Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings Recipe

Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s pure comfort in every bite. If you’re anything like me and crave that warm, gooey, cinnamon-y goodness that makes you feel like a kid, then you need to try this recipe. If you are being hugged from the inside out, then you’re in the right place. Forget apple pie for a minute (I know, blasphemy! ), because these Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are a whole different level of delicious. Is it easier to make a pie? It’s buttery, caramelly, and coats every nook and cranny of those tender apples and biscuit dough. What are some of the best recipes you’ve ever made? I remember the first time I tried these, they were a total hit, and quickly became ‘family’. My Grandma used to make my favorite, just a little bit better! Let me tell you all about it!
What is Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings recipe?
What are these magical apple dumplings? Think of it as a deconstructed apple pie, but in the best way possible. You’re basically wrapping chunks of sweet, tart apples in a blanket of soft biscuit dough, then wrapping them in the biscuits. How do I make them in a caramel sauce? The beauty of it is that the dough cooks in the sauce, creating this incredible soft, almost impossible, dough. What is a melt Is it true that apple pies are swimming in a pool of deliciousness? The Pioneer Woman’s version really nails that balance of sweet and tart, and the addition of spices. What is that extra cozy factor that just makes you want to curl up on the couch with a big bowlful? What kind of apples do you like?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to adore this Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings recipe. First off, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of the tart apples, sweet sauce, and warm spices is just heavenly. It’s like a symphony of flavors dancing on your taste buds! And the texture? Oh, the texture! The soft, tender dough paired with the slightly firm apples and the gooey sauce is just perfection. What I love most about this is how surprisingly easy it is to make. Don’t let those gorgeous photos fool you – this isn’t some complicated, all-day baking project. It comes together pretty quickly, which makes it perfect for those nights when you want a comforting dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The cost-efficiency is another huge plus. The ingredients are pretty basic and you likely already have most of them in your pantry. Apples are usually inexpensive, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples. Plus, it’s super versatile! You can easily customize it with different types of apples, add nuts or raisins to the filling, or even drizzle it with a different kind of sauce (though I wouldn’t mess with perfection!). If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy, affordable, and absolutely delicious, this Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings recipe is a winner. It has my family’s official stamp of approval. We even love it better than apple crisp!
How do I make Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings recipe?
Quick Overview
What are Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings? How do you make biscuit dough? While that’s resting, you’ll chop your apples and make the caramel sauce. How do you wrap an apple in dough, arrange them in a baking dish, and pour the sauce over it. Is it necessary to bake a cake until golden brown and bubbly? The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. It’s simple, uses basic ingredients, and doesn’t require fancy techniques. What are some great recipes for a beginner’s dessert?
Ingredients Notes
For the Dumplings: What
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our dough, so make sure it’s fresh!
- How do you make dumplings?
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 12 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes. How does cold butter create flaky layers in dough?
- 34 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the dough together. I’ve used almond milk and it’s great!
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored and cut into chunks: 1 pound. I love Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples. I like a mix!
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour: 1 tablespoon Helps to thicken the filling and prevent it from becoming too runny.
- What is the best way to use ground cinnamon in a recipe?
- 14 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way in adding depth of flavor.
What is Caramel Sauce?
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter: This is the base of our rich and decadent sauce.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Creates the caramel base of the sauce.
- 12 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complexity.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce extra creamy and luxurious.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do you keep dumplings from sticking? I always use butter for greasing the pan – it adds a little extra flavor and helps the dumplings to cook. What is the best way
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which is crucial for those light and fluffy. What are fluffy dumpling Don’t skip the whisking – it really makes a difference!
Step 3: Cut in Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. How do you cut butter into flour? What is the key here is to keep the butter cold – this is what creates those flaky layers. If the butter starts to get too warm, pop the bowl in the freezer for a few minutes.
Step 4: Add Milk
If you have a lot of lumps in your milk, pour in the sugar and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing will develop gluten in the flour, resulting in tough dumplings. The dough should be slightly sticky.
Step 5: Prepare Apple Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the chopped apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well. Toss to coat apples evenly. What is the best filling for a dumpling? I sometimes add a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent the apples from browning.
Step 6: Assemble Dumplings
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 14 inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into squares (about 3×3 inches). Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each square, then fold the dough over to form the shape of an apple. What is a triangle? Pinch the edges to seal. You can also just wrap the apple in the dough like a ball, no rules here!
Step 7: Make the Caramel Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Set aside. Add the salt and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is thick. Is golden brown? What should I do if I want to burn sugar?
Step 8: Finish the Sauce
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the heavy cream. When you add the cream, the mixture will bubble up. Be careful. Return the saucepan to the heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Is thickened, about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes.
Step 9: Bake
Arrange the dumplings in the prepared baking dish. Do not over-cook the dumplings with the caramel sauce. Pour the sauce over them. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Let the dumplings cool before serving.
Step 10: Serve
Serve the Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or pistachios.
What should I serve it with?
These Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with the same recipe. Right accompaniments. For breakfast, try pairing them with a hot cup of coffee. The warm, sweet dumplings are the perfect complement to a strong, rich brew. For brunch, serve them with a side of bacon or sausage. The savory flavors of the meat will balance the sweetness of dumplings beautifully. As a dessert, top them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Is it okay to drizzle them with extra caramel sauce or sprinkle with chopped nuts? What are some of the best cozy snacks to enjoy with a glass of milk? What are some comfort foods to eat on a cold night? My family loves eating them after a long day.
How do I make Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings?
What is the best way to take Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings to the next level? What are some of the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?
Apple Choices: Play around with different apple varieties! Granny Smith apples are classic for their tartness, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even a mix of apples can add different flavor dimensions.
Cold Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is very cold when you cut it into the flour. This is crucial for creating those flaky layers in the dough. I sometimes even freeze the butter for a few minutes before using it.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough dumplings. Mix until just combined – a few lumps are okay.
Caramel Sauce Consistency: The caramel sauce should be smooth and thickened. If it’s too thick, add a little more cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!
Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Check the dumplings after 30 minutes and adjust the baking time as needed. The dumplings should be golden brown and the sauce should be bubbly.
Customize the Sauce: For a richer sauce, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sauce for extra flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: You can store the dumplings at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, they should be refrigerated.
Refrigerator Storage: To store the dumplings in the refrigerator, transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep for up to 3 days.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the dumplings, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They will keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat the dumplings, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my take on the amazing Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings Recipe! This recipe is one that I know you will enjoy and it’s sure to become a family favorite! This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a hug in a bowl. The ease of preparation combined with the incredible flavor makes it a winner every time. If you’re as obsessed with cozy, comforting desserts as I am, definitely give it a try! And if you love apple desserts as much as I do, you might want to check out my apple pie recipe, or even my apple crumble! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know if you make any fun variations. Bon appétit!

Pioneer Woman's Apple Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 whole large Granny Smith apples cored and sliced into 8 wedges each
- 2 cans crescent roll dough 8 rolls per can
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 stick unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 12 oz lemon-lime soda such as Sprite
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wrap each apple wedge in a crescent roll starting at the wide end. Pinch to seal. Place the wrapped apples in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon together. Pour evenly over the dumplings.
- Pour the lemon-lime soda around the edges of the pan, not on top of the dumplings.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown.