Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Caramel Apple Dumplings are a warm, comforting dessert that wraps tender apple slices in flaky pastry, all baked in a luscious caramel sauce. Perfect for fall or holiday gatherings, this treat delivers a delicious blend of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors that’s sure to impress with minimal effort.
ingredients
Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
Refrigerated crescent roll dough or pie crust
Butter (unsalted)
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Vanilla extract
Lemon juice (to prevent browning)
Salt
Optional: vanilla ice cream for serving
directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Toss apple slices with lemon juice, cinnamon, and a bit of sugar. Set aside.
Wrap each apple slice in crescent dough or pie crust and place in the baking dish.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
Pour the mixture over the wrapped apples.
Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for extra richness.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the dough is golden and apples are tender.
Let cool slightly before serving with vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Servings and timing
Makes 8 dumplings
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 65-70 minutes
Variations
Use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls for a flakier texture.
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Try using pears or peaches for a fruity twist.
Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a crisp finish.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 30-45 seconds.
Freeze before baking for up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding extra time.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, but Granny Smiths hold their shape and balance the sweetness best.
Do I have to use caramel sauce?
It’s optional but adds extra richness and flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to a day in advance before baking.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Use a gluten-free dough alternative to wrap the apples.
Can I use homemade dough?
Absolutely, homemade pie crust or biscuit dough works well.
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Dumplings are a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of apple pie with the simplicity of baked dumplings. With buttery pastry and sweet caramel sauce, they’re sure to be a family favorite all year round.
Print
Caramel Apple Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 8 dumplings (serves 4–6) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven bake
- Cuisine: American comfort
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, tender apple dumplings wrapped in buttery pastry and smothered in rich caramel—an irresistible comfort dessert ideal for cozy gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 medium tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or pie crust dough
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9‑inch round or 8‑cup baking dish.
- Peel, core, and quarter each apple into 8 slices.
- Unroll dough and cut into 8 equal squares (or triangles if using crescent rolls).
- Place 1 apple quarter onto each square. Top with 1/2 tablespoon butter, a sprinkle of brown sugar, cinnamon (and nutmeg if using).
- Wrap dough around the apple, sealing edges and placing seam‑side down in the prepared dish.
- In a medium saucepan, combine remaining brown sugar, water, vanilla, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Pour caramel sauce evenly over the dumplings in the dish.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until dumplings are golden brown and apples are tender, basting once with sauce halfway through.
- Allow dumplings to cool 5 minutes before serving. Spoon caramel sauce over top and serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
- Use puff pastry instead of crescent or pie dough for a flakier crust.
- Swap brown sugar for maple syrup or honey for a different caramel flavor.
- Make ahead: assemble and refrigerate before baking; add a few extra minutes to baking time.
- To reduce sweetness, use unsweetened apples and decrease brown sugar by 1/4 cup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dumpling
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
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