Apple Grunt Recipe Easy Homemade Dessert to Try Today

Updated On: October 12, 2025

Apple grunt is a classic New England dessert that offers a cozy, rustic charm perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave the comforting flavors of warm spiced apples and tender biscuit topping. This delightful treat is somewhat like a cobbler but cooked on the stovetop, which results in a juicy, bubbling fruit base with soft, pillowy dumplings floating atop.

The name “grunt” is said to come from the gentle grunting sound the fruit makes as it simmers and bubbles beneath the dough.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to homemade desserts, this apple grunt recipe is simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for using up your crisp fall apples and can be easily adapted with your favorite spices and toppings.

Plus, it’s an excellent dessert to serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple grunt recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s easy to make without requiring an oven, making it perfect for any kitchen setup.

The stovetop cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while creating a soft, biscuit-like topping that soaks up all the delicious apple juices.

Secondly, it’s a versatile dessert. You can customize the spices, add nuts for crunch, or mix in other fruits like cranberries or pears.

It’s also a fantastic way to use seasonal apples, turning them into a warm, nostalgic treat that feels like a hug in dessert form.

Finally, apple grunt has a delightful balance of textures and flavors – sweet, tart apples, buttery biscuits, and fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a perfect dessert to cozy up with and share with friends and family.

Ingredients

  • 6 large apples (preferably a mix of tart and sweet like Granny Smith and Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan with a lid (about 10-12 inches)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Peeler (optional, for apples)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice your apples into roughly 1/4-inch thick pieces. Toss them in a bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  2. Cook the apples: Heat the skillet over medium heat and add the sliced apples along with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to combine. Let the mixture cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and release their juices.
  3. Add butter and optional nuts: Drop the butter pieces over the apple mixture, stirring gently until melted. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them in now for a delightful crunch.
  4. Make the biscuit dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk and stir just until combined; the dough will be sticky but manageable.
  5. Drop biscuit dough onto the apples: Using a spoon, drop large spoonfuls of the dough directly onto the simmering apple mixture, spacing them so they don’t touch as they expand.
  6. Cover and cook: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the dumplings steam and cook for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep the steam in.
  7. Check for doneness: The biscuit topping should be puffed and cooked through, slightly golden on the bottom, and the apples bubbly.
  8. Serve warm: Spoon the apple grunt into bowls, making sure to get plenty of the juicy apple filling and biscuit topping. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream if desired.

Tips & Variations

“For a deeper apple flavor, try using a mix of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith combined with Honeycrisp or Fuji works beautifully.”

  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a warming twist on the spice profile.
  • Fruit combos: Toss in fresh or dried cranberries, blueberries, or pears for extra flavor and texture.
  • Make it vegan: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
  • Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the biscuit topping suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Extra sweet: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 280 kcal
Carbohydrates 55 g
Protein 3 g
Fat 4 g
Fiber 4 g
Sugar 38 g

Serving Suggestions

Apple grunt is best enjoyed warm, straight from the skillet. Serve it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

For a dairy-free option, coconut milk ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm spices.

This dessert also makes a wonderful topping for pancakes or waffles if you want to create a decadent breakfast or brunch. Alternatively, spoon it over plain yogurt to add a sweet, fruity twist to your morning routine.

Looking for more cozy dessert recipes? Check out our Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy or try some Clementine Bakery Vegan Recipes for Delicious Treats for inspiration.

Conclusion

Apple grunt is a timeless dessert that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of nostalgia to any table. Its simplicity and rich, homey flavors make it a perfect choice for weeknight treats or special gatherings.

The combination of soft spiced apples and fluffy biscuit topping offers a delightful texture contrast that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Its adaptability means you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences, and the stovetop method keeps things straightforward and accessible.

Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes like the Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or the hearty Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide for more culinary adventures.

Enjoy your apple grunt warm, and savor every comforting bite!

📖 Recipe Card: Apple Grunt

Description: Apple grunt is a traditional New England dessert featuring stewed apples topped with biscuit dough and steamed until fluffy. It’s a warm, comforting treat perfect for fall.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 cups peeled and sliced tart apples (about 6 medium apples)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large saucepan, combine apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until apples are soft, about 10 minutes.
  3. Transfer the stewed apples and juices to a baking dish.
  4. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  6. Stir in milk until just combined to form a biscuit dough.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of dough over the apples evenly.
  8. Sprinkle brown sugar on top if desired.
  9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  10. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until biscuits are golden.
  11. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 45 g

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Marta K

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