18 Delicious Apple Dumpling Recipes for Fall

recipesforlife

March 30, 2025

As the leaves begin to change and the crisp autumn air sets in, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a warm, comforting plate of apple dumplings. These tender, juicy treats are the perfect way to cozy up on a chilly fall evening. Whether you’re looking for a classic cinnamon-spiced treat or something a little more adventurous, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 18 delicious apple dumpling recipes.

From traditional baked apples wrapped in flaky pastry to creative twists like caramel glaze and bourbon sauce, there’s an apple dumpling recipe on this list that’s sure to become your new fall favorite. So go ahead, get cozy, and let the aroma of cinnamon and sugar fill your home with the magic of the season.

Classic Cinnamon Apple Dumplings

Classic Cinnamon Apple Dumplings
Classic Cinnamon Apple Dumplings Recipe

These tender, sweet, and aromatic dumplings are a perfect combination of fall flavors. They’re ideal for snacking or as a side dish for your favorite meals.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 medium-sized apples, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup biscuit or pastry dough (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chopped apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Roll out the biscuit or pastry dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Spoon the apple mixture onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Place the dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each dumpling.
7. Brush the tops with melted butter.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Caramel Glazed Apple Dumplings

Caramel Glazed Apple Dumplings
Sweet and tender apple dumplings smothered in a rich caramel glaze make for the perfect dessert or snack. This easy recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 Granny Smith apples, peeled and halved
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into 4-6 equal squares, depending on the size you prefer for your dumplings.
3. Place an apple half in the center of each square, leaving a 1-inch border around the apple.
4. Fold the pastry over the apple, forming a triangle or envelope shape, and press edges to seal.
5. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. While dumplings are baking, prepare caramel glaze by whisking together heavy cream, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened slightly.
8. Remove dumplings from oven and brush with warm caramel glaze.

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Easy Air Fryer Apple Dumplings

Easy Air Fryer Apple Dumplings
Easy Air Fryer Apple Dumplings

Transform classic apple dumplings into a healthier and easier-to-make treat using your air fryer! This recipe yields tender, cinnamon-spiced dumplings filled with sweet caramelized apples.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • 2-3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Salt to taste (optional)
  • Air fryer cooking spray or olive oil for greasing

Instructions:

  1. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  2. In a bowl, combine sliced apples, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix until apples are coated evenly.
  3. Place a spoonful of apple mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
  4. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or square shape. Press edges together with a fork to seal.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Grease basket or tray with cooking spray or olive oil.
  6. Cook dumplings in batches if necessary, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding.
  7. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Serve warm, topped with your favorite whipped cream or caramel sauce.

Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes per batch

Southern Fried Apple Dumplings

Southern Fried Apple Dumplings
Southern Fried Apple Dumplings Recipe

Warm up with these sweet and crispy Southern Fried Apple Dumplings, a classic dessert that’s sure to please any crowd. With tender apples wrapped in flaky pastry and fried to a golden brown, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.

Ingredients:

– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
4. Cut out squares of pastry, about 4 inches per side.
5. Place an apple slice in the center of each square, leaving a 1-inch border around it.
6. Fold the pastry over the apples, pressing edges to seal.
7. Fry dumplings for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
8. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes

Maple Pecan Apple Dumplings

Maple Pecan Apple Dumplings
These sweet treats combine the warmth of maple syrup, crunch of pecans, and sweetness of apples, perfect for a cozy fall evening. This simple recipe yields tender dumplings filled with a delightful mix of flavors.

Ingredients:

– 4 large apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Water, for boiling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, maple syrup, and chopped pecans.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the apple mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Place spoonfuls of the mixture onto a floured surface, shaping into dumplings.
6. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Boil dumplings in water for 10-15 minutes or until they float to the surface.
8. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as whipped cream or caramel sauce.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Spiced Rum Apple Dumplings

Spiced Rum Apple Dumplings
Warm up with a batch of Spiced Rum Apple Dumplings, a sweet and indulgent treat perfect for cozying up on a chilly evening. These tender, flaky pastry pockets are filled with tender apples and infused with the warm spices and rich rum flavor.

Ingredients:

– 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 cup spiced rum (such as Myers’s or Captain Morgan)
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine chopped apples, flour, salt, and brown sugar.
3. Add cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and spiced rum.
5. Roll out pie crust dough (homemade or store-bought) to 1/8-inch thickness.
6. Spoon apple filling onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
7. Brush edges with beaten egg mixed with milk, then fold dough over filling and press to seal.
8. Place dumplings on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Vegan Apple Dumplings with Coconut Cream

Vegan Apple Dumplings with Coconut Cream
Transform the flavors of fall into a sweet and indulgent treat with these Vegan Apple Dumplings wrapped in a flaky coconut crust, served with a dollop of creamy coconut whipped cream.

Ingredients:

– 1 package vegan puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or your favorite variety)
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– Coconut cream (see below for recipe)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chopped apples, maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into squares or circles, depending on your desired dumpling shape.
4. Place a spoonful of apple mixture in the center of each pastry square. Fold pastry over filling, pressing edges to seal.
5. Brush tops with a little water and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Coconut Cream:

– 1 can full-fat coconut milk, chilled
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Mini Apple Dumpling Bites

Mini Apple Dumpling Bites
Mini Apple Dumpling Bites: A Delicious Fall Treat

These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking or serving at your next fall gathering. They’re easy to make and pack a big flavor punch.

Ingredients:

– 1 package of refrigerated crescent roll dough
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup diced apples (about 1-2 medium-sized apples)
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Roll out the crescent roll dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Spoon a small amount of the sugar mixture onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Add a few pieces of diced apple on top of the sugar mixture.
6. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal the dumpling.
7. Place the dumplings on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each bite.
8. Brush the tops with melted butter.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Dutch Oven Apple Dumplings

Dutch Oven Apple Dumplings
Experience the warmth of a cozy fall evening with these tender and flavorful apple dumplings, cooked to perfection in your Dutch oven.

Ingredients:

– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1/2 cup biscuit or dumpling dough (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Roll out the biscuit or dumpling dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into squares or circles, depending on your preference.
4. Place a spoonful of the apple mixture onto the center of each dough piece. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a triangle or a square shape, and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
5. Place the dumplings in the preheated Dutch oven, leaving some space between each one.
6. Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the apples are tender.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Brown Sugar Apple Dumplings with Vanilla Sauce

Brown Sugar Apple Dumplings with Vanilla Sauce
Warm up with a sweet and comforting treat – Brown Sugar Apple Dumplings with Vanilla Sauce!

Ingredients:

– 1 package of refrigerated biscuits (10-12 count)
– 2 large apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup vanilla sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Roll out biscuits on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
4. Place apple mixture in the center of each biscuit, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold dough over filling, pressing edges to seal.
6. Brush tops with melted butter and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with vanilla sauce.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Gluten-Free Apple Dumplings

Gluten-Free Apple Dumplings
A sweet and comforting treat that’s perfect for any time of the year! These gluten-free apple dumplings are made with simple ingredients and require minimal effort, making them a great option for a quick dessert or snack.

Ingredients:

– 1 package of gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup sliced apples (Granny Smith or other sweet variety)
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine gluten-free flour and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, mix sugar, sliced apples, and cinnamon.
5. Roll out dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Spoon apple mixture onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around edges.
6. Fold other half of dough over filling and press edges together with a fork.
7. Brush tops with beaten egg for glaze.
8. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Apple Dumpling Pie with Crumb Topping

Apple Dumpling Pie with Crumb Topping
This classic pie combines tender apples with a crunchy crumb topping, perfect for cozying up on a crisp autumn evening. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying the sweet aroma of baked goodness in no time.

Ingredients:

– 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 cup crumb topping (see below)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Crumb Topping:

– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
3. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Fill the pie crust with apple mixture and dot with butter pieces.
5. Top with crumb topping (see below).
6. Brush egg wash over crust and crumb topping.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and apples are tender.

Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes

Slow Cooker Apple Dumplings

Slow Cooker Apple Dumplings
Enjoy a warm and comforting dessert with this effortless recipe that combines tender apples, flaky pastry, and the convenience of your slow cooker. Perfect for potlucks or a cozy night in!

Ingredients:

– 6-8 Granny Smith apples, peeled and halved
– 1 package of refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 rolls)
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your slow cooker to low.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
4. Spoon about 2 tbsp of the apple mixture onto each triangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Roll up each triangle and place seam-side down in the slow cooker.
6. Pour the melted butter over the dumplings.
7. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.

Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired!

Apple Dumplings with Cream Cheese Filling

Apple Dumplings with Cream Cheese Filling
Warm up with a delicious treat – Apple Dumplings with Cream Cheese Filling! This recipe combines tender apples with a rich cream cheese filling, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust.

Rustic Skillet Apple Dumplings

Rustic Skillet Apple Dumplings
Rustic Skillet Apple Dumplings Recipe

Cozy up with this delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines the warmth of a skillet with the sweetness of apples.

Ingredients:

– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2-3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup butter, melted
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought), cut into small squares

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the chopped onion over medium heat until caramelized and golden brown.
3. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the apples are tender.
4. Stir in the melted butter.
5. Roll out the pie crust squares to desired thickness. Spoon a small amount of the apple mixture onto one half of each square, then fold the other half over to form a triangle. Press edges together with a fork to seal.
6. Place the dumplings in the skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Apple Dumplings with Bourbon Sauce

Apple Dumplings with Bourbon Sauce
Get ready to cozy up with these tender apple dumplings smothered in a rich bourbon sauce, perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening.

Ingredients:

For the dumplings:

– 6-8 apples (Granny Smith or other firm variety), peeled and halved
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the bourbon sauce:

– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add melted butter and stir until just combined.
4. Wrap each apple half in the dough, sealing edges tightly.
5. Place dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. For the bourbon sauce, whisk together cream, sugar, bourbon, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon in a small saucepan.
8. Bring to a boil over medium heat; reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until thickened.
9. Serve dumplings warm with bourbon sauce spooned over the top.

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Stuffed Apple Dumplings with Walnuts

Stuffed Apple Dumplings with Walnuts
Warm up with a delicious twist on traditional apple dumplings, featuring crunchy walnuts and tender apples.

Ingredients:

– 2 large apples, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chopped apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Mix well until apples are evenly coated.
4. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to desired thickness.
5. Spoon apple mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
6. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the apple mixture.
7. Fold other half of the pastry over filling and press edges to seal.
8. Brush tops with beaten egg for glaze.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Baked Apple Dumplings with Ice Cream

Baked Apple Dumplings with Ice Cream
Elevate your dessert game with these tender baked apple dumplings served with a scoop of creamy ice cream. The combination of warm, cinnamon-spiced apples and cold, sweet vanilla ice cream is pure bliss.

Ingredients:

– 4-6 tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
– Optional: caramel sauce or whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
4. Spoon apple mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. Fold other half over apple mixture, pressing edges to seal.
6. Place dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Summary

Get ready to cozy up with these 18 delicious apple dumpling recipes perfect for fall! From classic cinnamon treats to creative twists like caramel glazed and bourbon sauce, there’s something for everyone. Try making mini bites, slow cooker, or air fryer versions for a quick snack. Or go all out with a pie or skillet recipe for a special occasion. Whether you’re looking for vegan, gluten-free, or traditional options, these apple dumplings are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and warm up your fall days.

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