This Amish Apple Dumpling Recipe wraps fresh apples in a flaky homemade crust, bakes them in a buttery brown sugar sauce, and creates the perfect cozy dessert!
Some recipes aren’t just food—they’re memories. This Amish apple dumpling recipe takes me straight back to crisp fall days, crunchy leaves underfoot, and that unmistakable scent of apples and cinnamon filling my grandma’s kitchen.
She’d make a fresh batch for family dinners, holidays, or—let’s be real—just because she knew I’d devour them. I’d hover near the oven, trying so hard to be patient while that buttery dough turned golden and the syrup thickened into sweet perfection. And the moment they hit the table? Let’s just say, if you weren’t fast, you weren’t getting one.
Now, every fall, I carry on the tradition. There’s something magical about watching the dough puff up around the apples, the sauce bubbling at the edges of the pan, and that first bite—warm, flaky, sweet, and spiced just right. If you’ve never made homemade apple dumplings, trust me—you’re in for something special.
Why You’ll Love This Amish Apple Dumpling Recipe?
- It’s easier than pie! No stressing over lattice crusts or fancy techniques.
- That syrup. Buttery, caramel-like brown sugar goodness that soaks into the dumpling.
- Flaky, homemade dough. Tender and melt-in-your-mouth, but sturdy enough to hold that apple in.
- Perfect for fall. If you love cozy desserts, this is the one.
- Great for sharing! Though, fair warning—once people try them, they’ll keep asking for more.
Ingredient Notes:
Apples – The Star of the Show
Not all apples bake the same! Granny Smith gives that classic tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji add natural sweetness. A mix of both? Even better.
All-Purpose Flour – The Dough’s Foundation
This keeps the pastry light but structured enough to hold in all that apple goodness.
Shortening – For a Flaky Texture
Shortening makes the dough extra tender. You can swap it for butter if you prefer a richer flavor, but the texture will be slightly different.
Brown Sugar – For Deep, Caramelized Sweetness
Used in both the filling and syrup, it melts down into the most luxuriously thick sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Fall’s Best Spices
Cinnamon is a must, and nutmeg? It gives just a hint of warmth that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
Butter – Because It’s Butter
Just a little in the sauce makes it rich and velvety.
Milk – Helps Form the Dough
Just enough to bring everything together.
Water – Turns Brown Sugar into Magic
Mixed with brown sugar and butter, it transforms into that golden, syrupy magic that soaks into the dumplings as they bake.
How To Make Amish Apple Dumpling?
Step 1: Preheat & Prep the Dish
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Trust me, you don’t want that syrup sticking to the bottom.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel and core six apples, then set them in a bowl of cold water while you work on the dough. This keeps them from browning (because nobody likes sad, discolored apples).
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Step 3: Make the Dough
In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the shortening with a pastry blender (or two forks) until the mixture is crumbly. Add milk and stir until a dough forms.
Step 4: Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup brown sugar and cinnamon. This is going inside each apple for a little spiced sweetness in every bite.
Step 5: Roll Out & Wrap the Apples
Divide the dough into six equal portions and roll each one out to about ¼-inch thickness.
Place an apple in the center, then fill the hollow core with the cinnamon-sugar mix. Fold the dough up and around the apple, pinching the edges to seal. Place them in the prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Make the Syrup
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining 2 cups brown sugar, water, butter, and nutmeg. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts—about 5 minutes. Pour this warm, buttery syrup over the dumplings.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the dough is golden and the apples are soft. The syrup thickens as it bakes, coating the dumplings in the most incredible caramelized sauce.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!
Let them cool slightly (I know, torture), then spoon some of that warm syrup over the top and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap each dumpling individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to switch it up? Try these ideas:
- Swap the apples: Pears work beautifully, too!
- Use pie crust: If you’re short on time, store-bought pie dough makes a great shortcut.
- Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the apple for a little crunch.
- Boozy apple dumplings: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the syrup for a warm, spiced kick.
What to Serve with Amish Apple Dumpling?
These dumplings are already amazing, but if you want to really take them over the top:
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Cold ice cream + warm dumpling = perfection.
- Whipped Cream – Light, fluffy, and the perfect finishing touch.
- Caramel Sauce – Because more caramelized sugar is always a good idea.
- Hot Coffee or Tea – A cozy pairing for a cozy dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the best apples for apple dumplings?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious work best since they hold their shape and don’t turn to mush.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dumplings, cover them, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! If you’re in a rush, store-bought pie crust or biscuit dough will work just fine.
There’s something about Amish Apple Dumplings that just feels like home. They’re warm, comforting, and made for sharing. Whether you’re baking them for family, friends, or just yourself (no judgment!), they’re guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like pure fall magic.
So tell me—have you ever had an Amish apple dumpling? If not, now’s your chance! Can’t wait to hear what you think.
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Amish Apple Dumpling Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup shortening
- ½ cup milk
For the Apples:
- 6 medium baking apples peeled and cored; Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious are recommended
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Brown Sugar Syrup:
- 2 cups brown sugar packed
- 2 cups water
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Apples
- Peel and core six medium apples. To prevent browning, place them in a bowl of cold water while preparing the dough.
Prepare the Dough
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry blender or fork, cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add milk, stirring just until the dough forms a soft ball.
Roll Out the Dough & Wrap the Apples
- Divide the dough into six equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a ¼-inch thick square or circle.
- Place one prepared apple in the center of each rolled-out dough piece. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar and cinnamon. Fill the hollow center of each apple with this cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Carefully fold the dough around the apple, sealing the edges at the top. Transfer the wrapped apples into the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the Brown Sugar Syrup
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups brown sugar, water, butter, and nutmeg. Stir occasionally and heat until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts, approximately 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and carefully pour the warm syrup over the apple dumplings in the baking dish.
Bake the Dumplings
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
Serve & Enjoy
- Allow the dumplings to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Spoon some of the syrup over the dumplings for added sweetness. For best results, serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
- Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.
- Ensure that baking powder is labeled gluten-free.
- Check that all other ingredients, such as spices and vanilla extract, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
