5-Ingredient Apple Dumplings Recipe

Quick & Cozy 5-Ingredient Apple Dumplings Recipe for Fall Treats

Crafting delectable apple dumplings with just five ingredients might sound like culinary magic.

Seasonal apples become the star of this simple dessert.

Warm spices and flaky pastry create an irresistible combination that feels like a cozy hug.

Minimal effort leads to maximum flavor in this straightforward recipe.

Comfort and sweetness merge effortlessly in each golden-brown bundle.

Home bakers will adore how quickly these dumplings come together.

Dive into this delightful treat that promises to impress without complicated techniques.

Why You Should Try Easy 5-Ingredient Apple Dumplings

  • Simplify Dessert Crafting: Master a delightful treat with just five ingredients, making baking accessible for novice and experienced cooks alike.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Create a warm, nostalgic dessert that brings families together with its irresistible aroma and classic taste.
  • Quick Homemade Magic: Transform basic ingredients into a stunning dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery, without complex techniques.
  • Versatile Sweet Experience: Perfect for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or spontaneous dessert cravings with minimal preparation and maximum satisfaction.

What You’ll Need For Easy 5-Ingredient Apple Dumplings

Main Ingredients:
  • Apples: Whole, firm apples are the star of this classic dessert that provide natural sweetness and tender texture.
  • Pie Crust: Flaky pastry dough that wraps and protects the apples, creating a golden, crispy exterior.
Sweetening and Flavoring Ingredients:
  • Butter, Sugar, Ground Cinnamon: A classic trio that creates a rich, caramel-like sauce with warm spice notes for the dumplings.
Liquid Component:
  • Water: Helps create a light syrup in the baking dish, ensuring the dumplings stay moist and develop a delicious sauce during baking.

Steps To Make Easy 5-Ingredient Apple Dumplings

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Carefully core and peel the apples, keeping them whole and maintaining their beautiful shape for a stunning presentation.

Step 3: Create Pastry Triangles

Gently unroll the pie crusts and slice each sheet into four equal triangular sections that will perfectly envelop each apple.

Step 4: Wrap the Apples

Carefully drape each apple with a pastry triangle, tenderly pinching and sealing the edges to create a snug, complete covering.

Step 5: Develop the Luscious Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in:
  • Sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, fragrant mixture.

Step 6: Coat the Dumplings

Delicately pour the butter mixture over the wrapped apples, ensuring even coverage in the baking dish.

Step 7: Create a Syrupy Bath

Slowly add water around the dumplings, forming a light, delectable syrup that will infuse flavor during baking.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and tender apples.

Step 9: Rest and Absorb

Remove from the oven and let the dumplings rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing them to soak up the surrounding syrupy goodness.

Step 10: Serve with Delight

Present the warm dumplings, optionally crowning them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert experience.

Helpful Tips For Easy 5-Ingredient Apple Dumplings

  • Choose Firm Apples: Select crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
  • Seal Edges Tightly: Pinch pie crust edges carefully to prevent butter mixture from leaking and ensure a beautiful, intact dumpling presentation.
  • Control Syrup Consistency: Pour butter mixture slowly and evenly to create a rich, caramel-like sauce that enhances the apple's natural flavors without making the crust soggy.
  • Rest Before Serving: Allow dumplings to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking, enabling them to absorb the delicious syrup and develop a more intense, cohesive flavor profile.

Tasty Twists For Easy 5-Ingredient Apple Dumplings

  • Caramel Apple Dumplings: Replace butter mixture with rich caramel sauce, adding chopped pecans for crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Maple Cinnamon Apple Dumplings: Swap sugar with pure maple syrup, increasing ground cinnamon and adding a splash of vanilla extract for warmth.
  • Rustic Berry Apple Dumplings: Mix fresh mixed berries into the apple filling, sprinkle raw sugar on top for a crisp, golden finish.
  • Spiced Chai Apple Dumplings: Incorporate chai tea spices like cardamom, ginger, and cloves into the butter mixture, creating a complex, aromatic dessert experience.

Best Pairings With Easy 5-Ingredient Apple Dumplings

  • Pair with Vanilla Bourbon Infusion: Elevate the apple dumplings with a smooth bourbon-spiked vanilla cocktail that complements the warm cinnamon and buttery pastry notes.
  • Serve alongside Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Create a light, airy cinnamon-spiced whipped cream as a delicate topping that enhances the apple's natural sweetness and adds textural contrast.
  • Match with Caramel Spice Tea: Brew a robust caramel and spice-infused tea that mirrors the dessert's warm flavors and provides a comforting, aromatic accompaniment.
  • Complement with Aged Cheddar Cheese: Offer a small plate of sharp, aged cheddar cheese that cuts through the sweetness and provides a savory balance to the rich apple dumplings.

How To Store Easy 5-Ingredient Apple Dumplings

  • Place cooled apple dumplings in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain their delicious texture.
  • Wrap individual dumplings tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Store frozen for up to 2 months, ensuring they remain tasty and ready for future enjoyment.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed dumplings in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Prevent drying by covering loosely with aluminum foil, restoring their original warm and gooey goodness.
  • Let freshly baked dumplings cool completely at room temperature.

FAQ About Easy 5-Ingredient Apple Dumplings

  • Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples. Choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking and provide a good balance of sweetness and tartness.

  • Is it necessary to use pie crust, or can I substitute it?

While pie crust works best, you can use puff pastry as an alternative. Avoid using phyllo dough, as it might become too fragile and won’t hold the apple securely.

  • How do I prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy?

Wrap the apples tightly and seal the edges completely. The butter and sugar mixture creates a crisp crust when baked at the right temperature, preventing sogginess.

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5-Ingredient Apple Dumplings Recipe

5-Ingredient Apple Dumplings Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet Southern apple dumplings wrap tender fruit in buttery pastry, making mountain magic with minimal ingredients. Warm cinnamon and brown sugar create a comforting dessert that invites you to savor each delightful, gooey bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 medium apples
  • 2 sheets refrigerated pie crust
  • 1 cup unsalted butter

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Liquid/Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
  2. Core and peel the apples, ensuring they remain whole and intact.
  3. Roll out the pie crusts and cut each sheet into four equal triangular sections.
  4. Wrap each apple completely in a pie crust triangle, sealing the edges by pinching them together.
  5. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.
  6. Carefully pour the butter mixture evenly over the wrapped apples in the baking dish.
  7. Slowly add water around the dumplings, creating a light syrup in the bottom of the pan.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the apples become tender.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the dumplings rest for 5-10 minutes to absorb the surrounding syrup.
  10. Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Notes

  • Choose crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor in the dumplings.
  • Seal pie crust edges tightly to prevent butter mixture from leaking during baking, ensuring a perfect golden-brown crust.
  • Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar in the butter mixture for a less decadent version or using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
  • Create a gluten-free option by substituting pie crust with gluten-free pastry dough or almond flour-based crust for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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