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Lighter Apple Dumpling Bites with Easy Caramel Drizzle

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These lighter apple dumpling bites with caramel drizzle are smaller, faster, and just as satisfying as the full-sized version. They come together in under 30 minutes using wonton wrappers instead of pie dough, making them a quick and easy fall treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 12 wonton wrappers
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for sprinkling)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (for caramel)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for caramel)
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel)
  • Pinch of salt (for caramel)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  2. Make the apple filling: In a small bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well coated. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes.
  3. Prepare the wonton wrappers: Lay 12 wonton wrappers on a clean, dry work surface. Keep the remaining wrappers covered with a damp paper towel so they don’t dry out. Working one at a time, spoon about 1 tablespoon of the apple filling into the center of each wrapper.
  4. Fold and seal the dumplings: Brush the edges of each wonton wrapper with a little water using your finger or a pastry brush. Fold the wrapper in half diagonally to form a triangle, pressing gently to seal. Then bring the two bottom corners together and pinch them to form a little bundle.
  5. Arrange on the baking sheet: Place the dumplings on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  6. Brush with butter and sprinkle topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon. Brush each dumpling with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before drizzling with caramel.
  8. Make the caramel drizzle while they bake: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and salt. Let it cool for a few minutes.
  9. Drizzle and serve: Arrange the warm dumpling bites on a serving plate. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top. Serve immediately while they’re still warm and crispy.

Notes

Dice the apples small (pea-sized) for even cooking. Seal the edges well to prevent filling from leaking. Watch the caramel carefully as it can burn quickly. Serve immediately for best crispness. For make-ahead, assemble dumplings up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; bake just before serving. Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or air fryer at 325°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple dumpling bites, lighter apple dumplings, wonton wrapper dessert, easy caramel drizzle, fall dessert, quick apple dessert

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