Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings with Brown Sugar Butter Sauce

Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings with Brown Sugar Butter Sauce

There’s something timeless and comforting about warm apple dumplings fresh from the oven. Wrapped in tender dough and baked in a rich, buttery brown sugar sauce, these apple dumplings bring together the classic flavors of cinnamon, caramel, and baked apples in a rustic, heartwarming dessert. This old-fashioned favorite tastes like something straight from grandma’s kitchen — simple, cozy, and soul-satisfying. Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want to serve a homestyle dessert that feels nostalgic and special.

Ingredients

For the Dumplings:

• 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)

• 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits) or crescent roll dough

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

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• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces (for filling)

For the Brown Sugar Butter Sauce:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

• 1 ½ cups brown sugar (light or dark)

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

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• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup water or apple cider

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples
Peel and core the apples. Cut each apple into 4 large chunks (or wedges). Set aside while you prepare the dough.

2. Wrap the Dumplings
If using biscuit dough, flatten each biscuit slightly. Place one apple wedge in the center, sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon-sugar, and add a small piece of butter. Wrap the dough completely around the apple and seal it tightly.
Repeat with all 8 pieces, and place seam-side down in a lightly greased baking dish.

3. Make the Brown Sugar Butter Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and water (or cider). Let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.

4. Bake the Dumplings
Pour the warm sauce evenly over the wrapped dumplings in the dish.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling and caramel-like.

5. Serve
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce over the dumplings when plating.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of heavy cream for a decadent finish.

Helpful Tips

• Apple cider instead of water deepens the autumn flavor.

• For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.

• You can sprinkle coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a caramelized crust.

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Conclusion

These Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings aren’t just a dessert — they’re a warm memory on a plate. The sweet cinnamon apples wrapped in buttery dough and drenched in rich brown sugar sauce create a flavor that feels homemade, nostalgic, and irresistible. They’re simple, heartwarming, and guaranteed to impress family and guests alike. Whether served at a holiday gathering or baked just because, every bite tastes like a hug from home.