Caramel Apple Dumplings are the kind of dessert that promise pure comfort with every bite: flaky pastry wrapped around tart apples, blanketed in homemade caramel sauce, and baked until irresistibly golden. Imagine the scent of cinnamon wafting from your oven, the sauce bubbling up and mingling with the tender apples—this is a cozy treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Whether you’re craving a classically nostalgic dessert or looking to impress at your next gathering, this Caramel Apple Dumplings recipe is set to win hearts with its perfect blend of sweet, gooey, and buttery goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What truly makes Caramel Apple Dumplings shine is the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together. Each element—crisp apples, buttery crust, sweet-spiced sugar, and luscious caramel—not only layers flavor but also contributes to that signature texture and homey aroma.
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness of the caramel, and they hold their shape beautifully while baking.
- Refrigerated pie crust: The ultimate shortcut for flaky, golden pastry with zero fuss—feel free to swap in your favorite homemade crust if you prefer!
- Granulated sugar: Adds the essential touch of sweetness and helps caramelize the apples.
- Ground cinnamon: For that warm, cozy flavor you expect in every apple dessert.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch goes a long way in adding depth and warmth to the spice blend.
- Butter: Nestled into each dumpling, a dab of butter melts over the apples for extra richness and moisture.
- Packed brown sugar: The base of our caramel sauce, bringing that deep, molasses sweetness.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and keeps the sauce smooth and pourable.
- Heavy cream: For a luscious, creamy caramel that’s simply irresistible.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sauce with aromatic sweetness.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings all the flavors into focus—don’t skip it!
- Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon water): Gives the pastry a beautiful, shiny, golden finish.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dumplings
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
First things first—get your oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Line your favorite baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure those caramel-y edges are easy to scoop out when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Cut the Pie Crust and Apples
Roll out the pie crust gently on a floured surface, then slice it into 8 even squares. Take your peeled and cored Granny Smith apples and cut each one into 4 wedges, giving you 8 neat pieces ready for wrapping.
Step 3: Mix the Sugar and Spices
Combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl. This mixture not only sweetens the apples but infuses each bite with that classic fall spice flavor that makes Caramel Apple Dumplings so beloved.
Step 4: Assemble the Dumplings
Place one apple wedge on the center of each pastry square. Sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture, then top with a little nub of butter. Now, fold the dough over the apple, pinching the edges to seal completely so the filling doesn’t leak during baking. Shape each packet into a cute, rustic dumpling—perfection isn’t required!
Step 5: Arrange and Prepare for Baking
Nestle your dumplings into the prepared baking dish, making sure they’re snug but not overcrowded. This ensures they bake up evenly and soak up all the delectable caramel as it bubbles.
Step 6: Cook the Caramel Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, water, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture looks smooth and begins to bubble. The aroma at this stage is out of this world!
Step 7: Pour, Brush, and Bake
Carefully pour the warm caramel sauce all over the dumplings. This step is crucial for that signature gooey decadence! Brush the tops with your egg wash for a beautifully glossy finish. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown and the sauce is bubbly and thick.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Caramel Apple Dumplings cool for a few minutes—the caramel will thicken as it rests. Now’s the perfect time to gather everyone around, because nobody wants to miss that first, steamy bite!
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dumplings
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the warm dumpling is pure magic, but you can also drizzle more caramel sauce or sprinkle crushed pecans for some crunch. Sometimes I even add a whisper of flaky sea salt on top—trust me, it’s a game changer!
Side Dishes
These dumplings shine as a standalone dessert, but if you’re serving a crowd, pair each one with a simple fresh fruit salad to balance out the richness. A cup of spiced chai or strong black coffee alongside adds a sophisticated touch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hoping to wow, serve the Caramel Apple Dumplings in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for individual portions—restaurant vibes at home! For family gatherings, arrange them in a rustic dish right in the center of the table and let everyone dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Caramel Apple Dumplings tasting fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, and the flavors deepen as they sit—making leftovers a real treat!
Freezing
These dumplings actually freeze beautifully. Once fully cooled, wrap each dumpling individually in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you’ll have cozy dessert on demand.
Reheating
For best results, warm your Caramel Apple Dumplings in a 350°F oven until heated through and the caramel is bubbling gently, about 10-15 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave will also do the trick if you’re in a hurry, but the oven will keep the pastry crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smiths are perfect for their tartness and firmness, you can try Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji apples if you prefer a milder flavor or softer texture. Just adjust the sugar slightly if your apples are sweeter.
How do I keep the dumpling bottoms from getting soggy?
Lining the baking dish with parchment prevents sticking, but if you want even crispier bottoms, place the dumplings on a wire rack set inside the baking dish or bake a few minutes longer for a firmer crust.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble the dumplings a few hours ahead, keep them covered in the fridge, and pour over the caramel sauce just before baking. This makes Caramel Apple Dumplings a true entertainer’s dream.
What’s the best dough substitute if I don’t have pie crust?
Crescent roll dough or puff pastry both work wonderfully in a pinch. They’ll give a slightly different texture—crescent dough is a bit flakier, and puff pastry is luxuriously crisp—but both are absolutely delicious!
Is there a dairy-free option for the caramel and filling?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream for the sauce. The result will still be rich, creamy, and perfect for anyone avoiding dairy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving warm nostalgia and a show-stopping treat, you simply have to try these Caramel Apple Dumplings. Pour yourself a cup of something cozy, gather your loved ones, and share the joy—because a pan of these beauties never lasts long!
Print
Caramel Apple Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 dumplings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet caramel and tart apples with these scrumptious Caramel Apple Dumplings. A perfect dessert for fall or any time you’re craving a comforting treat.
Ingredients
For the Dumplings:
- 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
- 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon butter (cut into 8 small pieces)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare the crust: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper. Roll out the pie crust and cut it into 8 even squares.
- Prepare the apples: Cut each apple into 4 wedges.
- Make the cinnamon sugar mixture: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Assemble the dumplings: Place one apple wedge on each dough square, sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture, and top each with a small piece of butter. Fold the dough over the apple wedge, pinching to seal and shape into a dumpling.
- Arrange and sauce: Arrange the dumplings in the prepared dish. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until smooth and bubbly. Pour the warm caramel sauce over the dumplings.
- Bake and serve: Brush the tops with egg wash. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can use crescent roll dough or puff pastry as an alternative to pie crust.
- For extra indulgence, serve with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of additional caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dumpling
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
