Few desserts capture the feeling of home like Hot Apple Dumplings. This beloved treat features whole apples (or halved for ease), wrapped in soft, buttery crescent dough and baked in a rich cinnamon-sugar sauce that becomes a sticky, caramel-like glaze. Each bite melts in your mouth—warm apple, crisp pastry, and spiced sweetness all in one. Whether you serve them during the holidays, for a family dinner, or just because, they never disappoint.
Why You’ll Love These Hot Apple Dumplings
Perfect for Chilly Days
These dumplings are comfort food at its best—warm, gooey, and fragrant with cinnamon.
Beginner-Friendly
Using crescent roll dough saves time and makes this dessert simple enough for any home baker.
Customizable Flavors
Whether you love tart apples, sweeter varieties, or bold spices like nutmeg and cloves, this recipe adapts easily to your tastes.
Ideal for Holidays and Gatherings
They look and taste impressive but require only everyday ingredients and easy prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dumplings
- 4–6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
(or use puff pastry sheets for a richer texture) - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, adds a cozy touch)
- 1½ cups water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel drizzle
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Prepare the Apples
- Peel and core the apples. If your apples are large, cut them in half for easier wrapping.
- Separate the crescent dough into individual triangles.
- Wrap each apple (or half apple) with a triangle of dough, covering the fruit completely and pinching the edges to seal.
- Place the wrapped apples seam-side down in the baking dish.
Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and water.
- Stir frequently until the sugars dissolve and the mixture begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the warm sauce evenly over the crescent-wrapped apples in the baking dish.
Add the Buttery Touch
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the dumplings and sauce. This helps create a rich glaze as the dumplings bake.
Bake to Golden Perfection
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden and the apples are tender.
- About halfway through baking, carefully spoon some of the bubbling sauce over the dumplings for an extra burst of flavor and shine.
Serve Warm and Enjoy
- Let the dumplings cool for 5–10 minutes before serving—they’ll be piping hot.
- Spoon some of the warm sauce over each dumpling and top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel drizzle.
Tips for the Best Apple Dumplings
-
Choose Firm Apples
Granny Smith offers a nice tart contrast to the sweet sauce, while Fuji and Honeycrisp provide natural sweetness. -
Seal the Dough Tightly
Press the seams of the dough firmly so the sauce doesn’t seep inside during baking. -
Baste Halfway Through
Ladling the sauce over the dumplings during baking helps achieve that sticky, golden crust. -
Use Puff Pastry for a Gourmet Twist
Swap crescent rolls for puff pastry if you want a more delicate, layered crust. -
Try Spiced Variations
Add cloves, ginger, or even cardamom to the sauce for more complex, holiday-ready flavor.
Delicious Ways to Serve Your Apple Dumplings
-
Classic à la Mode
Nothing beats warm dumplings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting into the sauce. -
Add Crunch with Nuts
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the sauce before baking for extra texture. -
Serve for Breakfast
Reheat leftovers and pair them with coffee or tea for a sweet weekend brunch. -
Holiday Dessert Bar Feature
Make smaller dumplings using halved apples and offer them with a toppings station: whipped cream, caramel, crushed nuts, cinnamon sugar, etc.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
FAQs
Can I use canned apples instead of fresh?
Fresh apples are best for texture and flavor, but canned apple halves can be used in a pinch. Just drain them well to avoid a soggy result.
What kind of dough works best?
Refrigerated crescent dough is quick and easy, but puff pastry offers a flakier, more bakery-style crust. Either will work beautifully.
Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?
You can prepare the dumplings and sauce separately, then assemble and bake when ready. They’re best served fresh from the oven.
Are these freezer-friendly?
It’s not ideal to freeze after baking due to the sauce texture, but you can freeze unbaked wrapped apples and thaw before adding sauce and baking.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, cut both the brown and white sugar by ¼ cup each if you prefer a less sweet dessert. The flavor will still be delicious and rich.
Final Thoughts
These Hot Apple Dumplings are a timeless dessert that brings warmth and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply need a cozy treat to end your day, these golden, spiced dumplings never fail to satisfy. Try them once, and they might just become your new favorite fall tradition.