If you’re craving a warm, comforting dessert that’s incredibly easy to make, these Easy Apple Dumplings are exactly what you need. With soft, buttery crescent rolls wrapped around juicy apple slices and baked in a sweet cinnamon-spiced sauce, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for cozy evenings, potlucks, or whenever you want a dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl, these dumplings will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 large Granny Smith apples
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 can (12 oz) lemon-lime soda (e.g., Sprite or 7-Up)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
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Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
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Prepare the apples:
Peel, core, and slice the apples into 8 wedges each. You should have 16 slices in total.
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Wrap the apples:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Place an apple slice at the wide end of each triangle, roll it up tightly, and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
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Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pour this mixture evenly over the dumplings.
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Add the soda:
Pour the lemon-lime soda around (but not over) the dumplings in the dish. This will create a delicious, bubbling sauce as it bakes.
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Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
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Serve:
Let the dumplings cool slightly before serving. They’re incredible on their own, but even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Tips for Success
- Choose the right apples: Granny Smith apples work best for this recipe because their tartness balances the sweetness of the sauce.
- Don’t skip the soda: The lemon-lime soda helps create the caramel-like sauce that makes these dumplings so irresistible.
- Seal the dough well: Roll the dough tightly around the apple slices to prevent them from unrolling during baking.
Creative Variations
- Pecan Apple Dumplings: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the dumplings before baking for a nutty crunch.
- Caramel Apple Dumplings: Drizzle caramel sauce over the dumplings right before serving for an extra indulgent treat.
- Spiced Dumplings: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a more complex flavor.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of soda?
- Yes, you can experiment with other clear sodas like ginger ale or club soda, but the lemon-lime soda adds a unique sweetness.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers 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?
- These dumplings are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the apple slices and sauce a few hours in advance to save time.
Conclusion
Easy Apple Dumplings are a fantastic dessert option for any occasion. With their warm, buttery dough and sweet, spiced apple filling, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Whether you’re making them for a holiday dinner or a casual family gathering, these dumplings are as simple as they are satisfying. Try this recipe today and discover your new favorite comfort dessert!