This Biscuit Apple Dumpling Recipe combines tart apples wrapped in a flaky biscuit, and smothered in a homemade buttery vanilla sauce.
Topped with crunchy cinnamon sugar, this is a super easy apple recipe that delivers on taste!
Check out these other apple recipes like Fried Apples, Apple Dump Cake and Apple Crisp Cheesecake!
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below!

This apple dumpling recipe is my go-to Fall dessert. They are really easy to make, too! With just a few simple steps, you can have a batch of warm, tasty dumplings ready to eat. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool down enough to dig in!
I use a shortcut, instead of using the traditional pastry for the dumplings, I use canned biscuits to make apple dumplings. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s delicious and takes way less time than apple pie!
Many apple dumpling recipes call for soda like mountain dew, 7-up (or sprite etc) as the liquid the dumplings are cooked it. I make it better (yes really) with a homemade sauce that is poured over the top, and baked into the dumplings.
The mix of sugar, butter, and vanilla makes a rich, buttery sauce that goes perfectly with the tart apples and flaky biscuit dough.
As they bake, the sauce thickens and caramelizes, coating each dumpling with a sweet layer. This gives the dumplings a deep, delicious flavor that you can’t get with soda.
Whether you’re making them for a quick treat or a special dessert, these apple dumplings are sure to be a hit.
My family loves these – and I hope yours does too!
What you’ll find in this post:
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Easy to make. This recipe takes just 40 minutes from start to finish and requires minimal prep work.
- Delicious and comforting. Tart apples, flaky biscuits, and a buttery vanilla sauce make for a comforting dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dumplings and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Yes, you can use homemade biscuit dough if you prefer. Just roll it out and cut into circles.
What to serve with Apple Dumplings
Serve these apple dumplings warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
I have included step-by-step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the full recipe card located at the bottom of the post.

Key Recipe Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Canned biscuits. Use the flaky kind for the best texture. If you prefer, you can use homemade biscuit dough, or crescent dough as well. Just ensure each apple piece is completely covered.
- Apples. Granny Smith apples work well in this recipe. You can also use Honeycrisp apples, Gala or Fuji for a sweeter option.
- Sugar. Used for both the sauce and the topping. You can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Butter. Adds richness to the sauce. I use salted butter. If you use unsalted, you’ll need to add a pinch or two of salt to your sauce.
- Vanilla extract. Enhances the flavor of the sauce, Almond extract can be used for a different twist.
- Cinnamon. Adds warmth and spice to the topping. Add a little nutmeg if you’d like!

Recommended Equipment/Tools
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- I use a handy dandy apple corer/cutter to make this super quick and easy, but a kitchen knife will do just fine.
- You’ll need a 8×8 baking dish for this.
How to make this recipe
Scroll for Recipe
This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Get prepped
Peel and core the apples, and cut into wedges. I use an apple cutter for this, but a knife works just fine.
Separate the biscuits and cut each one lengthwise into two circles.
Measure out the ingredients for the sauce and topping.

Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a baking dish and set aside.
Assemble the dumplings
Wrap each apple wedge in one circle of dough, making sure the dough wraps around the apple slice completely. Place the wrapped apple slices into the prepared baking dish.


Make the topping
In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set aside.

Make the sauce
In a sauce pan, stir together 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally.


Bake the dumplings
Pour the sauce over the apple dumplings and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar topping.


Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the apples are tender.

Serve
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream if desired. Enjoy!

Kylee’s Notes
What to do with leftovers
Refrigerator: Refrigerate any leftover dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Update: This recipe was originally published in April of 2011. It was updated and republished in September of 2019, July of 2024.
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Biscuit Apple Dumplings (6 ingredients)
Video
Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 canned biscuits ((I use the flaky kind))
- 2 apples ( peeled cored and cut into 8ths)
SAUCE
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
TOPPING
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
Get prepped
- Peel, core, and cut the apples into eighths. Separate the biscuits and cut each one lengthwise into two circles. Measure out the ingredients for the sauce and topping. Check you have all ingredients ready.
Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a baking dish and set aside.
Assemble the dumplings
- Wrap each apple slice in one circle of dough, encasing the apple slice completely. Place the wrapped apple slices into the buttered baking dish.
Make the topping
- In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Make the sauce
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Heat until the sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally.
Bake the dumplings
- Pour the sauce over the apple dumplings and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar topping. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Storage
Refrigerator: Refrigerate any leftover dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Making ahead
Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.































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