If you’re yearning for a cozy, nostalgic dessert that makes your kitchen smell like a warm hug, then this Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Sugar Syrup Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender apples wrapped in flaky homemade dough, baked to golden perfection, and swimming in a luscious cinnamon sugar syrup—every bite is an absolute delight. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and comforting, turning simple ingredients into a spectacular family favorite that feels like a taste of home with every serving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable dessert. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s the tender crunch of fresh apples, the rich flakiness of buttery dough, or the fragrant, sweet warmth of the cinnamon syrup.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (267 grams): Forms the base of the dough, giving it structure and tenderness.
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the dough rise just enough to be fluffy without overpowering the texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors throughout.
- 2/3 cup salted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture to the dough, making it irresistibly flaky.
- 1/2 cup 2% milk (4 ounces): Brings the dough together with a subtle creaminess.
- 6 apples (peeled and cored): The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and juicy tartness.
- 2 cups brown sugar (400 grams): Creates the deeply caramelized flavor in the cinnamon sugar syrup.
- 2 cups water (16 ounces): Essential for the syrup to bring all the flavors together perfectly.
- 1/4 cup salted butter (2 ounces): Enriches the syrup with a silky, buttery finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the syrup with that signature warm, spicy note.
How to Make Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Sugar Syrup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining your dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, and salt — in a medium-sized bowl. This forms the foundation of your dough’s flavor and texture. Next, mix in the softened butter, which will create that tender and flaky consistency we all love. Pour in the milk and stir just until a soft dough forms. No over-mixing here to keep everything light and fluffy! Divide this dough into six equal balls for easy handling later.
Step 2: Assemble the Dumplings
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out each ball of dough into a circular shape. Place one peeled and cored apple right at the center of each. Now, carefully wrap the dough around the apple, pinching the edges to seal it into a tight little bundle. The dough will puff up around the apple as it bakes, creating that picture-perfect dumpling shape. Place these carefully into a sprayed 9×13 inch baking dish, ready for the syrup bath.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Syrup
On medium-low heat, combine the brown sugar, water, butter, and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Stir gently as the mixture warms, bringing it to just a simmer. This syrup is what transforms these apple dumplings into a dazzling dessert treasure. Once it starts to bubble softly, remove it from the heat and pour it evenly over the dumplings in the baking dish.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the dish into a preheated oven at 350º Fahrenheit. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, until the dough turns gloriously golden and the apples are tender to the fork. If you want to take the flavor up a notch, baste the dumplings with the syrup a couple of times during baking to keep them moist and richly coated.
How to Serve Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Sugar Syrup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple is best when it comes to garnishing these delicious dumplings. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting slowly on top adds a creamy contrast that perfectly balances the warm spices and syrup. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans adds an extra layer of texture and flavor that’s sure to impress.
Side Dishes
While apple dumplings are satisfying on their own, pairing them with a light cup of spiced tea or a fresh green salad can round out your dessert experience. A side of sharp cheddar cheese actually creates a lovely sweet-and-savory contrast if you’re feeling adventurous!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these beauties straight from the baking dish for a cozy family dinner or plate each dumpling individually, drizzled with extra cinnamon sugar syrup and garnished with fresh mint leaves for a café-style presentation. You could even hollow out apples as natural bowls and place each dumpling inside for an adorable fall-themed display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days while preserving their moisture and flavor wonderfully.
Freezing
To enjoy this Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Sugar Syrup Recipe any time you want, feel free to freeze the assembled but unbaked dumplings. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Warm leftover dumplings in the oven at 300º Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes or until heated through so they retain that fresh-baked texture. Microwave reheating works too but can sometimes make the dough less crisp.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith work fantastic because they hold their shape well and balance the syrup’s sweetness, but you can also mix in Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for a sweeter, juicier bite.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use your favorite non-dairy milk instead of 2% milk. The flavor and texture will still be amazing, just with a dairy-free twist.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Definitely. You can make the dough up to a day ahead and refrigerate it, wrapped in plastic wrap to keep it from drying out. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling out and assembling.
What’s the best way to peel and core the apples quickly?
A good apple peeler/corer tool saves time and effort, but a sharp paring knife works just fine if you don’t have one. Remember to work carefully to keep the apples intact for wrapping in the dough.
Can I add spices besides cinnamon to the syrup?
Feel free to experiment! A pinch of nutmeg or cloves can add wonderful depth to the syrup’s flavor, making this Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Sugar Syrup Recipe even more irresistible.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Sugar Syrup Recipe is one of those heartwarming treats that never fails to make any day feel special. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again for comfort, celebration, or just because you deserve a little sweet love. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it out soon — your taste buds and your loved ones will thank you!
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Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Sugar Syrup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Apple Dumplings baked to golden perfection, featuring tender apples wrapped in a buttery dough and smothered with a sweet cinnamon-brown sugar sauce. This comforting dessert is perfect for cozy evenings and is best served warm with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (267 grams)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup salted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup 2% milk (4 ounces)
Filling
- 6 apples (peeled and cored)
Sauce
- 2 cups brown sugar (400 grams)
- 2 cups water (16 ounces)
- 1/4 cup salted butter (2 ounces)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a medium-size bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution.
- Incorporate butter and milk: Mix the softened salted butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly. Then add the 2% milk and mix just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
- Divide the dough: Separate the dough evenly into 6 balls to prepare for wrapping around the apples.
- Assemble the dumplings: On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a circle large enough to encase one apple. Place a peeled and cored apple in the center of each dough piece.
- Wrap the apples: Fold the dough around each apple, pressing the edges together to seal and form a ball-shaped dumpling, ensuring the apple is fully encased in dough.
- Prepare baking pan: Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking, and arrange the dumplings evenly in the pan.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350º Fahrenheit to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine brown sugar, water, salted butter, and ground cinnamon. Stir frequently and heat until the mixture barely starts boiling to dissolve the sugar and blend flavors.
- Pour sauce over dumplings: Carefully pour the hot brown sugar sauce evenly over each dumpling in the baking dish.
- Bake the dumplings: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the apples are soft and the dough is a beautiful golden brown. Optionally, baste the dumplings with the syrup a few times during baking to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Serve warm: Remove from oven and serve the apple dumplings warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Notes
- Peel and core the apples thoroughly to ensure even cooking and ease of eating.
- Use cooking spray or butter to lightly grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Basting with the syrup during baking helps keep the dumplings moist and flavorful.
- For a variation, sprinkle some nutmeg or cloves in the sauce for added spice.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and warmth.
