The Cracker Barrel Apple Dumpling Recipe is a delightful culinary journey back to the comfort foods of childhood. Imagine a perfectly baked, flaky pastry, each bite filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a rich, indulgent sauce that tantalize your taste buds.
This recipe not only brings the nostalgia of dining at Cracker Barrel to your dining table but also offers the joy of creating something deeply satisfying from scratch.
With each step, from wrapping apples in dough to drizzling them with a homemade sweet syrup, you’ll build a dessert that’s not just delicious but also a centerpiece of conversation.
Share Personal Experience
The first time I tried making this recipe at home, it was a rainy day, perfect for baking.
The aroma of cinnamon and apples filled my home, creating an ambiance of warmth and comfort that only this dessert could offer.
It turned out so delightful that it’s become a family favorite, especially during the holidays!
Equipment List
- Oven
- Large baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Peeler
- Knife
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Saucepan
Ingredients List
- 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
- 1 package of refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Cracker Barrel Apple Dumpling Recipe – Step by Step Preparation
Step 1:
Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2:
Prepare Apples: Cut each apple into 8 wedges.
Step 3:
Wrap Apples: Separate the crescent roll dough into triangles. Wrap each apple wedge with a dough triangle, starting at the wider end, and place in a large baking dish.
Step 4:
Make Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Pour in water and apple cider, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5:
Bake: Pour the sauce over the wrapped apples in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
Step 6:
Serve: Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Success
- Apple Choice: Use firm apples like Granny Smith for the best texture.
- Seal Well: Ensure the dough seals around the apple wedges to prevent leaks.
- Sauce Consistency: Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened for richer flavor and texture.
- Regular Basting: Halfway through baking, baste the dumplings with the sauce from the dish to enhance the flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve fresh from the oven for the best taste and texture, ideally with ice cream.
Variations
- Spice Mix: Add cloves or allspice to the cinnamon mixture for a deeper spice flavor.
- Dough Variations: Try puff pastry or homemade pastry dough instead of crescent rolls for a different texture.
- Fruit Additions: Mix in some raisins or cranberries with the apples for added sweetness and texture.
- Topping Twists: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
- Sweetener Swap: Use honey or maple syrup in place of granulated sugar for a natural sweetness.
Conclusion
In recreating the Cracker Barrel Apple Dumpling Recipe at home, you tap into more than just the flavors that mimic those of the beloved restaurant; you weave an experience that can be shared and cherished.
This dessert is not merely about satisfying a sweet craving—it’s about recreating memories and making new ones.
Whether served at a family gathering or as a special weekend treat, these apple dumplings are a testament to the timeless charm of simple, hearty desserts.
Warm, inviting, and irresistibly delicious, they promise a perfect ending to any meal.
FAQs
How do I store leftover apple dumplings?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to bring back their fresh-baked taste and texture.
Can I use store-bought dough for the dumplings?
Yes, you can use store-bought crescent roll dough or puff pastry sheets to save time. These options provide a flaky texture that complements the soft baked apples perfectly.
Can I make Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings gluten-free?
Yes, to make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free dough alternative for wrapping the apples.
Ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly if you’re using any pre-made dough or spice mixes.
How can I ensure the pastry doesn’t become soggy?
To prevent the pastry from becoming soggy, make sure the syrup is hot when you pour it over the dumplings.
This helps start the cooking process immediately, and keeps the pastry from absorbing too much liquid.
Cracker Barrel Apple Dumpling Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- Large baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Peeler
- Knife
- Rolling Pin
- Pastry brush
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 large Granny Smith apples peeled and cored
- 1 package of refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Apples: Cut each apple into 8 wedges.
- Wrap Apples: Separate the crescent roll dough into triangles. Wrap each apple wedge with a dough triangle, starting at the wider end, and place in a large baking dish.
- Make Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Pour in water and apple cider, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Bake: Pour the sauce over the wrapped apples in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
- Serve: Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Apple Choice: Use firm apples like Granny Smith for the best texture.
- Seal Well: Ensure the dough seals around the apple wedges to prevent leaks.
- Sauce Consistency: Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened for richer flavor and texture.
- Regular Basting: Halfway through baking, baste the dumplings with the sauce from the dish to enhance the flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve fresh from the oven for the best taste and texture, ideally with ice cream.
