Description
Delight in these homemade Caramel Apple Dumplings featuring tender apple halves wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough, baked to golden perfection and smothered with a rich, homemade caramel sauce. A perfect dessert for cozy evenings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples & Dough
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and halved
- 1 package (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Spiced Butter Topping
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Wrap the Apples: Take each peeled, cored apple half and wrap it completely by placing it inside a triangle of crescent roll dough, rolling the dough around the apple to seal it. Arrange all wrapped apples in the prepared baking dish evenly spaced.
- Apply Spiced Butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with cinnamon and nutmeg. Brush this flavorful spiced butter generously over the tops of each dough-wrapped apple to add aroma and a warm spice note to the bake.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and water. Stir occasionally as the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer, forming a rich caramel sauce.
- Pour Sauce and Bake: Pour the hot caramel sauce evenly over the arranged dumplings in the baking dish. Place in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly and thickened.
- Serve: Remove the dumplings from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- Ensure apples are fully peeled and cored for the best texture and ease of eating.
- Using refrigerated crescent roll dough makes this recipe quick and convenient.
- For extra spice, consider adding a pinch of cloves or allspice to the butter mixture.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to complement the warm caramel and apple flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently before serving.
