Puff Pastry Apple Dumplings with Streusel Topping

If you identify as someone in between a scratch baker and a boxed mix baker, this puff pastry apple dumpling recipe is the perfect dessert for you!

This super easy recipe has warm, cinnamony apples nestled in their own individual puff pastry packages, topped with a buttery pecan streusel and drizzled with caramel sauce. 

These apple dumplings taste like they were baked from scratch, but the only thing you’ll do is unwrap a roll of store-bought puff pastry! 

What is in this Apple Dumpling Recipe

This easy dessert recipe has a short list of simple ingredients:

• Tart apples, i.e. Granny Smith
• Frozen puff pastry sheets. You’ll find this in the freezer section at the grocery store. 
• Sugar
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg 

The pecan streusel topping is made up of four pantry staples:

• butter
• flour
• brown sugar
• pecans

How to make Puff Pastry Apple Dumplings

Defrost the Puff Pastry

Before you do anything else, take the puff pastry sheets out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. It should take anywhere from 20-30 minutes. You want the pastry to still be cold, but pliable. If you try to use it while it’s still frozen, it could break. 

Make the apple filling and the pecan streusel while the puff pastry is defrosting. 

Make the Apple Filling

Chop up your apples and mix them with the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and breadcrumbs. No advanced cooking is required! 

Make the Pecan Streusel

Using melted butter will hold the other ingredients together. Mix the butter with the flour, brown sugar and chopped pecans until you have moist crumbs.

Set it aside until you’re ready to bake the dumplings. 

Roll out the Puff Pastry

Use a rolling pin to roll out the puff pastry dough to about 2 inches larger than it is when it comes out of the package. Using a sharp knife or a pizza wheel, slice four equal squares out of the dough. 

Brush the pastry with beaten egg and place a few spoonfuls of the apple mixture in the center of each square. 

Assemble the Apple Dumplings

Now, simply fold opposite corners over each other until you have a little dumpling that looks like an envelope. So cute! 

Before baking, sprinkle all of that delicious pecan streusel that you made over the tops of the dumplings.

Bake the Dumplings

These apple puff pastry dumplings bake at two different temperatures. They’ll start at a higher temperature for about 15 minutes, and then they’ll bake for another 30 minutes at a lower temperature. The total time will be about 45 minutes.

It’s important to remember to lower the temperature of the oven, though. Set a reminder! 

They’ll bake up golden brown and delicious! 

How to Serve Puff Pastry Apple Dumplings

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic for a reason! There’s no better combo than a warm apple dessert and a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
2. Whipped Cream: For a lighter touch, top your apple dumplings with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It adds a delicate, airy texture and a touch of sweetness.
3. Caramel Sauce: I wrote this as “option” in the recipe card, but in my opinion, it’s a must! Drizzling some warm caramel sauce over your dumplings can elevate them to an even more decadent level. Arguably the best part about it!

Variations on this Recipe

1. Fruit Variations: Match your fruit dumplings to the season by experimenting with different fruits like pears, peaches, or even mixed berries.
2. Spices: Adjust the spices to suit your preferences. Try cardamom or ginger for extra warmth and flavor.
3. Nuts: If pecans aren’t your thing, try chopped walnuts or slivered almonds as interesting textural alternatives. 
4. Pie Dough: As an alternative to puff pastry, try refrigerated pie dough or refrigerated crescent rolls. Although a bit heavier, they’ll remind you of your Grandma’s apple pie recipe. 

How to Store Apple Dumplings

If you find yourself with leftover apple dumplings or want to prepare them in advance, here’s how to store them:

1. Refrigeration: Place any leftover dumplings in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
2. Freezing: Apple dumplings can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. They’ll be good in the freezer for several months, if properly stored. 

How to Reheat these Puff Pastry Apple Dumplings

To enjoy dumplings again, follow these simple steps:

1. Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Place the dumplings on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through.
2. Microwave: For a quicker option, you can reheat individual dumplings in the microwave. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave on low heat in 30-second intervals until they are warm.
3. Stovetop: To reheat multiple dumplings without losing their crispness, use a non-stick skillet. Heat them over medium-low heat, turning occasionally until they are heated evenly.

When you make these puff pastry apple dumplings, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a star rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy! 

For more apple desserts, try these:

• Warm Apple Crostata Recipe (Just like Maggiano’s!)
• Apple Cinnamon Sour Cream Coffee Cake
• Apple Butter Cookies with Cinnamon Vanilla Frosting
• The Best Jewish Apple Cake Recipe