Print

Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 131 reviews

Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings featuring tender Granny Smith apples wrapped in flaky pie crust, baked in a rich, buttery cinnamon syrup. This nostalgic dessert is perfect for cozy fall evenings or any time you crave a warm, comforting treat.

Ingredients

For the Dumplings:

  • 2 large Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and halved)
  • 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust (or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)

For the Syrup:

  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. Roll out the pie crust on a clean surface and cut it into evenly sized squares, large enough to wrap around the apple halves.
  2. Prepare Apples: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Place each peeled and cored apple half onto a pie crust square. Sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture over each apple half and add a couple of small pieces of butter on top. Carefully fold and seal the dough around each apple to form dumplings, making sure edges are well sealed to prevent leaking during baking. Place the wrapped apples seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
  3. Brush and Make Syrup: Brush the tops of the dumplings with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish once baked. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and butter. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts, then bring to a gentle simmer to create a flavorful syrup.
  4. Bake: Pour the warm syrup evenly around the dumplings in the baking dish, ensuring they are partially submerged. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples inside are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from oven and serve the dumplings warm, spooning the buttery syrup on top for a delightful finish.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
  • If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the sugar mixture.
  • Make sure to seal the dough well to avoid syrup leaking during baking.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.