National Apple Dumpling Day Date in the current year: September 17, 2026

Apple dumplings are made by wrapping apples in dough and baking or boiling them. This dish dates back to at least the 18th century. A reference to boiled apple dumplings can be found in Nicholas Amhurst’s Terræ-filius: or, the Secret History of the University of Oxford, a collection of satirical essays published in 1726. Two of the earliest apple dumpling recipes were published by English cookbook writer Hannah Glasse in her 1747 cookbook, The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy.

In the United States, apple dumplings are a common food in the Northeast, especially in Pennsylvania, where they are a staple of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. There is evidence that they were widely spread throughout the United States by the mid-19th century. Apple dumplings are said to have been one of Thomas Edison’s favorite foods, and Mark Twain listed them among American dishes “unmatched by European hotel cuisine”.

To make apple dumplings, apples are peeled, cored, and sometimes also quartered. Then, the prepared apples are wrapped in a pastry crust. For unquartered apples, the core hole can be filled with sugar, butter, spices, and raisins or other dried fruits. The pastry is sealed and a sweet sauce is poured over the dumplings before cooking. The sauce typically consists of sugar and butter boiled with water, and sometimes includes spices or lemon slices for added flavor. Today, apple dumplings are usually baked in the oven, but early recipes called for boiling because few homes had ovens.

Apple dumplings are a versatile dish. They can be served hot, warm, or at room temperature for breakfast, as a side dish, or for dessert. In Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, apple dumplings are sometimes served as a full meal in a bowl of milk. When served for breakfast or as a dessert, apple dumplings can be accompanied by cream, whipped cream, ice cream, or custard.

As with many food holidays, the origins of National Apple Dumpling Day are unclear. However, this shouldn’t stop you from celebrating! The best way to celebrate this amazing holiday is to make apple dumplings at home. To make six dumplings, you will need two unbaked pie crusts (homemade or store-bought), six medium apples, butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. If the pie crust was refrigerated, let it soften at room temperature. In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup of granulated sugar with 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Roll one of the pie crusts into a 1/4-inch-thick rectangle, then cut it into three 7-inch squares. Repeat with the other crust.

Core and peel the apples. Place an apple in the center of each pastry square, adding some cinnamon sugar and a teaspoon of butter to the core hole. Brush the corners of each square with water, wrap each apple in the pastry, and pinch to seal. Transfer the apples to a baking dish large enough that they are not touching.

In a small saucepan, combine 2/3 cup brown sugar, 2/3 cup water, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter melts. Pour the resulting sauce into the bottom of the baking dish, but do not pour it over the apples. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until golden brown.