Nothing beats the comforting taste of Hot Apple Dumplings fresh out of the oven. These golden, flaky dumplings wrap tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices in a buttery biscuit dough, creating a warm, melt-in-your-mouth treat. As they bake, the sweet vanilla-cinnamon syrup caramelizes beautifully, making every bite rich and indulgent.
Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these dumplings are perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy dessert on chilly evenings. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy: Uses store-bought biscuits for a no-fuss dessert.
✔ Perfectly Spiced: Cinnamon and sugar add the right amount of warmth and sweetness.
✔ Caramelized Syrup: The butter-vanilla sauce bakes into a rich, golden glaze.
✔ Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for holidays, weeknights, or potlucks.
✔ Delicious with Ice Cream: The warm dumplings pair beautifully with cold vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients for Hot Apple Dumplings
For the Dumplings:
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into 8 wedges
- 8 canned biscuits (such as Pillsbury buttermilk), separated into halves
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 1 stick (½ cup) butter
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
✔ Prep Time: 15 minutes
✔ Cook Time: 35 minutes
✔ Total Time: 50 minutes
✔ Servings: 8 dumplings
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and slice each apple into 8 wedges.
- Place the apple slices in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 3: Make the Syrup
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, ¾ cup sugar, butter, and vanilla extract.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Wrap the Apples
- Separate each biscuit in half, making 16 thinner layers.
- Wrap a biscuit layer around each apple slice, stretching it slightly to overlap and seal at the bottom.
- Place sealed-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup sugar with 4 teaspoons cinnamon.
- Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the wrapped dumplings.
Step 6: Pour the Syrup
- Carefully pour the hot sugar syrup over the dumplings.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden Brown
- Bake for 35 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the dumplings cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips for the Best Hot Apple Dumplings
✔ Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples work best because their tartness balances the sweet syrup.
✔ Seal the Dough Well: Make sure the dough is fully wrapped around the apples to prevent leaking.
✔ Make it Extra Caramelized: Baste the dumplings with the syrup halfway through baking for a deeper caramelized flavor.
✔ Add Nuts for Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the dumplings before baking.
✔ Serve Fresh: These dumplings taste best warm, but you can store leftovers and reheat them easily.
Substitutions & Variations
- Use Crescent Dough: Instead of biscuits, use crescent roll dough for a lighter texture.
- Add Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the dumplings after baking.
- Make It Spiced: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra warmth.
- Try a Different Fruit: Substitute apples with pears or peaches for a twist.
FAQs About Hot Apple Dumplings
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dumplings, cover them, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. How do I reheat apple dumplings?
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until heated through.
4. Can I freeze apple dumplings?
Yes! Freeze unbaked dumplings, then bake from frozen at 375°F for 40-45 minutes.
5. What can I serve with apple dumplings?
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce or honey drizzle
Conclusion
These Hot Apple Dumplings are a quick, easy, and irresistible dessert. With tender cinnamon-spiced apples, buttery biscuit dough, and a rich caramelized sauce, they make the perfect cozy treat for any occasion.
Try them today and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of homemade apple dumplings!