Name: Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into 8 wedges each; 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough; 3/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3/4 cup lemon-lime soda (e.g., Sprite or Mountain Dew); Optional: pinch of salt or ground nutmeg

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Using refrigerated crescent rolls means no need for homemade dough, and the combination of tart apples and sweet cinnamon syrup creates a comforting dessert that’s great for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday meals. The soda (usually lemon-lime or mountain dew) adds a unique touch, creating a bubbly, caramel-like sauce as it bakes. The result is warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apples (Granny Smith preferred), peeled and sliced into wedges
Refrigerated crescent roll dough
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Vanilla extract
Lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or Mountain Dew)
Optional: pinch of salt or ground nutmeg

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Peel and core the apples, then cut into wedges (one wedge per crescent roll triangle).
Unroll the crescent dough and wrap each apple wedge in a triangle of dough, starting at the wider end and rolling to enclose the apple.
Place the wrapped apples seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Cook just until combined and pourable.
Pour the mixture over the apple dumplings in the baking dish.
Carefully pour the soda around the edges of the pan, avoiding pouring it directly on top of the dumplings.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Use pears instead of apples for a slightly different flavor.
Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
Mix a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves into the syrup for added spice.
Use flavored soda (like cream soda or ginger ale) for a twist.
Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. For best texture, avoid over-microwaving, which can make the crescent dough soggy.

FAQs

What kind of apples work best for this recipe?

Granny Smith apples are ideal because they hold their shape and offer a nice tart balance to the sweet syrup, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also work well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dumplings a few hours ahead and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving for best results.

Do I have to use soda?

Yes, the soda helps create a syrupy sauce that caramelizes in the oven. Lemon-lime soda is most commonly used, but you can experiment with other flavors.

Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?

You can, though the texture will be different. Puff pastry will be flakier and may require a slightly longer bake time.

How do I keep the dumplings from getting soggy?

Avoid pouring soda directly over the dumplings and be sure not to overbake them. Serve shortly after baking for the best texture.

Can I freeze apple dumplings?

It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but you can freeze baked dumplings. Reheat in the oven to restore some crispness.

Is there a non-dairy version?

Use plant-based butter and ensure your crescent dough is dairy-free (check the label). Most lemon-lime sodas are naturally vegan.

What can I serve with apple dumplings?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of cream or caramel sauce make great toppings.

Can I use sugar substitutes?

Yes, you can use sugar alternatives like coconut sugar or a sugar-free blend, but the texture of the syrup may vary slightly.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can use all white sugar and add a little molasses for that rich brown sugar flavor, or simply stick to white sugar if needed.

Conclusion

Apple dumplings with crescent rolls are a comforting, quick-fix dessert that captures the flavors of classic apple pie with half the effort. With tender apples, flaky pastry, and a buttery spiced syrup, each bite is pure homemade magic. Perfect for both everyday cravings and special occasions, this recipe is bound to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.