Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy dessert that wraps up the warm flavors of fall in every bite, this Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe is your new best friend. Tender apples wrapped in buttery pastry, sweetened with a cinnamon-spiced sugar blend, and baked until golden brown, these dumplings are comfort food at its finest. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on a chilly evening, this classic dessert brings a nostalgic charm that’s both simple and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the handful of ingredients fool you—each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flaky pastry and juicy, flavorful apples. From the cinnamon to the butter, every element contributes to the texture, aroma, and sweetness that make this dish memorable.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender and flaky dough that holds everything together.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the dough rise slightly, creating a light texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy notes right into the dough itself.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Vital for that luscious, flaky pastry crust.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough subtly without overpowering the apples.
• 1/4 cup cold water (more if needed): Brings the dough together into a soft, workable consistency.
• 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and cored: These tart, crisp apples add bright flavor and hold their shape beautifully during baking.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Sweetness with a rich molasses undertone that caramelizes in the oven.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Intensifies the apple filling with that signature comforting spice.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle, warm depth that complements cinnamon perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon butter (for dotting on top): Adds richness and helps achieve a golden crust.
• 1 cup water: Creates steam in the baking dish to keep the apples tender and juicy.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Apples

Start by warming up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish so your dumplings won’t stick and can be easily served. Peel and core your apples, slicing each into halves or quarters based on size—this ensures each bite will be perfectly proportioned inside the dough.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. This mixture sets the stage for the dough by distributing the leavening evenly and infusing just the right touch of warm spice.

Step 3: Incorporate the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work it in until you see pea-sized crumbs. This technique is essential for a flaky pastry that melts in your mouth.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually add the cold water, starting with a tablespoon at a time. Stir gently until the dough just comes together—soft but manageable. Add a bit more water if necessary. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

On a floured surface, roll your dough out into a square or circle about 1/8-inch thick. Cut it into four squares large enough to wrap around each apple piece—these squares will become the perfect little packages of goodness.

Step 6: Fill the Dumplings

Place one apple half or quarter in the center of each square. Sprinkle the inside of the apple with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for that mouthwatering spiced sweetness that defines this Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe.

Step 7: Wrap and Seal

Fold the dough over the apples, pinching the edges together to seal them tightly. This step keeps the filling secure while baking and helps create the iconic dumpling shape.

Step 8: Add Finishing Touches

Arrange the dumplings in your prepared baking dish. Dot the tops with small pieces of butter, sprinkle with remaining brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour a cup of water into the dish around the dumplings to keep everything moist as they bake.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the dumplings turn a gorgeous golden brown and the apples are tender but not mushy. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point just might be the best part.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow your Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe to cool for a few minutes. This rest time lets the flavors settle and makes them easier to handle before serving warm—ideally with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for supreme indulgence.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

Simple but effective garnishes like a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar immediately elevate the dish. Whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also add luscious texture and sweetness that perfectly complement the spiced apples.

Side Dishes

While this Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe shines as a dessert star, consider pairing it with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee. For a heartier finish, a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche brings a pleasantly tangy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these dumplings individually on small dessert plates with a drizzle of extra syrup from the baking dish. For a festive touch, sprinkle some toasted pecans or slivered almonds over the top. If you’re feeling playful, try serving it alongside a rich caramel sauce or cinnamon-spiked custard for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The portions will remain moist and flavorful—perfect for a quick dessert or snack the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze your unbaked dumplings by wrapping each individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed with baking as instructed for a fresh-from-the-oven taste anytime.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, gently reheat apple dumplings in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds until heated through. Adding a spoonful of cream or ice cream on top after reheating makes it feel freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their tartness and firm texture, you can also try Fuji, Braeburn, or Gala apples. Just be sure to pick varieties that hold their shape well when baked.

Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to a day in advance and keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. This actually helps the dough hydrate and develop flavor, making it easier to roll out when you’re ready.

What can I use instead of water when baking?

If you want to add more depth, substitute water with apple cider or a mix of cider and water. This little switch infuses the dumplings with additional apple flavor and sweetness as they bake.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or golden raisins tossed with the cinnamon sugar filling add texture and extra bursts of flavor. Just sprinkle them inside the apple cavities before wrapping with dough.

How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy?

Make sure to seal the edges tightly around the apples to keep juices inside. Also, using cold butter and cold water in the dough helps create a firmer crust that bakes up flaky rather than soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe is a timeless treat that brings warmth and joy to any table. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s approachable for bakers of all levels while delivering indulgent flavors that feel like a loving hug from your grandma’s kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again as the seasons change.

Print