A classic dessert that blends buttery crescent rolls, tart apples, and a sweet, bubbly cinnamon-sugar sauce, Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings are a warm and comforting treat perfect for any occasion. With a touch of soda to create a caramelized sauce and a simple preparation method, these dumplings will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for a hassle-free dessert.
- Quick Prep: Minimal hands-on time for maximum flavor.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A perfect dessert for gatherings or family dinners.
- Versatile: Can be adapted with different fruits and flavorings.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Warm, gooey, and indulgent.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Granny Smith apples
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or Mountain Dew)
Directions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into wedges.
- Wrap the Dumplings: Roll each apple wedge in a crescent roll triangle, sealing the edges to enclose the fruit.
- Arrange in a Baking Dish: Place the wrapped apple wedges in a buttered baking dish.
- Make the Sauce: Melt the butter and stir in sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the dumplings.
- Add Soda: Pour lemon-lime soda around the dumplings (not directly over them) to create a bubbling sauce while baking.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Different Fruits: Substitute apples with peaches, pears, or even berries.
- Spice it Up: Add nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
- Healthier Version: Use reduced-sugar soda and a sugar substitute.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough.
- Caramel Twist: Drizzle caramel sauce over the dumplings before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds.
FAQs
How do I prevent the dumplings from getting soggy?
Ensure the dumplings are baked uncovered to allow proper caramelization.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them and refrigerate; bake just before serving.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal for balancing the sweetness.
Can I use a different type of soda?
Yes, try ginger ale or club soda for a slightly different flavor.
How do I prevent the crescent rolls from unrolling?
Seal the edges tightly and place them seam-side down in the dish.
Can I freeze these dumplings?
It’s best to freeze them before baking; thaw and bake as directed.
Is the soda necessary?
Yes, it helps create the caramelized sauce and moist texture.
Can I make this without butter?
You can substitute with margarine or a plant-based alternative, though flavor may vary.
Are there any topping suggestions?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar all work beautifully.
How do I double the recipe?
Use a larger baking dish and double all ingredients, maintaining the same baking temperature.
Conclusion
Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings are a delightful dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With simple ingredients and a rich, caramel-like sauce, these dumplings are a must-try for any apple lover. Whether you serve them fresh from the oven or reheat leftovers for a cozy treat, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
PrintPioneer Woman Apple Dumplings
These apple dumplings are a comforting dessert featuring tart Granny Smith apples wrapped in crescent roll dough, baked in a rich, buttery sauce with a hint of cinnamon. The addition of citrus-flavored soda creates a delightful syrup, making this dish both unique and irresistible.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 Granny Smith apples
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (12 oz) citrus-flavored soda (e.g., Mountain Dew)
- Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Apples:Â Peel and core the apples. Cut each apple into 8 equal slices, resulting in 16 slices total.
- Wrap Apples:Â Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 16 triangles. Place an apple slice at the wide end of each triangle and roll it up toward the pointed end, encasing the apple slice completely. Place each rolled apple dumpling in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Sauce:Â In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir gently; the mixture will be grainy. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
- Assemble Dish:Â Pour the butter and sugar mixture evenly over the apple dumplings. Then, pour the citrus-flavored soda around the edges of the pan, avoiding pouring directly over the dumplings to keep them from becoming soggy.
- Add Cinnamon:Â Lightly sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top of the dumplings to your taste.
- Bake:Â Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Serve:Â Allow the dumplings to cool slightly. Serve warm, spooning some of the pan sauce over each serving. These dumplings pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Apple Choice:Â Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firmness, which hold up well during baking.
- Soda Substitute:Â If you prefer, you can substitute the Mountain Dew with another citrus-flavored soda like Sprite or 7-Up.
- Storage:Â Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the texture of the crescent roll dough.