Spiced Rum Caramel Apple Dumplings

Imagine the perfect autumn day: crisp air, vibrant foliage, and the inviting aroma of warm spices wafting from your kitchen. That’s precisely the magic these Apple Dumplings with Spiced Rum Caramel Sauce bring to life. Each dumpling features tender, baked apples nestled within a golden, flaky puff pastry crust, infused with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling. Crowned with a rich, warm spiced rum caramel sauce, this dessert isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s an experience for all your senses. It’s the quintessential fall indulgence – comforting, exquisitely cozy, and guaranteed to transform your home into a fragrant haven.

Experience the Magic of Homemade Apple Dumplings with Spiced Rum Caramel Sauce

There’s an undeniable joy that comes with apple season, inspiring countless culinary adventures. While many apple desserts are delightful, these easy apple dumplings hold a special place in my heart. The combination of crisp apples, aromatic cinnamon, rich brown sugar, and creamy butter creates a symphony of flavors that feels like a warm hug. This particular recipe transports me back to my first job, where I first discovered the simple pleasure of a perfectly baked apple dumpling. I’ve lovingly recreated that nostalgic flavor at home, elevating it with the convenience and delightful flakiness of store-bought puff pastry. This touch gives them a truly bakery-style appeal, making them feel effortlessly gourmet. The grand finale is a generous drizzle of homemade spiced rum caramel sauce, a luxurious topping that brings all the elements together in a symphony of sweet, spicy, and buttery notes.

Why These Puff Pastry Apple Dumplings Will Become Your Go-To Fall Dessert

These puff pastry apple dumplings embody everything wonderful about fall baking. The warm, comforting spices instantly evoke feelings of coziness, making them an ideal choice for any autumn gathering or a simple weeknight treat. Their individual presentation, resembling charming little wrapped gifts, makes them visually impressive enough for holiday tables like Thanksgiving or festive dinner parties. Yet, despite their elegant appearance, the recipe remains remarkably simple, utilizing accessible ingredients you can find at any grocery store. The result? A dessert that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet bakery, but with the heartfelt touch of homemade goodness. The crowning glory is undoubtedly the spiced rum caramel sauce, which adds an irresistible layer of warmth and sophistication, transforming each bite into a truly special occasion. It’s the perfect conclusion to a holiday feast or a splendid way to celebrate the abundance of apple season.

The Story Behind the Sauce: Crafting the Perfect Spiced Rum Caramel

This beloved apple dumpling recipe first graced my blog back in 2017, born from a desire to share a truly special fall dessert. As part of a blogger round-up celebrating autumn flavors, the timing felt perfect. Beyond pumpkin recipes, apple recipes are my absolute favorite during this time of year. While developing the recipe, I knew it needed an exceptional topping – a sauce that would elevate the dumplings from delicious to unforgettable. I considered classic options like a salted caramel, but fate intervened. The original posting day serendipitously coincided with National Rum Day, sparking the brilliant idea for this unique and utterly delightful spiced rum caramel sauce. This unexpected inspiration resulted in a topping that perfectly complements the baked apples and flaky pastry, adding a depth of flavor that makes these dumplings truly stand out.

Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Easy Apple Dumplings

One of the beauties of these easy apple dumplings is the simplicity of their ingredients. You’ll find everything you need readily available at your local grocery store. The precise measurements and detailed instructions are provided in the full recipe below, but here’s a quick overview of the key components that bring this comforting dessert to life.

For the Irresistible Apple Dumplings:

• Puff Pastry: The secret to that incredibly flaky crust! Ensure it’s thawed enough to unfold without cracking, but still cold to the touch for optimal puff. Store-bought works perfectly, or you can opt for homemade puff pastry if you’re feeling ambitious.
• Granny Smith Apples: Peeled, cored, and halved, these are my top choice for baking. Their tartness beautifully balances the sweetness of the filling and sauce, and their firm texture holds up wonderfully during baking, preventing a mushy result. Honeycrisp or Braeburn are excellent alternatives if you prefer a slightly sweeter apple.
• Brown Sugar: Whether you choose dark or light brown sugar, it will lend a rich, molasses-like sweetness and moisture to the apple filling. Dark brown sugar will offer a deeper caramel note.
• Spices: Classic cinnamon and nutmeg create that signature warm, comforting flavor. For an extra layer of complexity and a truly autumnal aroma, consider using my special Apple Pie Spice blend.
• Butter: Essential for richness in the filling and for brushing the pastry, contributing to that desirable golden-brown finish.

For the Velvety Spiced Rum Caramel Sauce:

• Butter: The foundation of any good caramel, providing a rich, creamy base.
• Brown Sugar: I prefer dark brown sugar for its deep flavor, which complements the rum beautifully.
• Spiced Rum: This is the star ingredient that gives the sauce its unique warmth and complexity. If you don’t have spiced rum, regular dark rum works well. For a non-alcoholic option, apple juice is a fantastic substitute, offering a similar fruity depth without the spirits.
• Heavy Cream: Added at the end to create a luscious, smooth, and pourable caramel sauce.

Optional toppings: Elevate your serving with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, which melts beautifully into the warm caramel, or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful textural contrast and an extra touch of elegance.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Perfect Apple Dumplings and Spiced Rum Caramel Sauce

Creating these delightful apple dumplings is a straightforward process, promising a rewarding experience with every step. Follow these instructions for a perfect batch:

Crafting the Flaky Apple Dumplings:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a shallow baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Handle the Puff Pastry: Carefully unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. You want it just pliable enough to work with without tearing. Cut the sheet into four equal squares.
3. Fill the Dumplings: Place one peeled, cored, and halved apple in the center of each puff pastry square.
4. Create the Spice Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mixture will form the heart of your apple filling.
5. Season the Apples: Generously sprinkle the spice mixture over each apple half. Then, top each seasoned apple with a small pat of butter. This ensures a rich, moist, and flavorful core for your dumplings.
6. Wrap and Seal: Gently fold the puff pastry around each apple, bringing the corners or edges to meet at the top. Pinch the pastry firmly to seal it, creating a neat, enclosed package.
7. Arrange and Brush: Place the wrapped dumplings into your prepared baking dish. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and brush it over the tops of each dumpling. This promotes beautiful browning and a crisper crust.
8. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for approximately 40 to 45 minutes, or until the puff pastry is gorgeously golden brown and wonderfully flaky. The apples inside should be tender and soft.

Whipping Up the Spiced Rum Caramel Sauce:

1. Start the Sauce Base: While your dumplings are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add Sugar and Rum: Once the butter is melted, stir in the brown sugar and spiced rum. Whisk continuously until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a smooth, bubbling mixture.
3. Incorporate Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and continue to whisk gently. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and achieves a smooth, glossy consistency. Be careful not to let it boil too vigorously.

Serving Your Delicious Apple Dumplings:

Serve the apple dumplings warm, fresh from the oven, with a generous drizzle of the homemade spiced rum caramel sauce over each one. For an extra touch of decadence, a scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully into the warm sauce, adding a creamy contrast to the flaky crust. A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans not only adds a delightful crunch but also enhances the visual appeal, making for a stunning presentation at any gathering.

Tips for Storing and Freezing Apple Dumplings

These delicious apple dumplings can be enjoyed freshly baked or saved for later, making them ideal for meal prep or future cravings.

To Store Leftovers: Place any leftover dumplings in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in a 325°F (160°C) oven until they are warmed through and the pastry has crisped up again. The caramel sauce can also be stored separately in the fridge. Gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, until it returns to its smooth, pourable consistency.

To Freeze Apple Dumplings: For longer storage, bake the dumplings according to the recipe instructions and allow them to cool completely. Once cool, wrap each dumpling tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months. To reheat from frozen, bake them in a 325°F (160°C) oven until thoroughly warmed and the pastry is crisp. While the dumplings reheat, you can quickly prepare a fresh batch of the spiced rum caramel sauce, as it truly is best when made fresh to pour over the warm, baked treat.

Maximize Your Baking Success: Expert Tips for Flawless Apple Dumplings

Achieving bakery-quality apple dumplings at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Puff Pastry Perfection: Always use puff pastry that is just thawed enough to unfold without cracking. If it becomes too warm, the butter layers within the pastry will melt prematurely, preventing it from puffing up properly in the oven and resulting in a less flaky crust.
• Choose Your Apples Wisely: Opt for firm, crisp apples that can withstand baking without turning to mush. Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and ability to hold their shape. Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonagold are also excellent choices, offering a slightly sweeter profile if preferred.
• Secure the Seal: Take care to firmly pinch and seal the puff pastry around each apple. This ensures that the delicious butter, brown sugar, and spice filling stays tucked inside the dumpling, preventing it from leaking out during baking. A small twist and gentle pinch at the top works best.
• Caramel Sauce Caution: When making the spiced rum caramel sauce, keep a close eye on it. A gentle simmer is all that’s needed for the ingredients to combine and thicken. Boiling the sauce too hard can cause it to reduce too quickly or even burn.
• Make-Ahead Mastery: For convenience, you can assemble the apple dumplings a few hours in advance. Arrange them in the baking dish, cover lightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. The caramel sauce can also be prepared ahead of time; simply store it in the fridge and gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s warm and pourable again before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Dumplings

• What are the best apples for apple dumplings? My absolute favorite apples for baking, especially for dumplings, are Granny Smith. Their bright tartness provides a perfect balance to the sweet caramel sauce and rich pastry, and their firm flesh holds its shape beautifully throughout the baking process. If you prefer a sweeter profile, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonagold apples are also fantastic choices that bake up well without becoming mushy.
• Can I make these apple dumplings without rum? Absolutely! If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can easily substitute apple juice or apple cider for the spiced rum in the caramel sauce. The sauce will still have a wonderful richness and a hint of fruity sweetness, just without the alcohol.
• Can I make apple dumplings ahead of time? Yes, these apple dumplings are great for making ahead. You can assemble them completely, ready for baking, a few hours in advance. Simply cover the baking dish and refrigerate until you’re ready to pop them into the oven. The caramel sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator; just warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until it’s pourable before drizzling over your warm dumplings.

More Irresistible Apple Recipes to Explore

If you’re like me and adore baking with apples, especially when it comes to easy and comforting desserts, then you’re in for a treat! These other apple-centric recipes are absolute must-tries. The Apple Kuchen, pictured above, looks incredibly sophisticated but is surprisingly simple to make. My Apple Crisp is so popular that I rarely make it without someone asking for the recipe, and the same goes for these delightful Apple Pie Crumb Bars. For a rustic charm, this Apple Crostata is not only fun to prepare but also stunningly delicious. And if you’ve never experienced the ease and incredible flavor of Homemade Applesauce made in your crockpot, you simply have to give it a try!

The Ultimate Fall Dessert: A Concluding Delight

If the rich, comforting flavors of baked apples and the luscious sweetness of caramel call to you, then these Apple Dumplings with Spiced Rum Caramel Sauce are an absolute must-try. They capture the essence of a cozy bakery treat, yet are remarkably simple to recreate in your own kitchen whenever the craving for a truly special dessert strikes. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of everything wonderful about apple season, offering warmth, nostalgia, and an unforgettable taste experience. Dive in and discover your new favorite fall dessert!

The Spiced Rum Caramel Apple Dumplings Recipe

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These apples are topped with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon, then wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden brown. Top them off with a spiced rum caramel glaze before serving.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 45 mins

Total Time: 1 hr

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Apple Dumplings with Spiced Rum Caramel Sauce

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 797 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

For the dumplings:

• 1 sheet Puff Pastry, cut into quarters
• 2 large Granny Smith apples, cut in half, cored and peeled
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 Tablespoon + 4 teaspoons butter

For the Rum Sauce:

• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Spiced Rum (I used Captain Morgan; apple juice can be substituted)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Optional for serving:

• Ice cream and chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

To make the dumplings:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190°C) and spray a shallow baking dish with non-stick baking spray.
2. Remove one sheet of pastry dough from the freezer, let thaw until it’s easy to work with. Roll it out slightly on a floured surface and cut into quarters.
3. Place one of the halved, peeled and cored apples in the center of each quarter of puff pastry.
4. Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a bowl. Sprinkle over the top of each apple. Top with a teaspoon sized pat of butter.
5. Wrap puff pastry around the apple, and pinch to seal at the top. Place in a shallow baking dish.
6. Melt the Tablespoon of butter and brush over the tops of each apple.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and flaky.

To make the Sauce:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan, add to it brown sugar and rum. Whisk while sugar dissolves. Add in heavy cream and whisk while sauce thickens.
2. Pour over warm dumplings and serve.
3. Top with ice cream and walnuts, if desired.

Notes

Store leftover dumplings in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days. Reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven until warmed through and crisp again. The caramel sauce can be stored separately in the fridge and heated gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

To Freeze Apple Dumplings: Bake them as directed, let them cool completely, then wrap each one tightly and freeze for up to two months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through and crisp. The caramel sauce is best made fresh, but it comes together quickly while the dumplings reheat.

Recipes adapted from Taste of Home and Port and Fin

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 797kcal | Carbohydrates: 98g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 245mg | Potassium: 261mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 66g | Vitamin A: 761IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 2mg

This recipe was originally posted on August 15, 2017, and it has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on October 7, 2025.