Description
Delight in these warm and gooey Caramel Apple Dumplings, a perfect blend of tender apples wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough, baked to golden perfection and smothered in a rich homemade caramel sauce. An easy yet indulgent dessert that combines classic fall flavors with a comforting texture, ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples and Dough
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and halved
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Spiced Butter Glaze
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Wrap the Apples: Take each apple half and place it on a triangle of crescent roll dough. Roll the dough around the apple completely, forming dumplings. Arrange these dumplings evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Brush with Spiced Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Brush this spiced butter mixture over the tops of each dumpling to add flavor and promote browning.
- Make Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and water. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer, creating a rich caramel sauce.
- Pour Sauce and Bake: Pour the hot caramel sauce evenly over the arranged dumplings in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve the caramel apple dumplings warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Choose sweet, firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best texture.
- Ensure the apples are peeled and cored well to make rolling easier and improve eating experience.
- The crescent roll dough acts as a quick, buttery crust—do not substitute with thicker dough unless adjusting baking time.
- For a richer sauce, you can add a pinch of heavy cream after simmering.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
