If you’re craving a dessert that tastes like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe. It combines tender, spiced apples wrapped in a flaky pastry, all drenched in a buttery sweet syrup that bakes into a golden, bubbling perfection. This classic treat has that nostalgic charm that makes any kitchen feel cozy and invites you to slow down and savor each bite. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weekday comfort food fix, these apple dumplings never fail to deliver that perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These classic ingredients are simple, but each plays an essential role in giving this Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe its unforgettable flavor and texture. From the flaky crust to the tender spiced apples and the luscious syrup, every element contributes to the magic.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the flaky, buttery dough that wraps the apples perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the dough’s flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 2/3 cup shortening or unsalted butter, chilled and cut into pieces: Creates a tender, flaky crust with a rich buttery taste.
- 6 to 7 tablespoons ice water: Binds the dough together without melting the fat, keeping the crust flaky.
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored: Tart and firm apples that hold their shape and cut through the sweetness beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided into 6 portions: Adds richness inside each apple dumpling for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling inside the dumplings.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice flavor that complements the apples perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty, aromatic hint to the filling.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Used in the syrup to create that irresistible caramelized sweetness.
- 2 cups water: Forms the base of the syrup that bakes the dumplings to perfection.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Blends into the syrup for a glossy finish and extra richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the syrup with warm spice notes.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth and complexity to the syrup flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Sweetens and rounds out the flavor of the syrup with a fragrant touch.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the all-purpose flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the chilled shortening or butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, just enough to bring the dough together into a firm ball. Be careful not to overwork it — you want the dough tender and flaky. Wrap it in plastic and chill it while you prep the apples to make handling easier and keep the dough chilled for the best crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel and core each Granny Smith apple carefully, ensuring the cavity is large enough to hold the filling. In a small bowl, mix together half a cup of granulated sugar, the cinnamon, and nutmeg. These spices will infuse the apples with classic, comforting flavors. Fill each apple with a teaspoon-sized chunk of butter then sprinkle or stuff a bit of the spiced sugar inside as well. Every bite of the filling should be warm, sweet, and bursting with buttery, cinnamon goodness.
Step 3: Roll and Assemble the Dumplings
Roll the chilled dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12 by 9 inches, about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the dough into 6 equal squares. Place each prepared apple in the center of each square. Wrap the dough around the apple, folding the edges up and over to seal completely. Pinch any openings tightly to trap in the juices. Place each dumpling into a greased baking dish, seam side down.
Step 4: Make the Syrup and Bake
In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil, then carefully pour this syrup over the dumplings in the baking dish. The syrup will bubble and caramelize as it bakes, soaking into the dough and apples. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes so the dumplings develop a golden, slightly crisp crust and the syrup thickens into a luscious glaze.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is a classic way to elevate these apple dumplings. A sprinkling of chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add crunch and extra indulgence. A few fresh mint leaves provide the perfect pop of color and freshness if you want a light contrast to the warm dessert.
Side Dishes
While these dumplings are a dessert star on their own, pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea makes for a cozy afternoon treat. For a hearty meal finish, a simple cheddar cheese or sharp cheddar slices alongside can balance the sweetness and add a delightful savory twist — a nostalgic nod to old-fashioned pairings.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, serve these apple dumplings in individual ramekins or in mini versions for bite-sized treats. You can drizzle them artistically with extra syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. Layer the syrup with thin apple slices on top and bake a little extra for a caramelized, jewel-like finish that looks as stunning as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe leftovers keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them an easy treat to enjoy over multiple meals without losing their cozy charm.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked dumplings by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Alternatively, freeze cooked dumplings, but the texture will be best when fresh baked. Reheating frozen cooked dumplings tends to soften the crust more than fresh baking.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your dumplings in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the syrup is bubbling again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the crust from becoming soggy. Oven reheating revives the dumplings’ soft, flaky texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are perfect for their tartness and firmness, you can substitute with other firm apples like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonathan. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples will alter the filling’s sweetness level.
What’s the difference between using shortening and butter in the dough?
Butter gives the dough richer flavor and a flakier texture, while shortening tends to make it more tender with less flavor. Many people blend both for the best of both worlds, but either works well for this recipe.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples ensures a tender, uniform dough wrapping and a softer bite. Leaving the peel on might create a chewier texture, which some may enjoy, but the traditional recipe calls for peeled apples for a classic, smooth finish.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days wrapped tightly or frozen for up to 1 month. Just bring it to a cool room temperature before rolling out to make it easier to work with.
How can I tell when the dumplings are done baking?
Look for a golden, slightly crisp pastry crust and bubbling syrup around the edges of the baking dish. The apples inside should be tender when pierced with a knife or fork.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the warmth and love baked into this Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe. It’s one of those timeless desserts that brings people together around the table with smiles and satisfied sighs. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying it for the first time, these dumplings are sure to become a cherished favorite. So grab those apples and get baking — your heart and taste buds will thank you!
Print
Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings feature tender Granny Smith apples wrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry and baked in a sweet cinnamon-spiced syrup. A nostalgic dessert perfect for cozy gatherings, combining warm spices and fresh apples for a deliciously comforting treat.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup shortening or unsalted butter, chilled and cut into pieces
- 6 to 7 tablespoons ice water
Apple Filling
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided into 6 portions
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled shortening or unsalted butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough forms a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and core the Granny Smith apples. In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stuff each apple with a portion of this sugar-spice mixture and a half tablespoon of butter. Set aside.
- Assemble the Dumplings: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle. Cut into 6 equal squares. Place each stuffed apple in the center of each square. Fold the pastry around the apple, sealing the edges and tucking the excess dough under the apple. Place the dumplings seam side down in a greased baking dish.
- Make the Syrup and Bake: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, 2 cups water, 1/4 cup butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil, then pour the hot syrup evenly over the dumplings in the baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 60 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the syrup thickens.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow dumplings to cool slightly. Serve warm with syrup spooned over the top, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for their tart flavor and firmness, which holds up well in baking.
- Chilling the dough before rolling ensures a flaky pastry crust.
- The syrup can be strained if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Leftover dumplings can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
- For a richer taste, use unsalted butter instead of shortening in the pastry.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
