Description
Delight in these easy-to-make Caramel Apple Dumplings featuring tender Granny Smith apples wrapped in flaky pastry, baked to golden perfection, and drizzled with a luscious homemade caramel sauce. This comforting American dessert blends warm spices and buttery sweetness, perfect for a cozy fall treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Dumplings
- 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
- 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust or puff pastry (cut into 4 squares)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 4 tsp unsalted butter
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cut the Apples: Slice each peeled and cored apple in half vertically and set aside.
- Mix Spices and Sugar: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg to create a flavorful filling.
- Assemble Dumplings: Place one apple half cut-side down on each dough square. Fill the core cavity of the apple with 1 tsp of the sugar-spice mix and top with 1 tsp unsalted butter.
- Wrap the Dumplings: Fold the dough around each apple half, pinching the edges securely to seal each dumpling. Brush the outside with beaten egg wash to achieve a golden crust.
- Bake: Arrange the dumplings in the prepared baking dish and bake for 35–40 minutes until the dough is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Make Caramel Sauce: While baking, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup heavy cream, and 2 tbsp butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the hot dumplings just before serving for maximum indulgence.
Notes
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert.
- Using puff pastry will result in a flakier texture, while pie crust offers a more traditional, tender crust.
- Store-bought caramel sauce can be used as a time-saving alternative.
