Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Dumplings are a beloved old-fashioned dessert straight from Amish country. Tender apples are wrapped in flaky pastry, baked in a buttery cinnamon syrup, and served warm with a drizzle of cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream. Each bite captures the comforting flavor of homemade apple pie in individual portions!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup shortening or unsalted butter, chilled
- ½ cup cold milk
For the Apples:
- 6 medium tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided into small pieces
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside. - Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter or shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk gradually, stirring just until the dough comes together. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about ¼-inch thick, then cut into 6 equal squares. - Prepare the Apples
Peel and core each apple, keeping them whole. Place one apple in the center of each dough square. Fill the core with a tablespoon of brown sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon, then top with a small piece of butter. - Wrap the Dumplings
Bring the corners of the dough up over each apple, pinching the edges to seal. Place dumplings seam side down in the prepared baking dish. - Make the Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Pour the hot syrup evenly over the dumplings. - Bake
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the syrup is bubbling. - Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Spoon some of the syrup over each dumpling and serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of heavy cream.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut when you’re short on time.
What are the best apples for this recipe?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape best and balance the sweetness of the syrup.
Can I make the syrup less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar to ¾ cup or add a squeeze of lemon juice for balance.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Dumplings are the epitome of homespun comfort — golden pastry, tender apples, and a spiced brown sugar glaze that makes every bite pure bliss. Whether you’re reviving a family tradition or discovering this dessert for the first time, one thing’s certain: these dumplings will warm your kitchen and your heart.
