I love how simple this recipe is. With just a few ingredients and some store-bought crescent roll dough, you can have these delicious dumplings baking in the oven in no time. They’re perfect for a cozy night in, a fall gathering, or even a holiday dessert.

The best part? These dumplings are incredibly versatile. You can serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these Easy Apple Dumplings are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love These Easy Apple Dumplings

Simple and Delicious: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. And the result is a warm, comforting dessert that’s bursting with flavor.
Perfect for Fall: These dumplings are the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. The combination of apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar is simply irresistible.
Crowd-Pleaser: These dumplings are always a hit with everyone, from kids to adults. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Versatile: You can serve these dumplings with a variety of toppings, making them a versatile dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients for Easy Apple Dumplings

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful dumplings:

Granny Smith Apples: I like to use Granny Smith apples for their tart flavor, but you can use any type of apple you like.
Crescent Roll Dough: We’re using store-bought crescent roll dough for convenience, but you can use your favorite homemade dough if you prefer.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds sweetness and a touch of caramel flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances all the other flavors.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and that classic apple pie flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Mountain Dew (or Lemon-Lime Soda): This might seem like an unusual ingredient, but trust me, it adds a delicious sweetness and fizziness to the sauce.

Variations

Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the dumplings before serving for an extra layer of sweetness.
Nutty Topping: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the dumplings before baking.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the sauce for an extra layer of warmth.
Cream Cheese Filling: Add a dollop of cream cheese to the center of each apple slice before wrapping it in the dough for a creamy surprise.

How to Make Easy Apple Dumplings

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Peel and core the apples, then cut each apple into eighths, so you have 16 slices in total.

Step 3: Wrap the Apples

Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll, starting from the wide end. Place the rolled apples in the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir until combined. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine, then remove the saucepan from heat.

Step 5: Pour the Sauce

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

Step 6: Add the Soda

Pour the Mountain Dew or lemon-lime soda around the edges of the baking dish, being careful not to pour it directly on top of the dumplings.

Step 7: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the apple dumplings warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and some of the delicious sauce from the baking dish drizzled on top.

Tips and Tricks

Even Baking: Make sure your oven is properly preheated to ensure the dumplings bake evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd: Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. Leave some space between the dumplings so they can bake evenly.
Warm Dumplings: Serve the dumplings warm for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

These Easy Apple Dumplings are delicious on their own, but you can also:

Ice Cream: Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of richness.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the dumplings for an extra layer of sweetness.

Leftovers and Freezing

Leftovers

Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked dumplings for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before baking.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any type of apple you like, but I prefer Granny Smith apples for their tartness.

2. Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes, you can use puff pastry or even pie crust if you prefer.

3. Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dumplings ahead of time and bake them later.

4. How can I reheat the dumplings?

You can reheat the dumplings in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until warmed through.

There you have it! A simple, delicious, and easy-to-make recipe for apple dumplings that will warm your heart and your belly. Enjoy!