Easy Apple Dumplings Caramel

This buttery apple dessert has been a family favorite in my home for years. The combination of flaky pastry, tender spiced apples, and homemade caramel sauce creates the ultimate comfort dessert that's both impressive and surprisingly simple to make.

I first made these apple dumplings for a holiday gathering when I needed something special but was short on time. The look on everyone's faces as I brought them to the table made me realize I had found a new tradition. Now they're requested at nearly every family celebration.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pie crusts: Create a flaky wrapper with minimal effort but you can use homemade if you prefer
• Medium apples: Honeycrisp or Granny Smith offer the perfect texture and flavor balance when baked
• Butter: Adds richness and creates a luscious sauce inside each dumpling
• Light brown sugar: Provides a deep caramelized flavor that white sugar simply cannot match
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice: Create the perfect warming spice blend that enhances the apple flavor
• Granulated sugar: Transforms into a rich caramel sauce base
• Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luxurious velvety texture
• Vanilla extract: Adds complexity and warmth to the caramel sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace:

Preheat your oven to exactly 375 degrees F and thoroughly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish to prevent any sticking. The size of the dish matters here as it keeps the dumplings close enough to create a cohesive dessert.

Prepare The Pastry:

Combine both pie crusts and roll them out into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into four equal 7x7 inch squares making sure they're large enough to completely wrap around each apple. If needed reroll scraps to get all four pieces.

Create The Spice Blend:

Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice in a small bowl until completely combined. This blend will infuse the apples from the inside out as they bake creating pockets of warm spiced sweetness.

Prepare The Apples:

Carefully peel each apple completely and remove the core creating a hollow center. I find using an apple corer makes this process much easier but a small paring knife works well too.

Assemble The Dumplings:

Place one apple in the center of each dough square. Fill the center cavity of each apple with a piece of butter and a generous tablespoon of the spiced sugar mixture. The butter will melt during baking creating an internal sauce.

Wrap The Apples:

Pull the corners of each dough square up and around the apple gently stretching as needed. Pinch all edges firmly to create a complete seal preventing any filling from escaping during baking.

Arrange For Baking:

Place the wrapped apples into your prepared baking dish with a small amount of space between them. They should fit comfortably without being too crowded.

Make The Caramel Sauce:

Pour granulated sugar into a large heavy bottomed saucepan over medium high heat. Whisk constantly until sugar completely melts then stop whisking and cook until it reaches a deep amber color. Add butter carefully incorporating completely before slowly adding cream while whisking. Finish with vanilla and salt for a perfectly balanced caramel.

Assemble For Baking:

Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the dumplings in the baking dish making sure to coat each one. Sprinkle any remaining spice mixture over the top for extra flavor.

Bake To Golden Perfection:

Bake for 50 to 55 minutes until the pastry is beautifully golden brown and a paring knife easily pierces through the apple. Let cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set.

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The caramel sauce is truly what makes this recipe special. I discovered that letting the sugar reach a slightly darker amber color before adding the butter creates a more complex flavor with notes of toffee. My grandmother taught me this trick and it transforms an ordinary caramel into something extraordinary.

Making Ahead And Storage

These apple dumplings can be completely assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare through the wrapping stage cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake prepare the caramel sauce pour over the dumplings and bake as directed adding about 5 extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled dumplings.

Once baked leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat place in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave individual dumplings for about 40 seconds. The caramel sauce may need to be thinned with a splash of cream when reheating.

Perfecting Your Caramel

Making caramel can be intimidating but following a few key tips will ensure perfect results every time. Use a heavy bottomed saucepan to prevent hot spots that could burn the sugar. Once you begin the process give it your complete attention as caramel can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. If you notice any lumps when adding the butter keep whisking vigorously they will eventually smooth out. For easier cleanup soak your pan in hot water immediately after use to dissolve any hardened caramel.

Serving Suggestions

These apple dumplings are delicious on their own but become truly extraordinary with a few complementary additions. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream creates a beautiful hot and cold contrast while a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy texture. For an extra special touch drizzle additional warm caramel sauce over the top just before serving and garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprig of mint for color.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Yes, store-bought pie crust works perfectly for this recipe. However, you can make your own for a more homemade touch.

→ What type of apples are best?

Use any good baking apples like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness.

→ How do I prevent the caramel from crystallizing?

Whisk the sugar constantly until melted and avoid introducing water to the cooking process to prevent crystallization.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dumplings and refrigerate unbaked for up to 1 day. Bake when ready to serve.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

→ Can I substitute apple pie spice?

Yes, you can replace the listed spices with 1.5 teaspoons of apple pie spice for convenience.

→ What toppings pair well with apple dumplings?

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or additional caramel sauce for an enhanced experience.