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Apple Dosi is a traditional sweet treat. It is made by slowly cooking fresh apples with sugar and aromatic spices. They transform into glossy, jewel-like bites of candied fruit. This Sri Lankan-style dessert is a delightful fusion of natural fruitiness. It also has rich, syrupy sweetness. It offers a nostalgic taste of old-fashioned homemade confections. Each piece has a tender, slightly chewy texture. It melts in your mouth. It releases warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of citrus.
A dosi is a traditional Sri Lankan confectionery. It is comparable to fruit preserves or candied fruit. It is made by boiling fruit in sugar until the sugar crystallizes on and inside the fruit’s surface. Examples include Pineapple Dosi and Puhul Dosi (made from ash pumpkin). The sweet is served as a snack or dessert, especially during festivals and celebrations.
Apple dosi is often prepared during festive seasons or special family gatherings. It is more than just a dessert. It’s a cherished homemade sweet that reflects the love and patience poured into its making. Its vibrant golden hue and enticing aroma make it a beautiful addition to dessert tables. You can enjoy its deliciousness for days because of its long shelf life. Apple dosi can be served as a traditional festive sweet. It can be paired with tea or given as a thoughtful homemade gift. It offers a comforting and flavorful taste of classic Sri Lankan dessert tradition.
What You Need to Make Apple Dosi

- 4 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples (about 6 medium apples, ideally a mix of tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Honey crisp)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Method for Apple Dosi
- Prepare your apples by peeling, coring, and chopping them finely.
- In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugars dissolve and the apples soften.
- Add the vanilla extract and caramel sauce, stirring until well mixed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 – 40 minutes. Stir it occasionally until it thickens.
- Check the consistency; if it coats the back of a spoon, it’s ready.
- Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars and seal. Let cool before storing in the refrigerator.

🍏 Notes & Tips for Perfect Apple Dosi
- Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Gala to hold their shape during cooking.
- Stir the mixture often to prevent sticking or burning as the sugar thickens.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
- For a richer taste, sprinkle a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg along with the cinnamon.
- Let the dosi cool completely before storing — it will firm up as it cools.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- This sweet is perfect for gifting — pack it in small jars or boxes lined with parchment paper.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What type of apples are best for making apple dosi?
Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala work best. They hold their shape well during the slow cooking process.
2. Can I make apple dosi without spices?
Yes, you can skip the spices if you prefer a milder flavor. However, adding cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves enhances the aroma. These spices also improve the traditional taste.
3. How long does apple dosi last?
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, apple dosi can last up to 2 weeks. Refrigerating it can extend the shelf life to about a month.
4. Why is my apple dosi too soft or runny?
This usually happens if the sugar syrup wasn’t cooked long enough. Continue simmering until the syrup thickens and coats the apples properly.
5. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, but it will give the dosi a deeper caramel flavor and a darker color. White sugar is traditionally used for a lighter, glossy finish.
6. Is apple dosi served warm or cold?
It’s typically served at room temperature once fully cooled and set. You can enjoy it slightly warm if you prefer a softer texture.
Apple Dosi
Apple Dosi is a traditional sweet treat. It is made by slowly cooking fresh apples with sugar and aromatic spices. They transform into glossy, jewel-like bites of candied fruit. This Sri Lankan-style dessert is a delightful fusion of natural fruitiness. It also has rich, syrupy sweetness. It offers a nostalgic taste of old-fashioned homemade confections. Each piece has a tender, slightly chewy texture. It melts in your mouth. It releases warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of citrus.
Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples (about 6 medium apples, ideally a mix of tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Honey crisp)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar]
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare your apples by peeling, coring, and chopping them finely.
- In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugars dissolve and the apples soften.
- Add the vanilla extract stirring until well mixed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 - 40 minutes. Stir it occasionally until it thickens.
- Check the consistency; if it coats the back of a spoon, it’s ready.
- Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars and seal. Let cool before storing in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Gala to hold their shape during cooking.
- Stir the mixture often to prevent sticking or burning as the sugar thickens.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
- For a richer taste, sprinkle a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg along with the cinnamon.
- Let the dosi cool completely before storing — it will firm up as it cools.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- This sweet is perfect for gifting — pack it in small jars or boxes lined with parchment paper.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 61Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 3gSugar: 12gProtein: 0g
**Nutritional information on HRCookery is provided as a courtesy. We can't guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on the site. these figures should only be considered as estimates.





