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Whole apple dumplings stuffed with almond frangipane, wrapped in flaky pie crust and cinnamon sugar, a cozy must-bake Fall dessert.
Fall means apple season, and I can’t think of a cozier way to enjoy apples than baking them whole, wrapped in buttery pie crust, stuffed with almond frangipane, and rolled in cinnamon sugar. These whole apple dumplings are one of those desserts that instantly make your house smell like fall. This was actually my very first time baking whole apple dumplings, and I can tell you—it won’t be my last. I used to think making whole apple dumplings was a big project, but honestly, if I can pull it off, so can you!
The contrast of textures is what makes these so irresistible: flaky pie crust with that extra crunch from turbinado sugar, tender spiced apples, and that rich, nutty frangipane filling tucked inside. Honestly, we don’t even add caramel sauce or ice cream. They’re that good eaten just as they are.
Why You’ll Like This Recipe
The whole apple bakes up soft and aromatic, perfectly infused with cinnamon and nutmeg.
The pie crust turns golden, flaky, and extra crispy with a turbinado sugar crunch.
The frangipane filling adds a nutty almond surprise that makes these so much more special than a plain apple dumpling.
You can make the frangipane ahead, even freeze it, making this dessert much easier to put together.
It looks impressive, but it’s really straightforward to make—perfect for fall gatherings or just a cozy weekend bake.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Apples: Honeycrisp works beautifully here, but you can also use Braeburn, Jonagold, Granny Smith, or any baking apple that holds its shape.
Pie Crust: Store-bought works if you’re short on time, but if you want extra flavor, homemade pie crust will always win.
Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Salt: These coat the apples and bring that classic apple pie flavor.
Butter & Brown Sugar: Creamy base and for sweetness for the frangipane.
Almond Flour: The star ingredient for the frangipane, giving that nutty flavor.
Almond Extract: A tiny amount deepens the almond taste.
Egg: Helps bind the filling.
Egg Wash & Turbinado Sugar: For that shiny golden crust with a crunchy finish.
Pro tips for success
Chill the wrapped apples — this is the single best trick for a flaky crust.
If the dough starts to get sticky while pleating, tuck the apples back in the fridge for a few minutes.
If using different-sized apples, adjust dough pieces so each apple is fully encased with a little extra to pinch closed.
Test doneness with a paring knife inserted into the apple: it should slide in easily, but the apple should not be mushy.
Storage
Room temperature: best eaten the same day, but can keep at room temperature for up to 24 hours in an airtight container.
Fridge: store up to 3 days; reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 10 minutes to re-crisp the crust.
Freezer: freeze baked dumplings up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the frangipane without almonds? Yes, you can use hazelnut flour or pistachio flour for a different flavor.
Can I prepare everything in advance? Yes — make the frangipane up to 2–3 days ahead and keep it chilled, or freeze it for up to 3 months. You can also prepare the pie dough ahead of time if you are making it from scratch
My crust seemed soggy after baking. How can I avoid that? Chill the wrapped apples for at least 30 minutes before baking, and make sure your oven is fully preheated. Using a high starting temperature (400°F/200°C) helps set the crust quickly.
What if I don’t have a pastry bag? Use a small spoon to fill the core, and gently press the frangipane down with your finger. Wipe sugar from hands and fingers as needed to keep things tidy. You can also use a regular plastic bag, fill it up and cut one of the corners to make your own pastry bag
How do I tell when the apples are done without overcooking the crust? The crust should be golden brown, and the apple should be tender when pierced with a small paring knife. If the crust finishes before the apple is cooked through, tent the crust with foil and continue baking until the apple reaches the desired softness.
Can I make mini versions? Yes, use small apples (like Gala cocktail apples) and smaller dough rounds; adjust bake time to 20-25 minutes and check often.
Can I use a different sweetener? Yes, you can try coconut sugar as a substitute for brown sugar, though the flavor will change slightly.
These whole apple dumplings stuffed with frangipane are a perfect fall project — impressive, cozy, and full of texture contrasts. If you have an abundance of apples this season, this recipe turns them into something special without being fussy.
Prepare the frangipane: (this can be done several days before)
Beat the softened butter and sugar with a sturdy spatula until creamy. Add eggs, salt, and almond extract and mix again to combine. Add almond flour and stir to combine everything. It will be a paste-like consistency. If you are not using on the same day, you can wrap it and chill it in the fridge for 2-3 days. They can be kept frozen for 2-3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before using
Prepare the apples:
Combine brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl
Peel the apple and core it. Roll the apple in the sugar mixture to coat the outside. Repeat with the rest.
Assembling:
Line a baking pan or baking dish with parchment paper for easier clean up
Allow the pie crust to come to room temperature so you can roll it out into rectangles, about 24 x 16 inches, about 1/4-inch thick, if you are using homemade pie crust. I use 2 store-bought pie crusts that were already cut into 12-inch rounds. I didn't roll it out into a rectangle. I just cut it into 3 for each pie crust. It should be enough to fully encase the apple with a little bit of extra on top to pinch the dough together so it stays closed during baking
Place each apple on top of the pie dough
You can transfer the frangipane to a pastry bag and pipe the frangipane into the hollow core to fill it up. Alternatively, you can use a small spoon to fill up the core, it's a bit messier as you may need to use your finger to help push the filling into the core, but it can be done
Carefully bring one corner of the pie dough over the apple and then continue all around, letting the dough to pleat naturally. Pinch the dough together on top to make sure the pie dough fully encases the apple and the dough won't spring open during baking
Repeat with the remaining five apples. Place them on the prepared baking pan. Put this inside the fridge to let the pie crust chilled for at least 30 minutes. This is to ensure the pie crust stays flaky and crisp after baking
Baking:
15 minutes before the end of the chilling time, start preheating the oven to 400 F (200 C) for conventional oven. Please lower the temperature by 20 F (15 C) if using a convection oven.
Beaten 1 egg with a fork for the egg wash. Use a pastry brush to brush the egg wash on the pie crust. Sprinkle with some turbinado sugar. I find it easier to tilt the apple slightly and sprinkle on one side and then rotate and sprinkle more to cover them with the turbinado sugar
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and when you use a small paring knife to poke through to test the apple. It should be soft
To serve:
Wait for 5 minutes before serving. You can serve as is or with some ice cream and/or caramel sauce. We eat it just as is without any sauce and it is just as good!
*Nutrition facts are just estimates and calculated using online tools*
Nutrition Facts
Whole Apple Dumplings with Frangipane
Serving Size
1 serving
Amount per Serving
Calories
491
% Daily Value*
Fat
26
g
40
%
Saturated Fat
9
g
56
%
Trans Fat
0.3
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
9
g
Cholesterol
49
mg
16
%
Sodium
299
mg
13
%
Potassium
97
mg
3
%
Carbohydrates
58
g
19
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
29
g
32
%
Protein
6
g
12
%
Vitamin A
255
IU
5
%
Vitamin C
0.1
mg
0
%
Calcium
52
mg
5
%
Iron
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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