Name: Easy Apple Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491854H13M53S
Total time: PT-491854H13M53S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and cored; 1 can crescent roll dough or puff pastry sheets; 0.5 cup granulated sugar, divided; 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided; 1 pinch salt; 0.5 cup butter, melted; 0.75 cup lemon-lime soda (Sprite or Mountain Dew); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); Vanilla ice cream for serving

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 33 reviews

If you’re craving a homemade dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside, look no further than this Easy Apple Dumplings Recipe. These golden, flaky pockets bursting with tender cinnamon-coated apples and baked in a luscious soda-infused sauce are the perfect way to celebrate cozy nights or share a little joy with friends and family. It’s simple, satisfying, and honestly, one of those dishes that tastes like it took hours to make even though it doesn’t.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface for making a dessert. At the back, there are four rolled dough pieces lined up on parchment paper. In front of the dough are two green apples, one cut in half showing its light green flesh and seeds. Several small glass bowls hold white granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon powder, light honey, and dark syrup. At the right front, there is a white bowl with two scoops of pale yellow ice cream. On the far right, a tall clear glass contains sparkling water with ice cubes and pieces of green apple. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and buttery flakiness that makes these apple dumplings irresistible.

2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Choose crisp apples for the right balance of tartness and sweetness, which holds up well during baking.
1 can crescent roll dough or puff pastry sheets: This flaky dough wraps the apples and crisps up beautifully for a tender crust.
0.5 cup granulated sugar, divided: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the dumplings.
0.5 cup brown sugar, packed: Enhances the sauce with deep, molasses notes for richness.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided: Adds a warm, comforting spice that perfectly complements the apples.
0.5 cup butter, melted: Brushed over the dumplings and mixed in the sauce for that irresistible buttery finish.
0.75 cup lemon-lime soda (Sprite or Mountain Dew): Creates a bubbly, sweet sauce that keeps the dumplings moist and flavorful.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Adds a subtle fragrance and enhances the overall flavor depth.
1 pinch salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts the flavors.
Vanilla ice cream for serving: The creamy contrast that takes this dessert to another level.

How to Make Easy Apple Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples

Start by peeling and coring your apples, then slice them into juicy wedges. This prep ensures every bite is tender yet still holds a satisfying shape inside the flaky dough.

Step 2: Coat the Apple Wedges

In a bowl, mix half of the granulated sugar with half of the cinnamon, then toss each apple wedge in this sweet-spicy coating. This little step guarantees warm pockets of cinnamon sugar in every bite.

Step 3: Wrap the Apples in Dough

Unroll your crescent dough or puff pastry sheets and place one coated apple wedge on each triangle. Carefully seal the edges to encase the apple completely, creating neat little dumplings that bake up golden and flaky.

Step 4: Arrange and Prepare the Sauce

Place the dumplings into a well-greased 9×13 inch baking dish. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, the remaining cinnamon, and a pinch of salt for the luscious sauce that will soak the dumplings as they bake.

Step 5: Add the Magic Liquid

Pour the butter and sugar mixture evenly over the dumplings. Then carefully pour the lemon-lime soda around the edges of the dish, being sure not to pour directly on the dumplings to keep the crust from getting soggy. This fizzy addition is what makes this dessert sparkle.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Bake the dumplings at 350°F for about 35 to 40 minutes. Look for bubbly, caramelized sauce around the dumplings and a beautifully browned dough to know it’s done. The aroma filling your kitchen will be pure comfort!

Step 7: Let Cool and Serve

Allow the dumplings to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the warm spices and buttery crust with creamy coldness.

How to Serve Easy Apple Dumplings Recipe

A white round plate holds a dessert with two main parts: on the left side, there is a smooth, round scoop of creamy white ice cream, and on the right side, there is a golden brown baked pastry crescent filled with soft cooked apple chunks. The pastry is shiny from a golden glaze and rests on a layer of warm, light brown apple sauce with small pieces of apple around the ice cream. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top can elevate presentation and add extra sweetness. Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the richness.

Side Dishes

Pair this dessert with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a splash of bourbon-spiked whipped cream for grown-up gatherings. It also pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad if you want to serve it alongside dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual dumplings in small ramekins with extra sauce spooned over. Use cinnamon sticks as stirrers if paired with hot drinks to continue the warm spice theme. It’s a treat for your eyes and your taste buds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dumplings remain just as delicious when reheated gently.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the dumplings but do not add the soda before baking. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh soda before baking.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the pastry from getting soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal for balancing tartness and sweetness, Fuji, Braeburn, or Gala apples will also work nicely. Just choose firmer apples to avoid mushy filling.

What if I don’t have lemon-lime soda?

You can substitute with club soda or sparkling water mixed with a little sugar and lemon juice to mimic that sweet, fizzy flavor. The soda is key to creating the bubbly sauce, so some fizzy liquid helps a lot.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free crescent roll or puff pastry alternative available at many stores, and make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to enjoy this dessert without worries.

Is it possible to make these in mini sizes?

Yes, simply cut the dough into smaller triangles and adjust your apple wedges accordingly. Mini dumplings bake a few minutes faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

How can I avoid soggy bottoms?

Pouring the soda around the edges instead of directly on the dumplings and using a well-greased baking dish helps keep the crust crisp. Also, letting the dumplings rest before serving allows the sauce to thicken nicely.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about this Easy Apple Dumplings Recipe that just makes you want to gather everyone around the table and enjoy a warm bite together. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for celebrations, and it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to desserts. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again!