Caramel Apple Dumplings Recipe
Caramel Apple Dumplings are a cozy, sweet treat perfect for fall or any time you’re craving a warm, indulgent dessert. This recipe takes tender, buttery dough and wraps it around tart, juicy apple slices, all baked to golden perfection. The magic happens when the dumplings are soaked in a luscious caramel sauce that becomes gooey and irresistible as they bake. Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel, these dumplings are a comforting dessert that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or a simple night in!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
For the dumplings:
2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
1 can (8 count) crescent roll dough
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
For the caramel sauce:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Separate the crescent roll dough and place an apple slice at the wide end of each piece. Roll up tightly and place in the baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Pour over the dumplings.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar, heavy cream, and cinnamon. Simmer for 2 minutes, then pour over the dumplings.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Caramel Apple Dumplings Recipe Tips:
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Use Firm Apples: Choose apples that hold their shape during baking, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These apples are slightly tart, which balances the sweetness of the caramel sauce.
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Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature before baking. This ensures even cooking and a golden, crispy exterior.
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Chill the Dough: If you’re making the dough from scratch, let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps the dough stay firm and easier to roll out, preventing it from becoming too sticky.
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Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to overstuff the dumplings with apple slices, as it may cause the dough to burst while baking. A few thin apple slices are usually perfect.
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Top with Extra Caramel: For added indulgence, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top of the dumplings before serving or after they come out of the oven.
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Serve with Ice Cream: These dumplings are best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance out the sweetness and add a creamy texture.
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Storage: Leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture.
Nutrition (approximate per serving, based on 8 servings):
Calories: 350–400
Fat: 20–25g
Saturated fat: 10–12g
Carbohydrates: 45–50g
Fiber: 2–3g
Sugar: 35–40g
Protein: 2–3g
Cholesterol: 40–45mg
Sodium: 150–200mg
Vitamin A: 10–12% of the Daily Value
Calcium: 2–4% of the Daily Value
Iron: 4–6% of the Daily Value
Note that the nutrition information can vary depending on the size of the dumplings, the specific type of caramel sauce used, and if you add ice cream or whipped cream.