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Easy Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Dumplings

These delightful dumplings feature tender apples encased in flaky dough, perfectly balanced with a hint of cinnamon and sugar—a heartwarming dessert ideal for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Pennsylvania Dutch
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dumplings
  • 2 large apples (like Granny Smith or Fuji) peeled and cored
  • 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar divided into two parts
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon divided into two parts
  • 1/4 cup butter melted
  • 1/2 cup water or apple juice for added flavor
Optional Toppings
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Halal vanilla ice cream for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
  2. Peel and core the apples, and consider slicing them in half for a quicker cooking time.
  3. Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a floured surface and cut each triangle into squares.
  4. Fill the hollow of each apple with a mixture of 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, then wrap a piece of dough around each apple.
Baking
  1. In a bowl, mix the melted butter with water (or apple juice) and the remaining sugar and cinnamon, then pour it into the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  2. Place the wrapped apple dumplings in the dish and pour the remaining mixture over the top.
  3. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the dough is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Serving
  1. Allow to cool slightly, then serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a scoop of halal vanilla ice cream.

Notes

For the best results, choose firm and tart apples. You can also use homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough for a more traditional taste. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for later baking.