Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients
Combines the flakiness of crescent rolls with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples
The syrup creates a golden, caramelized topping that makes each bite irresistible
Perfect for fall but enjoyable year-round
Great for busy nights when you want a comforting dessert with little effort

Ingredients

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

Crescent roll dough (1 can, typically 8 rolls)
Apples (peeled, cored, and cut into wedges)
Butter (melted)
Cinnamon
Sugar (granulated)
Mountain Dew (or any lemon-lime soda)
Optional: vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Separate the crescent roll dough into individual triangles.
Place one apple wedge at the wider end of each triangle of dough and roll it up, sealing the edges well.
Place each apple dumpling in the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar. Pour this mixture over the dumplings.
Pour the Mountain Dew (or lemon-lime soda) around the dumplings in the baking dish.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the dough is golden and bubbly, and the apples are tender.
Let the dumplings cool for a few minutes, then serve with the syrup from the baking dish. Optionally, top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.

Servings and timing

Makes 8 dumplings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

Apple variety: Use different apples for varying levels of sweetness or tartness, such as Granny Smith for a tart kick or Fuji for a sweeter taste.
Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a spiced-up flavor.
Add-ins: Add a few chopped pecans or walnuts inside the crescent roll with the apple for added crunch.
Sauce twist: Drizzle caramel sauce over the dumplings before serving for an extra layer of sweetness.
Topping change: Instead of Mountain Dew, try using ginger ale or a splash of apple cider for a different flavor profile.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
These dumplings are best served warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of soda?

Yes, you can use any lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-Up. You can also try ginger ale or apple cider for a different flavor.

What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?

You can substitute with biscuit dough or puff pastry, though the texture may be slightly different.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dumplings ahead and store them in the fridge before baking. When ready to serve, just bake as instructed.

Can I use other fruits besides apples?

Yes, you can use pears, peaches, or even berries in place of apples for a different fruit twist.

How do I make the syrup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker syrup, use less soda or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water before pouring it over the dumplings.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Yes, peeling the apples helps the dumplings hold together better and keeps the texture smooth. However, if you prefer, you can leave the skins on.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free crescent roll dough or a gluten-free biscuit dough for a gluten-free version of this dessert.

What is the best way to serve these dumplings?

These dumplings are delicious on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over them.

How can I make this dessert even sweeter?

You can increase the sugar in the cinnamon-sugar mixture or add caramel sauce to the top for extra sweetness.

Can I freeze these dumplings?

Yes! Assemble the dumplings and freeze them before baking. When ready to serve, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings are the ultimate easy dessert that combines sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples with flaky, buttery pastry. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a warm, comforting treat that everyone will love. Whether served as a quick weeknight dessert or as a special treat for guests, these dumplings are sure to be a hit!