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Quick Salted Caramel Apple Dumplings: Easy 30-Min Dessert

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These Quick Salted Caramel Apple Dumplings are a fast, forgiving, and absolutely delicious dessert made with canned biscuits, fresh apples, and a rich homemade salted caramel sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and wonderful on the table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (flaky layered kind, like Pillsbury Grands)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus more for finishing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Core and slice the apples: Cut each apple in half from top to bottom. Use a paring knife or melon baller to scoop out the core and seeds. Slice each half into 4 wedges (8 wedges total). Do not peel.
  3. Make the cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the biscuits: Open the can of biscuits. Separate them and place on a clean work surface. Flatten each biscuit slightly with your palm or a rolling pin until about 4 inches across.
  5. Assemble the dumplings: Place one apple wedge in the center of each flattened biscuit. Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar over the apple. Fold the edges of the biscuit up and over the apple, pinching the seams to seal. Place each dumpling seam-side down in an ungreased 8×8 inch baking dish.
  6. Brush with butter: Melt the 1/4 cup butter and brush it over the tops of the dumplings. Sprinkle any remaining cinnamon sugar over the top.
  7. Make the salted caramel sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup butter. Stir constantly until melted and smooth (about 2 minutes). Slowly pour in the 1/4 cup heavy cream while stirring. Let it come to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt.
  8. Pour the sauce over the dumplings: Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over and around the dumplings.
  9. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, until the dumplings are golden brown and the caramel is bubbly and thick. If tops brown too fast, tent loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes.
  10. Finish with salt: As soon as they come out of the oven, sprinkle a little more flaky sea salt over the tops. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t overwork the biscuits; handle gently for flaky texture. Watch the caramel closely to prevent burning. Let dumplings rest 5 minutes before serving to allow caramel to thicken. If dumplings leak, don’t panic—the juice mixes with caramel. Double the recipe for a crowd and bake 25-28 minutes. For gluten-free, use gluten-free canned biscuits. For vegan, use vegan butter, coconut cream, and vegan biscuits. Add cardamom or cloves for a spiced variation. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Can be made in an air fryer at 350°F for 12-15 minutes. Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat in microwave or oven. Freeze unbaked dumplings (without caramel) for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple dumplings, salted caramel, quick dessert, easy dessert, 30-minute dessert, canned biscuits, comfort food, weeknight dessert

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/quick-salted-caramel-apple-dumplings-easy-30-min-dessert/