Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the classic flavors of apples, cinnamon, and a flaky dough, creating a deliciously sweet and comforting dessert. The tender apples inside the dumplings soak up the syrup, making each bite a perfect balance of warmth and sweetness. It’s a simple, yet indulgent dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
1 package of refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Peel, core, and slice the apples into wedges.
Separate the biscuit dough and flatten each biscuit slightly with your hands.
Place a few slices of apple in the center of each biscuit and fold the dough around the apple slices, pinching the edges together to seal.
Arrange the dumplings in the prepared baking dish.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Pour the syrup over the dumplings in the baking dish, making sure to cover them evenly.
Bake the dumplings for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and the apples are tender.
Remove from the oven and drizzle the syrup from the baking dish over the dumplings before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

Caramel Apple Dumplings: Add 1/2 cup of caramel sauce to the syrup for a richer flavor.
Spiced Apple Dumplings: Increase the cinnamon and add a pinch of cloves for extra warmth and spice.
Nutty Apple Dumplings: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling before wrapping them in the dough for a crunchy twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuit dough if you need a gluten-free version.
Sugar-Free Version: Replace the brown sugar with a sugar substitute such as Stevia or monk fruit for a lower sugar alternative.

Storage/Reheating

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

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any apple variety, but tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work especially well in this dish.

2. Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dumplings and refrigerate them before baking. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I freeze the dumplings?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled dumplings before baking. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

4. Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! You can use homemade biscuit dough for a more personalized touch.

5. What can I serve these dumplings with?

These dumplings are great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of yogurt.

6. Can I make this recipe without butter?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute if needed.

7. Can I add other fruits to the dumplings?

Yes, pears or peaches would make a great addition or alternative to apples. Feel free to experiment with your favorite fruits.

8. What is the best way to store leftover syrup?

Store leftover syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat it before serving.

9. Can I use canned biscuit dough for this recipe?

Yes, canned biscuit dough is perfectly fine to use in this recipe, and it saves time!

10. How can I make the syrup thicker?

To make the syrup thicker, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water and simmer it into the syrup before pouring it over the dumplings.

Conclusion

Hot Apple Dumplings are a simple yet delicious treat that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re enjoying them on a chilly evening or serving them for a family gathering, they’re sure to be a hit. With their tender apple filling and sweet cinnamon syrup, this recipe is the perfect way to enjoy fall flavors year-round. Enjoy!