Dessert

Apple Dumplings Recipe

ByHarry Bern January 15, 2026January 15, 2026

Introduction

Apple dumplings are a comforting classic dessert that wraps tender apples in a soft, buttery dough and bakes them in a sweet cinnamon sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for cozy evenings and pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream.

The image shows a close-up of a dark baking pan with three baked apple dumplings. Each dumpling has a golden, soft crust with a slightly cracked texture on top, and a hole in the center revealing a bit of the apple filling. The dumplings sit in a thick, glossy, dark brown syrup that pools at the bottom of the pan. There is an old silver spoon resting in the syrup, holding some syrup and small pieces of apple. In the background, a green apple and a light striped cloth are blurred on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour (267 grams)
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup salted butter (softened)
1/2 cup 2% milk (4 ounces)
6 apples (peeled and cored)
2 cups brown sugar (400 grams)
2 cups water (16 ounces)
1/4 cup salted butter (2 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix in the softened butter, then add the milk and stir until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into 6 equal balls.
Step 2: On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a circle. Place one peeled and cored apple in the center of each, then fold the dough around the apple, sealing it to form a ball.
Step 3: Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and arrange the dumplings in the pan. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
Step 4: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the brown sugar, water, butter, and cinnamon. Heat gently until the mixture just begins to boil, stirring often.
Step 5: Pour the cinnamon sauce evenly over the dumplings in the pan.
Step 6: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the apples are tender and the dough is golden brown. Optionally, baste the dumplings with the sauce a few times during baking for extra flavor.
Step 7: Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious finish.

Tips & Variations

Try using tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
You can add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the sauce for a spiced twist.
Brush the dough with a little melted butter before baking for a golden, shiny crust.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter alternative.

Storage

Store leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The sauce will thicken when chilled; adding a splash of water before reheating helps loosen it.

How to Serve

A soft, golden brown pudding sits in the center of a white plate with a red floral pattern around the edge. The pudding is covered with a glossy, cinnamon-colored sauce that pools around its base, giving it a shiny, slightly sticky look. On top, there is a dollop of white, creamy ice cream with visible specks of vanilla. To the left side of the plate, a silver spoon rests, slightly touching the pudding. In the background, out of focus, green apples and cinnamon sticks lie on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make apple dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dumplings and refrigerate them covered for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.