If you’re searching for a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert that comes together with a handful of pantry staples, these Easy Apple Dumplings will become your new go-to treat. Imagine tender apple wedges, hugged by buttery crescent dough, all bubbling in a sweet, cinnamon-laced sauce. The result is pure comfort: crisp edges, gooey centers, and a caramel puddle you’ll want to spoon over everything. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, potluck, or weeknight indulgence, Easy Apple Dumplings make magic out of simple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With only seven basic ingredients, each one plays a starring role in building the flavor and texture of these Easy Apple Dumplings. Don’t be fooled by their simplicity—the right picks turn this dessert into something unforgettable!
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweet sauce and they hold their shape while baking—other apples may get mushy!
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: This shortcut wraps each apple wedge in a flaky, golden crust, shaving time off the prep.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter forms the backbone of that irresistible caramel sauce.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the sauce and caramelizes slightly for that signature sticky topping.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash deepens the sweetness and gives a cozy, home-baked aroma.
- Ground cinnamon: Sprinkled over the top, it brings warmth and spice to every bite.
- Lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7UP): The secret to a bubbling, tangy sauce around the dumplings that keeps them tender and moist.
How to Make Easy Apple Dumplings
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Before you even begin peeling apples, take a minute to preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This step ensures your Easy Apple Dumplings glide out effortlessly and that delicious sauce won’t stick to the corners.
Step 2: Wrap the Apples
Unroll the crescent dough and gently separate it at the perforations to form 16 triangles. Take the peeled, cored, and sliced apple wedges and wrap each one in a dough triangle, starting at the wide end and rolling toward the point. Don’t worry about perfection—some rustic charm makes these dumplings even more inviting!
Step 3: Arrange the Dumplings
Nestle your dough-wrapped apple wedges snugly in the prepared baking dish. It’s okay if they touch; just line them up so they fill the dish evenly. This keeps your Easy Apple Dumplings juicy and helps them bake up golden all over.
Step 4: Make the Buttery Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the sugar and vanilla extract until just combined—it’s fine if the mixture stays grainy. This slightly gritty mixture becomes a luscious sauce as it bakes.
Step 5: Pour, Add Soda, and Sprinkle
Drizzle the buttery sauce evenly over the apple dumplings, making sure every one gets a little love. Next, carefully pour the lemon-lime soda around the edges of the pan, avoiding the tops to keep them crispy. Finally, dust everything generously with cinnamon.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking dish into the oven and let the Easy Apple Dumplings bake for 35 to 40 minutes. They’re ready when the tops are deeply golden, the apples inside feel tender, and the sauce is bubbling happily at the edges. Let them cool slightly—this gives the sauce a chance to thicken beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Apple Dumplings
Garnishes
Warm from the oven, Easy Apple Dumplings are heavenly as-is, but a finishing touch takes them over the top. Try a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra crunch and creaminess. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a pretty, snowy look.
Side Dishes
Looking to create a show-stopping dessert plate? Pair your dumplings with fresh berries, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a small wedge of sharp-aged cheddar—yes, apples and cheddar are a match made in comfort food heaven! For a cozy brunch, serve alongside hot coffee or a steaming mug of chai.
Creative Ways to Present
Let Easy Apple Dumplings shine at any event by offering individual servings in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. Wrap cooled dumplings in parchment and tie with twine for autumn party favors, or serve on a big platter surrounded by bowls of toppings so everyone can build their own dessert masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer dumplings to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but it’ll loosen beautifully when reheated.
Freezing
Easy Apple Dumplings freeze surprisingly well! Let baked dumplings cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that ooey-gooey magic, place dumplings (with sauce) in an oven-safe dish and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For a quick treat, microwave individual dumplings for about 30 seconds—just keep an eye so they don’t get soggy.
FAQs
Can I use another type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smiths are beloved for their tartness and firmness, you can substitute with Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a sweeter result. Just make sure to choose varieties that hold up well to baking.
Is it okay to use diet soda instead of regular?
Yes, if you prefer a lower-sugar option, diet lemon-lime soda will still give that bubbly, moist sauce. The flavor might shift slightly but the dish will still be delicious.
Can I make Easy Apple Dumplings in advance?
You can assemble the dumplings a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Wait to pour over the butter mixture, soda, and cinnamon until you’re ready to bake. This ensures the dough stays nice and fluffy.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
Puff pastry is a great backup if crescent rolls aren’t available—just cut into triangles and proceed as written. Homemade pie crust can work, too, though it will be denser and more rustic.
Why does the soda go around the edges and not on top?
Pouring the soda around the edges creates a bubbling sauce beneath and between the dumplings, keeping the bottoms tender while leaving the tops extra crispy and golden. It’s the secret behind that addictive texture contrast!
Final Thoughts
Once you experience the comforting joy of Easy Apple Dumplings, you’ll find yourself making them for any and every occasion. They’re quick, foolproof, and endlessly adaptable. Give them a try—you just might discover your new favorite dessert to share and savor!
Print
Easy Apple Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Apple Dumplings are a delightful dessert featuring tender apple slices wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a sweet, cinnamon-infused sauce. Perfect for a cozy evening treat or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 large Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and cut into 8 wedges each)
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 can (12 oz) lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7UP)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Wrap Apples: Unroll the crescent dough, separate into triangles. Wrap each apple wedge in a crescent dough triangle.
- Make Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in sugar, and vanilla until combined.
- Assemble Dumplings: Place wrapped apples in the baking dish. Pour the butter mixture over them.
- Add Soda and Bake: Pour soda around the edges, sprinkle cinnamon. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Best served warm with vanilla ice cream.
- For extra flavor, add nutmeg or use spiced apple wedges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dumpling
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
