Served for breakfast or as a dessert for generations, Apple Dumplings are a delicious blend of fruit and sweet flavors rolled up in a pastry shell. If you’re looking for a simple spin on traditional Apple Dumplings, save this recipe!
Apple Dumplings
Mentioned in history as far back as the 1700s, Apple Dumplings have been around for ages. Tons of variations exist for this time-honored dish. This particular recipe has a warm lemon sauce to pour over the baked dumplings.
Made with fresh apples wrapped in a soft, homemade dough and bathed in a buttery, sweet syrup, these dumplings are the epitome of comfort food. Perfectly spiced, generously filled, and beautifully baked, they offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds dance. So, let’s dive into this classic dessert that is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe? Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using store-bought pie crust or puff pastry is a great alternative.
- What type of apple works best for dumplings? Generally, tart apples like Granny Smith work well because their flavor balances out the sweetness of the syrup.
- Can I make these dumplings ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dumplings and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. However, avoid letting them sit too long as the dough can become soggy.
Tips and Tricks
- When making the dough, avoid overworking it. This will keep the dough light and flaky.
- Core the apples but leave them whole. This will give you a nice shape and a good filling-to-dough ratio.
- Make sure to pour the syrup over the dumplings right before baking to prevent the dough from getting soggy.
My Apple Dumplings recipe calls for refrigerated pie crusts, which saves you time since you don’t have to make the dough from scratch! You will need a rolling pin and a ruler to create the seven even squares for each dumpling, though.
Apple Dumplings are simple, delicious, and a perfect individual portion for any occasion. Each portion gets an entire apple smothered in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest, and butter then encased in a dough square and baked to perfection.
Topped with lemon sauce, the flavors will be tart, sweet, and incredibly tasty!
What You Need For Apple Dumplings
- Refrigerated Pie Crusts
- Granny Smith Apples – this particular type of apple tends to hold its form well during baking, plus the tart flavor is a perfect balance with the sweetness of the dessert.
- Butter
- Brown Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Lemon Zest
- Egg White – used to seal the dough around the apple.
What Ingredients You Need for Lemon Sauce to Pour Over Apple Dumplings
- Sugar
- Corn Starch
- Cold Water
- Butter
- Lemon Juice
- Lemon Zest
Variations
- Spiced Apple Dumplings: Add a mix of warm spices such as nutmeg, allspice, and cloves to the syrup for a warming flavor.
- Peach Dumplings: Swap the apples for peaches for a summery twist on this classic dessert.
- Caramel Apple Dumplings: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the baked dumplings for a decadent touch.
Where to Serve Apple Dumplings
These Apple Dumplings are the perfect dessert for any occasion. They’re a great way to end a family dinner, a wonderful addition to a holiday dessert spread, and an ideal sweet treat for a cozy weekend brunch.
Storage
Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed cold or warmed up in the microwave or oven.
Apple Dumplings are delicious on their own, but also pair well with vanilla ice cream or cool whip. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, top your dumplings with both!
Topping Options
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm apple dumpling is a match made in heaven.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a cool and creamy contrast to the warm, spiced apples.
- Nuts: A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch to these soft dumplings.
Why This Recipe Works
Our Apple Dumplings recipe works because it combines simple, wholesome ingredients to create a dessert that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The tartness of the apples, the sweetness of the syrup, and the flaky softness of the dough all come together to create a dessert that’s truly comforting. Plus, the aroma of baking apples and buttery dough is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. So gather your apples and let’s make some delicious dumplings!
Follow the recipe card for complete instructions! I’d love to hear what you think of the recipe.
If you are looking for more amazing dessert recipes, be sure to check out this comprehensive list! 50+ Fun and Easy Dessert Recipes For Kids
Easy Apple Dumplings
These easy apple dumplings with homemade lemon sauce are so good and the most perfect dessert!
Ingredients
- Dumplings
- • 4 – 9 inch refrigerated pie crusts (usually 2 boxes)
- • 7 med. Granny Smith apples (peeled and cored)
- • 6 tbsp butter (softened)
- • 1 c light brown sugar
- • ¾ tsp cinnamon spice
- • ⅛ tsp nutmeg spice
- • 1 tsp lemon zest
- • 1 lg egg white (beaten)
- Lemon Sauce
- • 1 c granulated sugar
- • 8 tsp corn starch
- • 2 c water (cold)
- • 6 tbsp butter
- • 3 tbsp lemon juice
- • 1 tbsp lemon zest
Instructions
Dumplings
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- Using a non-stick cooking spray or butter, grease a 13x9 inch baking pan.
- Combine brown sugar, spices, lemon zest and butter. Fill the cavity of each apple with the mixture. Any leftover filling can be pressed around the outside of the apples.
- On a lightly-floured surface, roll out each pie crust circle slightly.
- Measure and cut a 7-inch square from each crust. This measurement is approximate. If you have something in your kitchen that is approximately that size, you can use it as a template.
- Repeat with remaining pie crusts. Re-roll leftover dough and repeat until you have your seven squares.
- Place your filled apples in the center of each square. Lightly brush the edges of each dough square with the egg white and fold up over apples, pleating and sealing to dough.
- Place dumplings in your prepared pan, not allowing them to touch each other.
- Bake on the center rack of your oven for approx. 40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove pan to a baking rack to cool. Spoon sauce over dumplings to serve.
Lemon Sauce
- Combine water, cornstarch and sugar. Stir until smooth and heat over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Boil until it thickens, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add butter, lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir to mix. Serve warm over dumplings.
If you loved these apple dumplings be sure to try out these other apple treats!
Cinnamon Apple Pie Cups: Easy and Fun Treats
Scrumptious Air Fryer Apple Fritters Recipe
Easy & Old Fashioned Apple Crisp Recipe!
Super Simple and Delicious Apple Cinnamon Muffins
The Most Perfect French Apple Cake Recipe
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