Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings

This crescent roll apple dumpling recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dessert that brings together the perfect balance of tart apples, flaky pastry, and sweet cinnamon sugar. I've been making these for years, and they never fail to impress guests who can't believe how simple they are to prepare.

I first made these apple dumplings for a last minute dinner party when I needed a quick dessert solution. The combination of the crisp Granny Smith apples with the buttery brown sugar sauce created such an incredible aroma that my family now requests them almost every weekend during apple season.

Ingredients

• 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough: provides the perfect flaky pastry without any effort
• 2 sticks of butter: creates the rich caramel like sauce that makes this dessert special
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar: adds depth of flavor that white sugar simply cannot match
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: enhances all the other flavors without overpowering
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon or to taste: brings warmth and that classic apple pie flavor
• 1 can 7 Up or Mountain Dew: sounds unusual but the carbonation creates the perfect texture
• 2 large Granny Smith apples: choose firm apples that hold their shape when baked

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderate temperature allows the dumplings to cook evenly without burning the sugar sauce.

Prepare the Apples:

Wash the apples thoroughly before peeling them completely. Core each apple and cut into eight equal slices for consistent cooking. Place in a bowl and dust lightly with additional cinnamon and sugar to infuse flavor directly into the fruit.

Roll the Dumplings:

Carefully unwrap and separate the crescent roll dough triangles. Place one apple slice on the wider end of each triangle, then gently roll it up toward the pointed end, ensuring the apple is completely wrapped.

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Thoroughly butter a 13 x 9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange the rolled dumplings in the dish with a small space between them to allow for expansion.

Create the Sauce:

In a separate bowl, combine the butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until completely smooth without any lumps. This caramel like mixture will become the incredible sauce that makes these dumplings irresistible.

Add the Liquid:

Pour your butter mixture evenly over all the dumplings. Then carefully pour the soda into the spaces between the rolls, not directly on top. This creates steam during baking for the perfect texture.

Bake to Perfection:

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Look for a golden brown color on top and a bubbly sauce. The dumplings should be completely cooked through with tender apples inside.

Serve Immediately:

These dumplings are at their absolute best when served warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts slightly into the caramel sauce.

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My favorite thing about this recipe is how the 7 Up creates a magical transformation in the oven. The first time I watched the carbonated soda bubble up around the dumplings and then reduce down into a thick caramel sauce, I was completely amazed. It reminds me of baking with my grandmother who always had some unexpected kitchen trick that seemed like pure magic.

Make Ahead Options

These apple dumplings can be completely assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare everything as directed, but stop before adding the soda. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator, pour the soda between the rolls, and bake as directed, adding about 5 extra minutes to account for the chilled ingredients.

Perfect Apple Choices

While Granny Smith apples are specified in this recipe for their tartness and firm texture, you can experiment with other varieties. Honeycrisp apples offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart with excellent structure when baked. Pink Lady or Braeburn apples also hold up well to baking while providing slightly different flavor profiles. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh or Red Delicious which tend to break down too much during baking.

Serving Suggestions

These dumplings create their own delicious sauce, but they reach new heights when served with complementary additions. Try a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For breakfast or brunch, serve with a side of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey for a less sweet option that still feels indulgent.

Flavor Variations

The basic recipe is wonderful as is, but you can customize it in countless ways. Add a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon for more complex spice notes. Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a subtle flavor shift. For a grown up version, add a tablespoon of bourbon to the butter mixture before pouring over the dumplings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of apples work best?

Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the rolls.

→ Can I use a different soda?

Yes, you can use any lemon-lime soda like Sprite or even a regular cola for a unique flavor twist.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Let the dumplings cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Prepare everything except for the baking step, then cover and refrigerate the dish. Bake just before serving.

→ What can I serve with these dumplings?

These dumplings are delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.