Baked Apple Dumplings are a classic treat that bring together tender apples wrapped in flaky dough, all baked until golden and bubbling with sweet cinnamon syrup. The soft, baked apples inside have just the right mix of tartness and sweetness, making every bite a comforting and delicious little surprise.
I love how easy these dumplings are to make, and how they fill the kitchen with that warm, cinnamon-spiced aroma that feels like a big, cozy hug. One of my favorite things is drizzling extra syrup over the top right after baking—it makes the dumplings even juicier and adds an extra touch of sweetness that everyone seems to enjoy.
These dumplings are perfect when served warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. They remind me of many family gatherings where this simple dessert always got devoured quickly and brought smiles all around. It’s that kind of homemade comfort food I keep coming back to because it just feels like home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith work best because they hold their shape and balance the sweet syrup. If you prefer sweeter apples, Fuji or Honeycrisp are good options.
Pie Crust: Refrigerated pie crusts are a time-saver, but homemade dough offers a flakier texture. For a gluten-free version, try a store-bought gluten-free pie crust.
Butter & Sugars: Butter adds richness to the sauce, and both granulated and brown sugars bring sweetness and depth. You can swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor.
Spices: Cinnamon is the star spice here. Nutmeg and cloves add warmth but are optional. Feel free to adjust to your taste.
How Do You Make Sure the Dumplings Stay Flaky and Don’t Get Soggy?
Keeping the dough flaky while allowing the apples to cook through is key. Here’s what I do:
- Don’t overfill the dough squares; use just a few apple pieces so the dough seals well.
- Pinch the edges and top tightly to lock in juices and prevent leaking.
- Bake uncovered so steam escapes, avoiding sogginess.
- Spoon the buttery sauce over the dumplings partway through baking to keep them moist without making the crust soggy.
- Let the dumplings cool slightly before serving to help the syrup thicken a bit.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – big enough to fit all the dumplings and catch the syrup as it bubbles.
- Mixing bowls – for tossing the apples with sugar and spices easily.
- Saucepan – to melt butter and make the sweet syrup that soaks the dumplings.
- Rolling pin – helps roll out the dough evenly if you’re using homemade or need to smooth refrigerated crusts.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – to cut the dough into neat squares for wrapping the apples.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans inside the dough for a crunchy texture that pairs well with the tender apples.
- Mix in dried cranberries or raisins with the apples for a little tartness and extra bite.
- Swap cinnamon and nutmeg for pumpkin pie spice for a fall twist.
- Use pears instead of apples for a softer, milder fruit flavor that still bakes well in the dumplings.
Baked Apple Dumplings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dumplings:
- 4 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and quartered
- 1 package (about 2 sheets) refrigerated pie crusts or homemade pie dough
For the Spice Mix:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To Serve (Optional):
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 45 to 55 minutes to bake. Plan for just over an hour from start to finish, so you have a delicious warm dessert ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the dumplings don’t stick.
2. Make the Dumplings:
Roll out your pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Cut each pie crust sheet into 4 squares to make 8 squares total. Place a few quarters of peeled and cored apples in the center of each square.
3. Season the Apples:
In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt. Sprinkle about 1 to 2 teaspoons of this mixture over the apples in each dough square.
4. Wrap the Dumplings:
Fold the corners of the dough up over the apples and pinch them together tightly at the top to seal. Place each dumpling seam-side down in your prepared baking dish.
5. Make the Syrup:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add water and brown sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla extract.
6. Bake the Dumplings:
Pour the syrup evenly over the dumplings in the dish. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. For extra moist dumplings, spoon some syrup over them once or twice while baking.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm, spooning the sticky syrup over the dumplings. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you like—it’s the perfect finishing touch!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for Baked Apple Dumplings?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before using. This helps prevent soggy dough and ensures your dumplings bake evenly.
Can I Make Baked Apple Dumplings Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dumplings and prepare the syrup, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, pour the syrup over the dumplings and bake as directed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of syrup or water if needed.
What Can I Substitute for Pie Crust?
If you don’t have pie crust, puff pastry can be a tasty alternative for a flakier, lighter texture. You can also try crescent roll dough for a quicker option, though the taste and texture will differ slightly.
