Apple pie dumplings are a delightful twist on classic apple pie, featuring tender apple slices wrapped in a flaky dough and baked in a sweet, cinnamon-spiced sauce. These mini desserts are easy to prepare and deliver all the flavors of a traditional pie in a fun, individual-sized treat. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or anytime you’re craving a comforting dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the flavors of apple pie with the simplicity of dumplings.
- Made with just a few pantry staples for a quick dessert.
- Perfectly portioned for serving at parties or family dinners.
- Customizable with your favorite apples or spices.
- Delicious on its own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Apples (peeled, cored, and sliced into wedges)
- Crescent roll dough or pie crust
- Butter (melted)
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg (optional)
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon juice
- Soda or apple juice (e.g., Sprite, 7-Up, or apple cider)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into small wedges. Toss the slices in a bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Wrap the Apples:
- Unroll the crescent dough or roll out the pie crust and cut it into small triangles or strips. Wrap each apple wedge in a piece of dough, pinching to seal the edges. Place the wrapped apples seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and pour evenly over the wrapped apples.
- Add Liquid:
- Pour the soda or apple juice around the edges of the baking dish, avoiding the tops of the dumplings. This creates a delicious caramel-like sauce as it bakes.
- Bake:
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve:
- Let the dumplings cool slightly before serving. Spoon some of the caramel sauce over each dumpling and enjoy as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 8 dumplings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes.
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes.
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes.
Variations
- Peach Pie Dumplings: Substitute apples with fresh or canned peach slices.
- Caramel Apple Dumplings: Add a small caramel candy inside the crescent dough before wrapping the apple wedge.
- Nutty Dumplings: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Spiced Dumplings: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free crescent dough or pie crust.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dumplings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
What type of apples work best?
Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for baking as they hold their shape well.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes, puff pastry works beautifully for a flakier texture.
How do I prevent the dumplings from getting soggy?
Avoid overfilling the baking dish with liquid and make sure the dough is tightly sealed around the apples.
Can I make this recipe without soda?
Yes, you can use apple juice, cider, or even water with a touch of honey or maple syrup.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dumplings and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Cloves, allspice, or cardamom can be added for extra depth of flavor.
Are these dumplings very sweet?
They are sweet, but you can adjust the sugar to taste or use unsweetened liquid for the sauce.
Can I use canned apples?
Canned apples can be used, but fresh apples provide a firmer texture.
What’s the best way to serve these dumplings?
Serve them warm with a drizzle of the sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Can I make these in smaller portions?
Yes, slice the apples smaller and use less dough for bite-sized dumplings.
Conclusion
Apple pie dumplings are a simple yet impressive dessert that captures all the flavors of classic apple pie in a compact form. Whether you serve them for a cozy family dinner or at a festive gathering, they’re sure to be a hit. Try this recipe for a comforting, delicious treat that everyone will love!
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Apple Pie Dumplings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Individual apple pies wrapped in pastry, offering a warm and comforting dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (containing two crusts)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or pie pan and set aside.
- Prepare Apples: Peel and core the apples. If using whole apples, cut them in half vertically to create two halves per apple.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Cut each crust into quarters, resulting in four pieces per crust.
- Assemble Dumplings: Place an apple half in the center of each pie crust piece. Fill the core cavity with a small piece of butter. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples. Fold the edges of the dough over the apple, pinching to seal and enclose the apple completely.
- Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan, combine apple cider (or apple juice), brown sugar, water, and remaining butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Bake Dumplings: Place the wrapped apples in the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce over the dumplings. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Serve: Allow the dumplings to cool slightly before serving. Spoon some of the baking dish sauce over each dumpling. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream.
Notes
- Apple Varieties: Tart apples like Granny Smith work well, but feel free to use your preferred variety.
- Pastry Options: Homemade pie crust or puff pastry can be used instead of refrigerated pie crusts.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.