Apple Dumplings are a cozy, homemade dessert made by wrapping whole apples in pastry and baking them until golden brown. Topped with salted caramel sauce, they're a treat that brings together crisp apples and warm cinnamon sugar in every bite.
This recipe reminds me of my love for baking with apples and caramel, much like my Salted Caramel Apple Cake. Both recipes celebrate the sweet and tart flavors of apples with rich, buttery pastry and a touch of indulgence.
Jump to:
Why you'll love this Apple Dumplings Recipe
Easy prep: made with refrigerated pie dough, this recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor.
Comfort food: warm cinnamon, tender apples, and buttery pastry make this a dessert that feels like a hug on a cool fall day.
Versatile treat: try different apple varieties, switch the spices, or drizzle with spiced caramel for a unique twist.
Key Ingredients
See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Pie dough: refrigerated pie crust makes this recipe approachable and reliable.
- Fresh apples: choose firm apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Cortland, or Granny Smith, so they bake up tender but not mushy.
- Butter: adds richness and moisture to the filling.
- Cinnamon sugar: sweet and spiced blend that pairs perfectly with baked apples.
- Salted caramel sauce: the finishing drizzle that ties everything together, especially with a splash of rum.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dough: use Mom's Oil Pie Crust recipe instead.
- Sauce: replace caramel sauce with butterscotch sauce for a slightly different flavor.
- Apples: use pear halves for a softer, sweeter variation.
Variations on Apple Dumplings
- Crescent roll apple dumplings: wrap apple halves in crescent rolls for a different texture.
- Nut-stuffed dumplings: add chopped pecans or walnuts inside the apple before wrapping.
- Spiced apple dumplings: use nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom in place of cinnamon for a more aromatic filling.
Tips for The Best Apple Dumplings
- Room temp dough: let refrigerated pie dough warm slightly before rolling to avoid cracking.
- Seal well: press dough edges firmly so the apples stay wrapped as they bake.
- Core carefully: use an apple corer or pairing knife to remove the center while keeping apples intact.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: store leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: warm in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until heated through. Avoid the microwave since it softens the pastry.
More Easy Apple Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoyed this recipe, try my Apple Crisp, Apple Cider Glazed Donuts, Caramel Apple Cheese Danish, and Fireball Apple Cider.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Easy Apple Dumplings with Salted Caramel Sauce
Equipment
- Small baking dish
- Apple corer
- Apple peeler or knife
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 1 refrigerated pie crust sheet
- 4 medium apples
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter , cut into smaller cubes
- 4 tablespoons Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark rum , optional
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a small baking dish with non stick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and sugar. Set aside.
- Roll out pie dough and cut circle in quarters. You may need to roll the dough out a little more depending on the size of your apple. Place whole apples in the center of each section of dough.
- Place ½ tablespoon butter in center of each apple and top it off with 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Moisten the edges of the pie crust by dipping your fingers in a little cold water and spreading it around the dough round. Wrap apple in the pie crust, being careful to seal any seams. If you have enough dough left over you can also cut out some cute little leaves and add a stem to the apple.
- Place apple dumplings in prepared dish. Sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the dough.
- Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour or until pie crust becomes golden brown.
- Microwave salted caramel sauce in jar according to package instructions. Stir in 1 tablespoon rum (if using).
- Drizzle caramel sauce over top of dumpling and serve.
Sarah Reid says
This is right up my alley!
Julie @ Texan New Yorker says
Oh wow, these look and sound fabulous!
Shaina Wizov says
Salted caramel rum sauce sounds amazing!! I would eat this with a spoon!
Life Tastes Good says
You know me - anything with salted caramel gets my attention! I love fall too! It is so comforting in so many ways - the food, the colors, the weather, the clothes... it's my fave! This recipe looks amazing!
Cindy Kerschner says
salted caramel is perfect for fall. A great choice for these apple dumplings!
Shannon says
Um, yes? That's all I can say here. This post had me almost licking the screen. SO yummy looking.
Liz Berg says
Shelby, you sure look like you've been baking these for years! Such a spectacular fall dessert!!!
Christie Campbell says
I love the idea of the caramel rum sauce. I bet it's delicious over the dumplings.
The Ninja Baker says
Funny how food is attached to people and good times. Looks like you did a splendid job replicating the apple dumpling, Shelby =) ...I may very well be replicating the recipe soon, too!
Carla says
Ohhh I have both apples and rum in my kitchen right now! May need to make these soon.
KC the Kitchen Chopper says
Hi Shelby, I got some dough in my freezer calling for an Apple Dumpling. I've not made them before but I think it'll be worth a try! Pinned!