There’s an undeniable charm and comforting warmth to old-fashioned apple dumplings. They’re a delightful dessert that truly embodies the essence of homemade comfort food, surprisingly simple to prepare, and perfect for any occasion that calls for a touch of sweet nostalgia. I often find myself reaching for store-bought pie crusts to streamline the process, effortlessly encasing perfectly cored apples filled with a rich blend of butter and aromatic cinnamon sugar. Baking these golden parcels in a luscious, sweet apple cider sauce ensures each dumpling emerges incredibly moist and bursting with juicy apple flavor. Every bite is reminiscent of a miniature, individual apple pie, offering all the classic taste without the extensive preparation. This makes them an ideal choice for cozy fall desserts, holiday gatherings, or simply whenever a craving for a sweet, comforting treat strikes. They are quick, fuss-free, and guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Effortless Pie Crust Apple Dumplings: A Cozy Fall Dessert

These apple dumplings, made with convenient pie crust, perfectly marry the crisp, tart notes of fresh apples with the warm, aromatic sweetness of cinnamon and brown sugar. While rooted in a cherished family recipe passed down by my grandma, this version is thoughtfully updated with modern time-saving shortcuts, making homemade goodness more accessible than ever. The secret to getting these delectable treats on the table quickly, without compromising that authentic, scratch-made flavor, lies in utilizing store-bought pie crust. However, for those who love to bake from scratch, my food processor pie crust recipe offers a fantastic alternative and comes in incredibly handy when you have a bit more time. With just a handful of simple ingredients, these pie crust apple dumplings have swiftly become a beloved staple in my kitchen – an easy-to-whip-up fall dessert that promises pure comfort and deliciousness every single time. They’re not just a treat; they’re an experience, delivering a warm hug in every bite, perfect for autumnal evenings or any moment you desire a sweet, fruit-filled indulgence.

Cozy Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings Recipe

Indulge in these incredibly delicious apple dumplings, filled with tender apples, rich butter, and aromatic spices, all baked to perfection in a sweet and tangy apple cider sauce. A comforting dessert that tastes just like grandma used to make, but with a modern twist!

Prep Time:
45 minutes

Cook Time:
45 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 30 minutes

Servings:
4 dumplings

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Ingredients

For the Apples

• 15 ounces refrigerated pie crust
• 4 medium apples, peeled and cored (Granny Smith recommended)

For the Filling

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces (¼ stick)

For the Sauce

• 1 cup apple cider (NOT apple cider vinegar!)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick)

Equipment

• Kitchen Scale (optional, for precise dough measurement)
• 9×13 Baking Pan
• Rolling Pin
• Medium Saucepan
• Whisk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. On a lightly floured surface, carefully unroll your 15 ounces of refrigerated pie crust. Using a sharp knife or pastry wheel, cut the dough into four roughly 7×7-inch squares. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly uniform; a rustic look adds to the charm! If the dough feels too soft or sticky to work with, place it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to firm up, making it much easier to handle.
   15 ounces refrigerated pie crust
   
3. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ½ cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk them together until thoroughly mixed and fragrant. This spicy-sweet blend will be the delectable heart of your apple dumplings.
   ½ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   
4. Take one peeled and cored apple and place it squarely in the center of a pie crust square. Carefully fill the apple’s core cavity with approximately 1 tablespoon of the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture. Then, nestle one piece (about ½ tablespoon) of unsalted butter into the center of the apple. To form the dumpling, gently bring each corner of the pie crust up towards the center of the apple, allowing them to meet and overlap slightly. Press the dough edges together gently but firmly to seal, ensuring the filling stays securely inside during baking. Pinch any open seams together to create a neat, sealed package. Be mindful not to overfill the apples, as this can cause the delicious filling to bubble over and potentially burn in the oven.
   4 medium apples, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
   
5. Continue this process with the remaining apples and pie crust squares, creating four individual dumplings. Once all are assembled, place them aside in the refrigerator. Chilling them slightly while you prepare the sauce helps the dough maintain its shape and prevents it from becoming too warm.
   
6. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of apple cider (be sure it’s not apple cider vinegar!), ¾ cup of brown sugar, and ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the butter and brown sugar have completely melted and dissolved, and the sauce comes to a gentle boil. As soon as it boils, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully pour this aromatic, sweet sauce evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
   1 cup apple cider, ¾ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup unsalted butter
   
7. Carefully arrange the chilled apple dumplings over the warm apple cider sauce in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the dumpling crusts are golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. During the baking process, I recommend basting the apples a few times with the sweet sauce from the bottom of the pan. This helps keep the tops moist and infuses them with even more flavor and a beautiful glaze.
   
8. Once baked to perfection, remove the apple dumplings from the oven. Allow them to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the sauce thicken slightly and the apples to set. Serve warm, spooning extra apple cider sauce from the bottom of the pan generously over each dumpling. For an extra treat, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes an excellent accompaniment.

Notes and Expert Tips

• **Dough Shape:** If you’re using store-bought pie crust, don’t worry about achieving perfectly geometric squares. Just do your best to cut even sections, and the rustic charm will shine through!
• **Homemade Dough Prep:** For those opting for homemade pie crust, divide the dough into quarters before chilling it. Then, gently shape each quarter into a square before rolling. This initial shaping step makes it significantly easier to roll out uniform squares.
• **Creative Garnishes:** Have some extra pie crust dough? Use small cookie cutters to create fall-themed shapes like leaves or tiny apples. These can be placed on top of each dumpling before baking for an extra decorative touch.
• **Smaller Servings:** If you prefer smaller dumplings, simply use half an apple per dumpling and adjust the dough size accordingly. You may also need to slightly reduce the baking time.
• **To Peel or Not to Peel:** While removing the core is essential, peeling the apples is entirely optional. If you don’t mind the texture of the peels, leaving them on can add extra fiber and a lovely rosy hue to your dumplings. Just ensure they are thoroughly washed.
• **Basting is Key:** Don’t skip basting the dumplings with the sauce during baking! This keeps the crust from drying out, adds flavor, and creates a beautiful, glossy finish.
• **Preventing Leaks:** When sealing the dumplings, ensure all seams are firmly pinched together. This prevents the filling from escaping and burning in the pan.

Storage: Store any leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

**Freezing:** For longer storage, wrap individual apple dumplings tightly in two layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before following reheating instructions.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

Apple Dumplings Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 dumpling)

Calories 1022
Calories from Fat 405

% Daily Value*

Fat 45g69%

Saturated Fat 20g125%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 4g

Monounsaturated Fat 17g

Cholesterol 46mg15%

Sodium 461mg20%

Potassium 456mg13%

Carbohydrates 151g50%

Fiber 7g29%

Sugar 91g101%

Protein 7g14%

Vitamin A 631IU13%

Vitamin C 9mg11%

Calcium 103mg10%

Iron 4mg22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author:
Becky Hardin

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How to Make Apple Dumplings: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Workspace and Dough

Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 425°F (220°C). This ensures the oven is at the optimal temperature for a perfectly golden crust and tender apples. While the oven preheats, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously grease it with butter. This simple step is crucial to prevent the dumplings from sticking and will make serving and cleanup a breeze. Next, on a clean, lightly floured surface, carefully unroll your 15 ounces of refrigerated pie crust. Using a sharp knife or a pastry wheel, cut the dough into four relatively even 7×7-inch squares. Don’t stress too much about absolute perfection; a slightly rustic look adds to the homemade charm! If you find the pie dough feels too soft or sticky to handle with ease, simply place it back in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This brief chill time will firm it up, making it much more manageable to work with and preventing tearing.

2. Create the Aromatic Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ½ cup of rich brown sugar with the warm, fragrant 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk these two ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and the mixture emits a delightful, inviting aroma. This sweet and spiced blend is what will infuse your apples with incredible flavor and create a gooey, delicious center. Ensure there are no lumps of brown sugar, aiming for a consistent mixture that will distribute evenly within each apple’s core.

3. Expertly Wrap Each Dumpling

Place one medium-sized, cored apple directly in the center of one of your pie crust squares. Now for the heart of the dumpling: carefully fill the hollowed core of the apple with about 1 tablespoon of your fragrant cinnamon-sugar mixture. Next, nestle one piece (approximately ½ tablespoon) of unsalted butter into the center of the apple, right on top of the sugar mixture. This butter will melt during baking, creating a rich, caramel-like sauce within the apple itself. To form the dumpling, gently bring each corner of the pie crust up towards the apple’s center, allowing the dough edges to meet and slightly overlap. Carefully press the edges of the dough together, pinching firmly to create a secure seal around the apple. This is important to ensure the delectable filling stays locked inside during baking. Be cautious not to overfill the apples, as an excessive amount of filling can bubble out and potentially burn in the baking dish, affecting both the appearance and taste.

4. Assemble the Remaining Dumplings

Continue the wrapping process, repeating step 3 for the remaining three apples and pie crust squares. Once all four apple dumplings are neatly assembled, carefully place them on a plate or a small tray. Set them aside in the refrigerator while you move on to preparing the baking sauce. Chilling the assembled dumplings momentarily helps the pie crust dough firm up, making it easier to transfer them to the baking dish and ensuring they hold their beautiful shape throughout the baking process, preventing any premature slumping or tearing.

5. Craft the Irresistible Apple Cider Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rich apple cider (be absolutely certain to use apple cider, not apple cider vinegar, as the flavors are vastly different!), ¾ cup of brown sugar, and ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat on your stovetop. Stir the mixture continuously and gently until the butter has completely melted and the brown sugar has fully dissolved into the cider, creating a smooth, glossy liquid. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Once it reaches a boil, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully and evenly pour this fragrant, sweet sauce into the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. This sauce will generously coat your dumplings, providing moisture and a delicious caramelized glaze as they bake.

6. Bake to Golden Perfection

Carefully retrieve your chilled apple dumplings from the refrigerator. Gently arrange them in a single layer over the warm apple cider sauce in your prepared baking dish. Ensure they are spaced out slightly to allow for even baking and browning. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your apples, so keep an eye on them. You’ll know they are done when the pie crusts are beautifully golden brown and the apples inside are tender when pierced with a fork. For an extra layer of flavor and to prevent the tops from drying out, it’s highly recommended to baste the apples a few times during the cooking process. Simply spoon some of the rich, sweet sauce from the bottom of the pan over the tops of the dumplings every 15 minutes or so. This will also give them a gorgeous, glossy finish.

7. Cool and Serve with Delight

Once your apple dumplings are baked to perfection, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Allow the dumplings to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the piping hot apples to cool slightly and the sweet sauce to thicken to a lovely, syrupy consistency. Serving them too hot might result in a runnier sauce. Once slightly cooled, serve each warm dumpling generously spooned with the luscious apple cider sauce from the bottom of the pan. For an ultimate dessert experience, these dumplings are heavenly when served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream that slowly melts into the warm sauce, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or an extra drizzle of caramel sauce.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

There are countless reasons why these apple dumplings will quickly become a cherished recipe in your kitchen. First and foremost, their incredible ease of preparation makes them accessible to bakers of all skill levels, turning a seemingly elaborate dessert into a quick and satisfying project. The use of store-bought pie crust is a game-changer, drastically cutting down on prep time without sacrificing the beloved flaky texture. They offer a nostalgic taste of grandma’s kitchen, updated for today’s busy lifestyle. The combination of tender, spiced apples enveloped in a buttery crust and swimming in a sweet cider sauce is pure comfort in every bite. They are also incredibly versatile; perfect as a warm dessert on a chilly evening, a delightful addition to any holiday table, or even a special breakfast treat. The individual portion sizes make them elegant to serve, and the aroma filling your home as they bake is simply irresistible. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors, delivering warmth, satisfaction, and a touch of seasonal magic with minimal fuss.

Delicious Variations & Customizations

While classic apple dumplings are divine as is, feel free to get creative with these delicious variations and toppings to suit your taste:

• **Nutty Addition:** For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle a tablespoon of chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple core along with the cinnamon sugar and butter.
• **Dried Fruit Delight:** Mix in a few raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots with the sugar and cinnamon for a chewiness and added fruity depth.
• **Spice It Up:** Beyond cinnamon, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ground ginger to your cinnamon-sugar filling for a more complex spice profile. A tiny dash of cardamom can also be delightful.
• **Citrus Zest:** For a brighter flavor, add a small amount of orange or lemon zest to the apple filling.
• **Caramel Indulgence:** Drizzle a tablespoon of caramel sauce over the apple before wrapping it in the pie crust for an extra layer of gooey sweetness.
• **Vanilla Bean Infusion:** Add a tiny scraping of vanilla bean paste or a few drops of vanilla extract to the apple core filling for a rich, aromatic touch.
• **Topping Extravaganza:** While delicious on their own, these dumplings are fantastic with toppings. A scoop of premium vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, but whipped cream, a drizzle of extra apple cider reduction, or even a sprinkle of toasted oats can elevate them further.
• **Boozy Boost:** A splash of bourbon or brandy can be added to the apple cider sauce for an adult twist, deepening the flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

While this recipe is optimized for apples, you could experiment with firm pears or even peaches. Keep in mind that softer fruits may require less baking time or may become very soft. Adjust the spices and sweetness to complement the fruit you choose.

What if I don’t have apple cider?

If apple cider is unavailable, you can use unfiltered apple juice. The flavor will be slightly less complex but still delicious. Ensure it’s not from concentrate for the best results. You could also try a mixture of water with apple pie spice and a bit more brown sugar for a similar effect.

Can I make apple dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dumplings up to the point of baking. Assemble them, then cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You can also make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, pour the cold sauce over the cold dumplings and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

How do I know when the apples are tender?

The best way to check for doneness is to carefully insert a thin, sharp knife or a skewer into one of the dumplings (through the crust and into the apple). If it goes in with minimal resistance, the apple is tender. The crust should also be golden brown and flaky.

My pie crust cracked when I was wrapping the apple. What should I do?

Don’t worry! Pie crust can be delicate. If it cracks, simply pinch the cracked edges together or use a small piece of leftover dough to patch it up. The sauce will help seal any minor imperfections during baking.