Homemade Rustic Apple Pie Dumplings Recipe: Cozy Fall Treats

Autumn’s crisp breeze carries the warm, comforting scent of rustic apple pie dumplings dancing through the kitchen.

These delectable parcels wrap tender apples in a flaky, golden pastry that melts in your mouth.

Each dumpling tells a story of simple ingredients coming together with love and tradition.

Buttery crust embraces sweet, spiced fruit in a heavenly combination that speaks to childhood memories.

The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples promises a delightful treat that connects generations.

Bakers of all skill levels can create this classic dessert with confidence.

Dive into this irresistible recipe that will surely become a cherished favorite at your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 8

What’s in Apple Pie Dumplings

• Pie Crust: Buttery, flaky base that cradles the apple perfectly, choose all-butter pastry for rich flavor.
• Flour: Creates tender texture, select unbleached all-purpose for best results.

• Apples: Crisp baking variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, select firm fruits without bruises for structural integrity.
• Butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps create golden, tender pastry.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances natural apple sweetness, provides caramelization.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements apple's natural flavor, use freshly ground for intense aroma.
• Nutmeg: Adds subtle depth and warmth, grate whole nutmeg for maximum flavor.

• Apple Cider: Creates luscious, deep flavor base, choose unfiltered for richer taste.
• Brown Sugar: Adds complex caramel notes, select dark brown for deeper flavor.
• Water: Helps create smooth sauce consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out sauce flavor, use pure extract for best results.
• Vanilla Ice Cream (Optional): Creamy complement that adds luxurious contrast.

Tools for Wrapping Apple Pie Dumplings

• Mixing Bowls: Needed for mixing sugar and spice blend, and preparing sauce.
• Saucepan: Essential for creating the delicious caramel-like sauce.
• Baking Dish: Crucial for holding and baking the dumplings.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Rolling Pin: Perfect for rolling out pie crust evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Used for peeling and cutting apples.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Pastry Brush (optional): Helps with brushing sauce or egg wash.

How to Make Apple Pie Dumplings at Home

• Warm Up the Oven

Get your kitchen cozy by heating the oven to 375F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

• Dress the Apples

Peel those round beauties and slice them in half. Their golden-white insides are about to become something magical.

• Craft the Pastry Blanket

Spread out your pie crust and slice it into four lovely triangular pieces. Each apple will get its own soft, flaky wrap.

• Create Delicious Bundles

Place an apple half on each pastry piece. Tuck a tiny butter chunk into its center and sprinkle a sweet mix of sugar and warming spices over the top. Gently fold the edges around the apple, creating a snug little package.

• Brew the Sauce

In a pan, blend apple cider, brown sugar, water, and butter. Let it bubble and dance until the sugar melts completely. Pull it off the heat and stir in a splash of vanilla for extra charm.

• Bake to Perfection

Nestle your apple bundles into the baking dish and lavish them with the sauce. Slide into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes until the pastry turns a gorgeous golden brown and the apples soften.

• Serve with Love

Let the dumplings rest briefly, then serve them warm. Drizzle extra sauce on top and consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream for pure bliss.

Apple Dumpling Tweaks for More Spice

• Pie Crust Pro Tips: Use cold butter and minimal handling to create a flaky, tender pastry that melts in your mouth.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble dumplings up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pie crust with gluten-free pastry dough or use almond flour-based crust for a celiac-friendly version.
• Fruit Flavor Boost: Experiment with different apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn to create unique flavor profiles and textures.
• Spice Exploration: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the sugar mixture for an unexpected warm, aromatic twist that elevates the classic recipe.

Presenting Apple Pie Dumplings Warm

• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Start your morning with these dumplings alongside a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea, creating a cozy breakfast experience that feels like a warm hug.
• Dessert Elegance: Elevate your dinner party by serving these dumplings as an elegant dessert, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a mint leaf for a sophisticated touch.
• Ice Cream Pairing Paradise: Top each dumpling with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, letting the cold, creamy texture contrast beautifully with the warm, spiced apple pastry.
• Caramel Drizzle Delight: Enhance the richness by drizzling homemade salted caramel sauce over the dumplings, adding a luxurious layer of sweetness that complements the cinnamon-spiced apples.

Keep Apple Pie Dumplings Tasty for Days

• Fridge Fresh Tactics: Store leftover apple pie dumplings in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them neatly arranged in a single layer to maintain their delicate pastry shape.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dumpling components 24 hours before baking. Wrap assembled, uncooked dumplings tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to reach room temperature.
• Freezer-Friendly Solution: Fully baked dumplings can be frozen for maximum 2 weeks. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently in oven at 325F for 15 minutes.
• Serving Temperature Strategy: Reheat refrigerated or thawed dumplings in oven for best texture restoration. Microwave works faster but might soften pastry. Always drizzle extra sauce before serving to refresh moisture and enhance flavor profile.

Rustic Apple Pie Dumplings Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade apple pie dumplings blend classic American dessert traditions with rustic charm. Warm spices and buttery pastry create a comforting treat you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Calibrate oven to 375°F (190°C) and delicately grease a baking dish to prevent adherence.
2. Apple Transformation: Meticulously peel and core apples, maintaining their structural integrity while creating symmetrical halves.
3. Pastry Crafting: Lay out pie dough on a flour-covered surface, dividing each round into four precise triangular segments.
4. Filling Assembly: Center an apple half on each pastry triangle, embedding a butter morsel into its core. Generously sprinkle a harmonious blend of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg across the fruit’s exposed landscape.
5. Pastry Encapsulation: Lovingly envelop each apple in its pastry cocoon, sealing the edges with careful pinches to create a seamless protective wrapper.
6. Sauce Creation: In a gleaming saucepan, merge apple cider, brown sugar, water, and remaining butter. Bring to a vigorous boil, ensuring complete sugar dissolution. Finish with a whisper of vanilla essence.
7. Baking Ritual: Arrange wrapped dumplings in the prepared dish, cascading the amber sauce luxuriously over their golden surfaces. Bake for 45-50 minutes until achieving a perfect caramelized exterior and tender interior.
8. Serving Finale: Allow dumplings a brief moment to settle. Drizzle additional sauce and accompany with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or delicate cream for an indulgent conclusion.

Notes

• Prevent Apple Browning: Submerge freshly peeled apple halves in a lemon water bath to halt oxidation and maintain their pristine white appearance during preparation.
• Control Pastry Texture: Work with chilled pie dough and handle minimally to ensure a flaky, tender crust that doesn’t become tough or dense from overworking.
• Sauce Consistency Trick: Simmer sauce until it reaches a slightly thickened, glossy consistency that coats the back of a spoon for maximum flavor and elegant presentation.
• Dietary Modification Option: Swap traditional pie crust with gluten-free pastry or use phyllo dough for a lighter alternative that accommodates various dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg