Apple dumplings are a classic, comforting dessert featuring tender apples wrapped in flaky pastry and baked in a rich cinnamon-sugar sauce. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
For the Dumplings:
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) of refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and slice each apple into 8 equal wedges.
Step 3: Wrap the Dumplings
- Open the cans of crescent roll dough and separate them into individual triangles.
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Take one apple wedge and roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place the apple wedge at the wide end of a crescent roll triangle and roll it up, tucking the sides as needed.
- Repeat with the remaining apple wedges and dough.
- Arrange the wrapped dumplings in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter.
- Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.
Step 5: Bake the Dumplings
- Pour the sauce evenly over the apple dumplings in the baking dish.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the dumplings for extra richness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Step 6: Serve
- Allow the dumplings to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips and Variations:
- Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweet sauce, while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the dumplings before baking for a nutty crunch.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the sauce for added warmth.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dumplings and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before baking.
- Leftovers: Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These apple dumplings are simple to make yet irresistibly delicious. The combination of buttery crescent roll dough, tender apples, and a caramel-like cinnamon-sugar sauce creates a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether served on its own or with a creamy accompaniment, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Classic Apple Dumplings Recipe
Apple dumplings are a classic, comforting dessert featuring tender apples wrapped in flaky pastry and baked in a rich cinnamon-sugar sauce.
Ingredients
- For the Dumplings:
- 2 large apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best
- 2 cans 8 ounces each of refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and slice each apple into 8 equal wedges.
- Step 3: Wrap the Dumplings
- Open the cans of crescent roll dough and separate them into individual triangles.
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Take one apple wedge and roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place the apple wedge at the wide end of a crescent roll triangle and roll it up, tucking the sides as needed.
- Repeat with the remaining apple wedges and dough.
- Arrange the wrapped dumplings in the prepared baking dish.
- Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter.
- Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.
- Step 5: Bake the Dumplings
- Pour the sauce evenly over the apple dumplings in the baking dish.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the dumplings for extra richness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Step 6: Serve
- Allow the dumplings to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.