If you crave a dessert that feels like a cozy hug from grandma, Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings are pure comfort in every bite. This classic American treat wraps tart apples in flaky pastry, fills them with spiced sugar, and bakes everything in a dreamy vanilla syrup. It’s the dessert that transforms your kitchen into an autumn wonderland—no fancy tools or techniques needed, just a handful of honest ingredients and a little bit of love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings is how a few staple ingredients can create a show-stopping treat. Each element plays its part, ensuring rich flavor, tender apples, and that gorgeous golden crust.
- Granny Smith apples: Their tart bite holds up beautifully to baking, balancing out the sugary syrup.
- Refrigerated pie crust: Store-bought crust makes this recipe a breeze, but homemade brings a rustic touch—choose what makes you happiest.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the apples for rich, creamy pockets inside each dumpling.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness you just can’t get from white sugar alone.
- Ground cinnamon: Provides that classic, heartwarming spiced aroma and flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: A hint of this fragrant spice lifts the filling and feels perfectly nostalgic.
- Large egg: When beaten and brushed on top, it helps the crust turn a shiny, golden brown.
- Water: Forms the base of the syrup so the dumplings stay tender and luscious.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the syrup and balances the tartness from the apples.
- Vanilla extract: A gentle dash takes the syrup from good to irresistible.
- Whipped cream or ice cream (optional): The finishing flourish that turns each serving into an old-timey dessert fantasy.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings
Step 1: Prep Your Apples
Begin by peeling your Granny Smith apples and coring them completely. Then, cut each apple in half. This size is perfect for getting that pastry-to-apple ratio just right—every bite delivers buttery crust and wonderfully soft fruit.
Step 2: Mix the Spiced Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This fragrant mixture is the secret to sumptuous, melt-in-your-mouth centers and gives your apple dumplings that old-fashioned character.
Step 3: Fill the Apple Halves
Place each apple half cut side up, and tuck a piece of butter into the core of each. Spoon a generous amount of your spiced sugar filling over the butter. This will melt during baking, creating a dreamy, gooey center for every dumpling.
Step 4: Wrap with Pie Crust
Take your pie crust (homemade or refrigerated) and cut it into two squares. Wrap each apple half in pastry, pinching the seams together underneath to seal tightly. Aim for a snug fit; this helps keep the juices inside as your Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings bake.
Step 5: Arrange and Brush with Egg Wash
Grease a small baking dish and nestle the dumplings inside. Brush the tops and sides of the pastry with the beaten egg. This step gives your dumplings that bakery-style golden gloss and a little extra crispiness.
Step 6: Make the Vanilla Syrup
In a small saucepan over medium heat, dissolve granulated sugar in water, then stir in the vanilla extract. Don’t boil—just heat until the sugar is completely gone. Pour this syrup around (not over) the dumplings in the baking dish. It will bubble up beautifully, glazing the dumplings as they bake.
Step 7: Bake and Baste
Bake the dumplings in your preheated oven at 375°F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and apples are tender when pierced. Spoon some of the syrup from the pan over each hot dumpling before serving—the finishing touch that makes Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings taste truly magical.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings
Garnishes
For that picture-perfect presentation, crown your warm dumplings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a fluffy dollop of whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts. A light dusting of cinnamon makes everything look (and taste) extra inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings with a cup of strong coffee or a cozy mug of chai tea. If you’re serving them for a holiday brunch, fresh berries or a tangy fruit salad lend a bright contrast to the dessert’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the dumplings in mini cast-iron skillets for a homey, rustic feel or serve each dumpling in a vintage teacup for a fun, unexpected twist. If you’re entertaining, drizzle some of the vanilla syrup artistically around each plate for a chef-worthy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings, simply let them cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to three days. The syrup helps keep them moist, so they’re just as tempting the next day.
Freezing
These dumplings freeze surprisingly well! Wrap each cooled dumpling tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place dumplings in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. A brief zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven will revive that golden crust and syrupy magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are classic for their tartness and firm texture, you can use Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or even Fuji apples for a slightly sweeter result. Just choose apples that hold their shape well when baked.
Is it okay to make Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dumplings (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered and refrigerated, then bake just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.
Can I substitute the pie crust with puff pastry?
Definitely! Puff pastry gives Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings a flakier, lighter texture. Just cut it into squares and wrap the apples as directed. Bake as usual and enjoy the crispy, buttery results.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
The dumplings will still taste fantastic without it, but you can add a dash of almond extract or even a splash of apple cider for a fun twist on the syrup. Vanilla just adds a traditional, warm undertone.
Do I need to peel the apples?
For the ultimate tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience, it’s best to peel the apples before using. Peels can become tough after baking and distract from the smooth, gooey interior of Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings.
Final Thoughts
Once you pull a dish of Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings from the oven, the scent alone is enough to gather everyone around the table. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just an everyday treat, these timeless dumplings never fail to bring a smile. I truly hope you’ll give this beloved recipe a try soon—it’s like serving up a slice of sweet, comforting nostalgia in every spoonful.
Print
Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings are a classic dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in flaky pastry, baked to golden perfection. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall.
Ingredients
For the Dumplings:
- 2 large Granny Smith apples (peeled and cored)
- 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust (or homemade, cut into 2 squares)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into 4 pieces)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For Assembly and Baking:
- 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 3/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream or ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a small baking dish.
- Prepare the apples: Cut each apple in half and remove cores completely.
- Mix the sugar and spices: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Fill the apples: Place a piece of butter and sugar mixture into the center of each apple half.
- Wrap in pastry: Wrap each apple half in a square of pie crust, sealing the seams and forming dumplings.
- Prepare the egg wash: Brush the tops of the dumplings with beaten egg.
- Make the syrup: In a saucepan, combine water, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Heat until sugar dissolves.
- Bake the dumplings: Place the dumplings in the dish, pour the syrup around them, and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Spoon syrup over the dumplings before serving warm.
Notes
- Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- You can use puff pastry for a flakier crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dumpling
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
