Uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
Combines fruit, pastry, and syrup in one delicious dish.
Perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting dessert.
Easy to make ahead and reheat when ready to serve.
Great for holidays, potlucks, or family dinners.
Can be enjoyed on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A great way to use up fresh apples.
The syrup adds a rich, caramel-like flavor.
Impressive yet beginner-friendly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Apples (Granny Smith or any firm variety)
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Shortening or butter
Milk
Sugar
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Nutmeg (optional)
Water
Vanilla extract
Butter (for the syrup)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Peel and core the apples, keeping them whole.
In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the shortening or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add milk gradually to form a soft dough. Roll out the dough and cut it into squares large enough to wrap around each apple.
Place an apple in the center of each square. Fill the center of the apple with a mix of sugar and cinnamon. Dot with a small piece of butter.
Fold the dough around each apple and pinch to seal.
Place the dumplings in a greased baking dish.
In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Pour the syrup over the dumplings.
Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 apple dumplings. Prep time: 25 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
Use puff pastry or pie crust instead of homemade dough for convenience.
Add chopped nuts or raisins to the apple filling for extra texture.
Swap the cinnamon for apple pie spice or a blend of warm spices.
Use pears instead of apples for a twist.
Make mini versions using smaller apples or halved apples for bite-sized treats.
Add a splash of bourbon or apple cider to the syrup for depth of flavor.
Use maple syrup in the sauce for a richer sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain the flaky texture of the pastry.
FAQs
How do I keep the dough from getting soggy?
Make sure to bake the dumplings uncovered so the pastry can brown. Also, don’t overfill the apples with syrup inside the dough.
What are the best apples to use?
Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness and firm texture, but Honeycrisp or Fuji can also be used.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dumplings and refrigerate them, covered, for a few hours before baking.
Can I freeze apple dumplings?
Yes. Wrap unbaked dumplings individually and freeze. When ready to bake, add the syrup and increase baking time by 10–15 minutes.
What can I serve with apple dumplings?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce all pair beautifully with this dessert.
Can I use premade dough?
Absolutely. Store-bought pie dough or crescent roll dough works well in a pinch.
Why is my syrup too thin or too thick?
Adjust the boiling time slightly—boil longer for thicker syrup or add a bit more water if it gets too thick before baking.
Are apple dumplings very sweet?
They are sweet but balanced by the tartness of the apples and the richness of the pastry.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by using plant-based butter and milk, and a vegan-friendly dough substitute.
Can I microwave instead of bake?
Baking is strongly recommended to achieve the right texture, but in a pinch, microwaving can work—though the dough may be softer rather than flaky.
Conclusion
Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings are a warm, comforting dessert that brings a sense of home and tradition to any table. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a family dinner, or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee, they offer that perfect balance of sweet, spiced apple and flaky, golden pastry. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite in your dessert lineup.
Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings are a nostalgic dessert featuring whole apples wrapped in a tender homemade pastry, baked in a cinnamon-spiced syrup until golden and bubbling. Perfect for cozy evenings and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
6 firm apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled and cored
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup shortening or butter
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar (for filling)
1 tsp ground cinnamon (for filling)
2 tbsp butter (for filling)
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup sugar (for syrup)
1/2 cup brown sugar (for syrup)
1/4 cup butter (for syrup)
1 tsp ground cinnamon (for syrup)
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Peel and core the apples, keeping them whole.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in shortening or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add milk to form a soft dough. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into 6 squares.
Place one apple in the center of each dough square. Mix sugar and cinnamon, and fill the center of each apple with this mixture. Top each with a small piece of butter.
Fold the dough around each apple and pinch to seal tightly.
Place the dumplings in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Pour the hot syrup over the dumplings in the baking dish.
Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Use puff pastry or pie crust as a shortcut instead of making dough from scratch.Add raisins or chopped nuts to the apple center for extra texture.Swap apples for pears or add apple pie spice for a twist.Use maple syrup in the sauce for a deeper flavor profile.To reheat, bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions.
