.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Dumplings Dessert Recipe is one of those timeless treats that warms the heart and delights the taste buds every time. Its perfect balance of flaky crust, tender spiced apples, and sweet syrup makes it a true crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a beloved favorite at your table, too!
Print
Apple Dumplings Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Apple Dumplings are a classic, comforting dessert featuring tender, spiced apples wrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry and baked to golden perfection. This recipe combines juicy apples seasoned with cinnamon and sugar, encased in a homemade dough, then baked and glazed with a sweet cinnamon syrup, delivering a warm and satisfying treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Apples and Filling
- 6 medium apples
- 6 teaspoons unsalted butter
- 6 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus ½ cup for dusting
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup solid shortening, chilled (such as Crisco)
- ½ cup whole milk
For the Syrup and Finishing
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and halve each apple. Place an equal amount of sugar and cinnamon inside each apple half and top with 1 teaspoon of unsalted butter.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and kosher salt. Cut in the chilled shortening using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in the whole milk until the dough comes together. Add extra flour as needed for rolling.
- Roll Out and Shape Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into six squares large enough to wrap each apple half.
- Assemble Dumplings: Place each apple half in the center of a dough square. Enclose the apple by folding the dough over it and pinching the edges to seal. Place dumplings seam-side down on a baking pan.
- Prepare Egg Wash: Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush over each dumpling to promote browning.
- Prepare Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil and then let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, stirring until melted.
- Bake: Pour the syrup over the dumplings and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes or until the pastry is golden and apples are tender.
- Serve: Spoon some of the syrup from the pan over individual dumplings before serving. Enjoy warm as a delightful dessert.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.
- Keeping the shortening chilled helps create a flakier dough.
- The syrup can be reheated and drizzled over leftovers for extra moisture.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Ensure to seal the dough edges well to prevent the syrup from leaking out during baking.
