Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings

Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings are a classic baked dessert featuring whole apples wrapped in flaky homemade pastry and covered with a sweet cinnamon syrup. This traditional apple dumpling recipe is perfect for fall baking, holiday desserts, Thanksgiving dinners, and family gatherings. Made with simple pantry ingredients, tender baked apples, and a buttery crust, these homemade apple dumplings create a warm, comforting dessert that pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce.

These Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings feature tender whole apples wrapped in a flaky homemade pastry and baked in a sweet cinnamon syrup. This classic comfort dessert has been a family favorite for generations, combining warm baked apples, buttery crust, and a rich syrup that creates a delicious sauce as it bakes. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday meals, or cozy weekend desserts, these apple dumplings are best served warm with a scoop of ice cream.

Ingredients

Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons shortening
• 1/2 cup milk

Filling

• 6 medium apples, peeled and cored
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons salted butter

Syrup

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups water
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Cut the shortening into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Pour in the milk and stir gently until the dough comes together.
5. Shape the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate while preparing the apples.

Prepare the Apples

6. Peel and core the apples, leaving them whole.
7. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the filling.

Assemble the Dumplings

8. Roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface.
9. Divide the dough into six equal portions and roll each into a square large enough to wrap around an apple.
10. Place one apple in the center of each dough square.
11. Fill the center of each apple with a portion of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and a small piece of butter.
12. Bring the dough up around each apple and pinch the seams tightly to seal.
13. Arrange the wrapped apples in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Make the Syrup

14. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, butter, and cinnamon.
15. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts completely.
16. Carefully pour the hot syrup over the apple dumplings.

Bake

17. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a knife.
18. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
19. Spoon some of the warm syrup over each dumpling when serving.

Tips

• Choose firm baking apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn.
• Keep the dough chilled until ready to use for a flakier crust.
• Seal the dough well around the apples to prevent filling from leaking out.
• Spoon the syrup over the dumplings halfway through baking for extra flavor.
• Serve warm for the best texture and taste.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple centers.
• Replace the cinnamon with apple pie spice for extra warmth.
• Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Substitute butter with plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
• Add raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for additional sweetness.

FAQs

What are the best apples for apple dumplings?

Firm apples that hold their shape during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, work best.

Can I make apple dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them several hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

How do I store leftovers?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can apple dumplings be frozen?

Yes, freeze baked and cooled dumplings in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Why is my dough tough?

Overmixing the dough can make it tough. Mix only until the ingredients come together.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
• Top with freshly whipped cream.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce.
• Pair with hot coffee, tea, or apple cider.
• Spoon extra cinnamon syrup over each serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic old-fashioned comfort dessert
• Tender baked apples wrapped in flaky pastry
• Rich homemade cinnamon syrup
• Perfect for holidays and family gatherings
• Simple ingredients and easy preparation
• Delicious served warm with ice cream or whipped cream

Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings

Recipe by el hassan

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

676

kcal

Ingredients

• Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 3 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 6 tablespoons shortening

• 1/2 cup milk

• Filling

• 6 medium apples, peeled and cored

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 3 tablespoons salted butter

• Syrup

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 cups water

• 3 tablespoons salted butter

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

• Prepare the Dough
• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
• Cut the shortening into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Pour in the milk and stir gently until the dough comes together.
• Shape the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate while preparing the apples.
• Prepare the Apples
• Peel and core the apples, leaving them whole.
• In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the filling.
• Assemble the Dumplings
• Roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface.
• Divide the dough into six equal portions and roll each into a square large enough to wrap around an apple.
• Place one apple in the center of each dough square.
• Fill the center of each apple with a portion of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and a small piece of butter.
• Bring the dough up around each apple and pinch the seams tightly to seal.
• Arrange the wrapped apples in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Make the Syrup
• In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, butter, and cinnamon.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts completely.
• Carefully pour the hot syrup over the apple dumplings.
• Bake
• Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a knife.
• Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
• Spoon some of the warm syrup over each dumpling when serving.