HRCookery · A cozy bowl of comfort
Easy Apple Dosi Recipe at Home | Sweet Candied Apple Dessert
Enjoy this traditional Sri Lankan Apple Dosi, a sweet and delicious homemade treat made with apples and sugar syrup. Perfect for tea time, festive occasions, or sharing with family and friends!
Sri Lankan-inspired · Snacks
What will you Need
- 4 cups ) apples (firm type like Granny Smith or Gala)
- 2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ tsp cinnamon powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon butter or ghee (optional, for shine)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Let’s cook
Instructions step by step
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to make delicious homemade Apple Dosi, a traditional Sri Lankan sweet with tender apples and a rich, glossy sugar syrup.
Prepare the apples
Wash, peel (optional), core, and cut apples into small wedges or cubes.
Make the syrup
In a pan, add sugar, brown sugar and water. Heat on medium until sugar dissolves completely and forms a light syrup.
Add spices
Add cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and lemon juice. Mix well.
Cook the apples
Add the chopped apples into the syrup. Stir gently so they don’t break.
Simmer until glossy
Cook on low to medium heat until apples become soft and the syrup thickens and coats the fruit.
Finish for shine (optional)
Add a small piece of butter or ghee and stir for a glossy finish.
Cool and serve
Let it cool completely before serving. The syrup will thicken further as it rests.
From the cook’s notebook
Notes & tips
Follow these helpful notes and tips to make perfect Apple Dosi with tender apple pieces, a rich sweetness, and a beautiful glossy finish every time.
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.
This sweet is perfect for gifting — pack it in small jars or boxes lined with parchment paper.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Video
At the table
Serving suggestions
Enjoy your homemade Apple Dosi in a variety of delicious ways! These serving suggestions will help you pair this traditional Sri Lankan sweet with tea, desserts, and special festive treats.
The perfect pairing
Start with something soft and savoury.
Spoon the curry over warm basmati or jasmine rice so it catches every bit of the coconut-rich sauce. Prefer to scoop? A piece of roti or warm flatbread is just as lovely.
Explore the pairingsServe Apple Dosi at room temperature as a traditional Sri Lankan sweet after meals.
Enjoy it with a hot cup of Ceylon tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
Add it to a festive dessert platter alongside other Sri Lankan sweets like kokis, milk toffee, and aluwa.
Spoon it over vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or rice pudding for a delicious twist.
Pair it with warm pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a sweet breakfast treat.
Use it as a filling or topping for cakes, cupcakes, pastries, or tarts.
Serve with cheese and crackers on a dessert or charcuterie board for a sweet-and-savory combination.
Package Apple Dosi in decorative jars or gift boxes for holidays, festivals, or homemade edible gifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about making homemade apple dosi? In this section, you’ll find helpful answers about choosing the best apples, achieving the perfect dosi consistency, storing your homemade preserve, and exploring delicious ways to enjoy it. These tips will help you make sweet, fruity, and flavorful apple dosi right in your own kitchen!
What type of apples are best for making apple dosi?
Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala work best as they hold their shape well during the slow cooking process.
Can I make apple dosi without spices?
Yes, you can skip the spices if you prefer a milder flavor, but adding cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves enhances the aroma and traditional taste.
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.
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.
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.
Is apple dosi served warm or cold?
It’s typically served at room temperature once fully cooled and set, but 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.
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