Easy Apple Dumplings Recipe: Simple, Sweet & Perfect Every Time

Apple dumplings transport you to a world of comforting nostalgia with their golden, flaky exterior and sweet, spiced interior.

Tender fruit nestles inside delicate pastry, creating a dessert that whispers memories of grandmother’s kitchen.

Each dumpling represents a perfect balance between crisp dough and soft, caramelized filling.

Warm spices dance through the creation, infusing every bite with depth and richness.

Butter melts into a luscious sauce that pools around the dumplings, enhancing their irresistible appeal.

The rustic charm of this dessert connects generations through its simple yet elegant preparation.

Best Pairings for Warm Apple Dumplings

• Boost Sweet Richness with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm apple dumplings alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination that melts perfectly together, creating a delightful contrast between hot pastry and cold, smooth vanilla.
• Pair with Cinnamon Coffee: Enjoy these dumplings with a steaming mug of freshly brewed cinnamon-spiced coffee, which complements the warm cinnamon notes already present in the dessert and provides a cozy, comforting drinking experience.
• Enhance with Caramel Drizzle: Elevate the apple dumplings by adding a light drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, which intensifies the sweet flavors and adds a luxurious, silky texture to the already decadent pastry.
• Complement with Spiced Chai Tea: A spiced chai tea offers a delightful balance of warm, aromatic spices that harmonize beautifully with the apple and cinnamon flavors in the dumplings, creating a sophisticated and satisfying dessert pairing.

Creative Variations on Traditional Apple Dumplings

• Berry Blast Dumplings: Swap apples with mixed berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a vibrant fruit-filled version. Use berry preserves instead of Mountain Dew for extra fruity flavor.
• Tropical Paradise Dumplings: Replace apples with fresh mango and pineapple chunks. Sprinkle coconut flakes over the top before baking and use coconut soda as the liquid base.
• Caramel Pecan Dumplings: Add chopped pecans inside the crescent roll with each apple wedge. Drizzle caramel sauce over the dumplings before baking for a rich, nutty experience.
• Autumn Spice Dumplings: Mix pumpkin pie spice into the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Use baked apple cider instead of Mountain Dew to enhance the seasonal warmth and depth of flavor.

Why Apple Dumplings Are the Coziest Dessert Ever

• Effortless Dessert Magic: Transforms simple crescent rolls and apples into a mouthwatering treat that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
• Textural Symphony: Combines crispy pastry edges with soft, tender apple centers, creating a delightful contrast that dances on your taste buds.
• Quick Comfort Indulgence: Requires minimal prep time and delivers maximum flavor, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests.

What You’ll Need for Apple Dumplings That Melt in Your Mouth

Main Ingredients:

Apples: Firm, sweet-tart variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works best for holding shape during baking.

Crescent Roll Dough: Convenient pre-made pastry that creates a flaky, golden exterior for the apple dumplings.

Sweetening and Flavoring Ingredients:

Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a caramel-like sauce when combined with sugar.

Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps form a sticky, delicious coating for the dumplings.

Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the apples natural flavor and adds aromatic depth.

Liquid Ingredient:

Mountain Dew: Creates a unique syrupy glaze and adds unexpected sweetness to the dessert.

How to Bake Apple Dumplings Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Slice the Apples

Wash the apples thoroughly. Cut each apple into 8 equal wedges, removing the core and seeds in the process.

Step 3: Wrap Apples in Crescent Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into individual triangles. Carefully wrap each apple wedge, starting from the smallest end and tucking in the sides to completely cover the apple.

Step 4: Create the Sweet Sauce

• Sugar
• Ground cinnamon

Stir the ingredients until well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Coat the Dumplings

Pour the butter mixture evenly over the wrapped apple dumplings in the baking dish.

Step 6: Add the Fizzy Liquid

Gently pour Mountain Dew soda over the entire dish, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. Look for a golden brown color and a bubbly, caramelized surface.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips for Soft Apples and Golden Crust

• Select Crisp Apples: Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance.
• Wrap Carefully: Stretch crescent roll dough gently to completely encase each apple wedge, preventing filling from leaking during baking.
• Adjust Sweetness: Reduce sugar in the sauce if using sweeter apple varieties or prefer less intense sweetness.
• Check Moisture: Mountain Dew creates a unique caramel-like sauce; don't worry if it looks liquidy before baking – it will thicken and caramelize.
• Serve Warm: Enjoy these dumplings fresh from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Dumplings Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigeration: Store leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Carefully place each dumpling without stacking to prevent soggy edges.
• Oven Reheating: Warm dumplings in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and help retain moisture.
• Microwave Option: Reheat individual dumplings for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add extra seconds if needed, ensuring the pastry stays crisp and filling remains warm throughout.

Apple Dumplings Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Grandma’s apple dumplings whisper sweet nostalgia from the heartland of American baking. Warm cinnamon-wrapped pastry pockets cradle tender apples, promising comfort that draws you closer with each delightful, golden-brown bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
• 2 (10 ounces/280 grams) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

• 1 ½ cups (300 grams) white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Liquid and Fat:

• 1 (12 fluid ounces/355 milliliters) can or bottle Mountain Dew
• 1 cup (226 grams) butter

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Instructions

1. Configure the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with culinary grease.
2. Meticulously slice each crisp apple into eight precisely uniform wedges, ensuring consistent sizing.
3. Gently unfurl the crescent roll dough, wrapping each apple wedge starting from its narrowest point, carefully encasing the fruit completely without leaving gaps.
4. In a separate saucepan, gradually melt the butter over low heat until smooth and glossy.
5. Incorporate granulated sugar and ground cinnamon into the melted butter, stirring until the mixture transforms into a homogeneous, aromatic liquid.
6. Delicately cascade the butter-sugar concoction over the bundled apple dumplings, ensuring even distribution across the baking dish.
7. Methodically pour the Mountain Dew carbonated beverage uniformly across the surface, allowing the liquid to seep between and around the dumplings.
8. Transfer the prepared dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, monitoring until the pastry achieves a rich, golden-brown complexion and the apples become tender.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the dumplings to rest for 5–10 minutes, permitting the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Prep ahead by washing and drying apples thoroughly to prevent browning.
• Use refrigerated crescent roll dough at room temperature for easier wrapping around apple wedges.
• Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for balanced sweetness and structural integrity during baking.
• Ensure butter mixture completely covers dumplings for rich caramelization and even flavor distribution.
• Mountain Dew creates unexpected magic, transforming simple ingredients into a decadent dessert with surprising depth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 32g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg