Nothing says comfort quite like these Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings! Imagine tender baked apples wrapped in flaky pie crust, filled with cinnamon-spiced brown sugar, and drenched in a buttery apple cider sauce. It’s the kind of nostalgic dessert that fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma and tastes just like something grandma used to make.
Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| For the Dumplings: | |
| Large Granny Smith green apples, peeled and cored | 6 |
| 9-inch pie crusts | 2 |
| Packed brown sugar | ½ cup |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Butter, sliced into 6 pieces | 6 tablespoons |
| For the Sauce: | |
| Apple cider | 2 cups |
| Brown sugar | 3 tablespoons |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
How To Make Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings
Step 1: Prep & Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set it aside while you prepare the apples and crust.
Step 2: Shape the Crusts
Cut the pie crusts into 6 even pieces. Roll each piece into about a 7-inch circle or square—just large enough to wrap around one apple. Place a peeled and cored apple in the center of each crust piece.
Step 3: Fill the Apples
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Spoon the spiced sugar mixture into the hollow centers of the apples, pressing it down lightly. Sprinkle any remaining sugar around the bases. Place one pat of butter into the center of each apple.
Step 4: Wrap the Dumplings
Fold the dough up and over each apple, pinching the edges together at the top to fully seal. The dough should completely cover the apple like a little bundle. Place the wrapped apples seam side up in the prepared baking pan.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat, let it cool for a few minutes, and then pour evenly over the dumplings in the baking dish.
Step 6: Bake & Serve
Bake the dumplings for 50–55 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling. Let them cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Spoon some of the warm sauce over the top and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
These Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings are a cozy, homemade treat that never goes out of style—a timeless dessert that’s just as perfect for fall gatherings as it is for Sunday dinners.
