How to Make Traditional Apple Dumplings, Just Like Grandma Used To

Ask twenty grandmas how they prepare their apple dumplings, and you're bound to hear twenty unique recipes. While the methods for this beloved vintage dessert differ from one family to another, one thing is certain: every version is simply irresistible! Keep reading to discover the charm of apple dumplings and some of the classic techniques for making them. Stay tuned, and I'll even share my great-grandmother's special apple dumpling recipe.

What Exactly Is an Apple Dumpling?

Originating in English cookbooks in the 1700s, apple dumplings quickly became a favorite among farmers. These comforting treats were said to be adored by Thomas Edison and were even mentioned by Mark Twain. At the time, the dish resembled a dense, rich boiled pudding filled with meats and dried fruits—more like figgy pudding—rather than the sweet, spiced apple-filled pastries we enjoy today.

How Are Apple Dumplings Made?

First, let’s break down what a dumpling actually is. A dumpling is a dough-based treat that’s cooked through boiling, steaming, or baking, and it’s typically (though not always) filled with ingredients like meat, fruit, or spices. Given that broad definition, it’s no surprise that every household has its own take on apple dumplings—and they’re all valid! From the dough to the filling to the seasonings, every part of making apple dumplings can differ. Let’s explore some of the popular ways people make these delicious desserts.

1. Dough: Should You Make It or Buy It?

One of the most hotly debated topics among apple dumpling fans is whether to use fresh homemade dough or store-bought options. What’s your preference?

Making your dough from scratch gives you total control over its texture and flavor. If you’re a seasoned baker, this might be the easiest step for you. But if you’re new to baking or simply want a quicker route, there are several convenient store-bought dough choices to consider.

Personally, my grandma swears by using canned biscuits for the best apple dumpling dough—and I couldn’t agree more! They’re flaky, buttery, and easy to work with when wrapping up your apple filling. Some people prefer store-bought pie crust for a slightly different texture, which results in a tender, flaky dumpling. However, pie crust is a bit more finicky and can become tough if overworked, unlike the more forgiving canned biscuit dough, which can be handled repeatedly without losing its texture.

2. Apples: Whole, Sliced, or Diced?

When it comes to preparing your apples, two main factors come into play:

1. Apple-to-crust balance
2. Aesthetic appeal

Some recipes suggest wrapping the dough around a whole apple, turning your apple dumpling into a beautiful, rustic masterpiece. However, this method means you'll end up with a larger portion of apple and less crust.

Other recipes suggest slicing the apple and wrapping the dough around each slice individually. This method results in a more balanced apple-to-crust ratio, though the dumplings end up with a bit of an unusual shape, in my opinion.

My personal favorite technique is to dice the apple and place about 1 tablespoon of it in the center of a round piece of dough (one biscuit from canned biscuit dough). After wrapping the dough around the apple, pinch it to seal. This method creates a perfectly rounded, plump dumpling with the ideal apple-to-crust ratio.

3. Spice: Apple Pie Spice or Just Cinnamon?

With so many seasonal spice blends available, the options are truly endless. While many people prefer the warm, rich flavor of apple pie spice, I tend to keep things simple with just cinnamon.

4. Sauce: Sugar and Butter… or a Can of Soda?

How you choose to sauce your dumplings typically depends on how you’ve prepared the apples. If you’ve used whole apples or apple slices, you’ll usually pour a sauce over them before baking. This sauce often consists of butter or margarine, sugar, and your choice of spices.

If you’ve diced your apples and tucked them into the dough, you'll add a pat of chilled butter, followed by sugar and spices, and then wrap the dough around the filling. My grandma makes them this way and then pours a creamy butter sauce over the dumplings halfway through baking. This lets the sweet buttery spices escape the dumplings and blend with the creamy sauce. The result is irresistibly delicious! (Yes, I’m sharing her recipe below.)

Another popular variation of apple dumplings bakes the apple-stuffed dough in a sauce made of butter, sugar, cinnamon, and citrus soda, like Mountain Dew for a unique twist.

Try my grandmother’s recipe for apple dumplings

And finally, my personal favorite way to make apple dumplings: flaky biscuit dough wrapped around crisp apples, topped with a rich butter sauce, creating the perfect cinnamon-spiced dessert. My grandmother learned this recipe from her grandmother back when canned biscuit dough was first introduced, and our family has been making it ever since!

Get the recipe for Mama Rose's Apple Dumplings.

There are countless ways to prepare this beloved dessert. No matter which technique you choose, you’ll be sure to delight your friends and family with the deliciousness of warm, comforting apple dumplings.

Ready to make your own homemade apple dumplings? Explore our top recipes.