Name: Apple Dumplings with Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8-count); 1 tablespoon butter, melted; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; For the sauce:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Dumplings with Sauce are a perfect blend of tender apples and a flaky, buttery dough, all drenched in a luscious, caramel-like sauce. The combination of the sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples with the rich, warm syrup makes this dessert a comforting choice for any season. It’s easy to make, yet feels indulgent enough for a holiday meal or weekend treat. With its balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is a timeless favorite that will never go out of style.

Ingredients

For the dumplings:

2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8-count)
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the sauce:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Peel, core, and cut the apples into quarters, removing the seeds. Place each apple quarter in the center of a crescent roll triangle.
Roll the crescent dough around each apple quarter, ensuring that the apple is fully wrapped in dough. Pinch the edges to seal the dumplings.
Place the wrapped apple dumplings in the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the dumplings.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sugar, water, vanilla, and cinnamon, and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce is simmering, pour it over the dumplings.
Bake the dumplings in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the apples are tender.
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Spoon some of the sauce from the pan over each dumpling before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Total time: 45 minutes
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add nuts: Chop some walnuts or pecans and sprinkle them over the dumplings before baking for a crunchy texture and added flavor.
Use different fruits: While apples are classic, you can substitute them with pears or peaches for a twist on this recipe.
Caramel sauce: For an even richer flavor, try making or using a store-bought caramel sauce instead of the cinnamon syrup.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the sugar-cinnamon mixture for a spicier variation.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the dumplings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make apple dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dumplings and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the sauce right before you bake them.

Can I freeze apple dumplings?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked apple dumplings. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Bake them from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, work best because they hold up well during baking and have a good balance of sweetness and tartness.

Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough?

Yes, you can use homemade dough if you prefer. A simple biscuit dough or pie dough would work well in place of the crescent roll dough.

How do I know when the dumplings are done?

The dumplings are done when the dough is golden brown and the apples inside are tender. You can test the apples with a fork to ensure they are soft and cooked through.

Can I serve apple dumplings with ice cream?

Yes! Apple dumplings are fantastic when served with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a bit longer to reduce it or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a small amount of cold water to the sauce while it’s simmering.

Can I make these apple dumplings without butter?

You can substitute butter with margarine or a plant-based butter alternative if needed.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

This recipe contains butter and crescent roll dough, which are not vegan. You can substitute with vegan butter and vegan crescent rolls for a vegan-friendly version.

How can I make the sauce sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter sauce, simply add more sugar to the sauce while it’s simmering, adjusting to taste.

Conclusion

Apple Dumplings with Sauce are the perfect dessert for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to special holiday meals. With their tender apple filling, flaky dough, and warm, spiced sauce, these dumplings are a comforting treat everyone will love. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with ice cream, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have this delicious dessert ready in no time.