Apple Dumplings
This easy recipe creates comforting apple dumplings by wrapping tart Granny Smith apple slices in crescent roll dough. Baked in a rich, buttery, sugary vanilla sauce with a hint of citrus soda, the dumplings emerge golden, crispy, and infused with sweet apple flavor, perfect as a simple and satisfying dessert.
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- 1 Medium Saucepan
- 1 Vegetable Peeler
- 1 Sharp Knife
- 1 Set of Measuring Cups
Ingredients
Main
- 2 sticks 1 cup salted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
- 2 Granny Smith apples
- Two 8-ounce cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces citrus-flavored soda such as Mountain Dew (two-thirds of a 12-ounce can)
- Cinnamon for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch pan.
- Peel and core the apples, then cut each into 8 slices. Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll piece, then transfer to the prepared pan.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan, then add the sugar and barely stir. Add the vanilla and stir slightly, then pour the entire mixture over the apples. Pour the citrus soda around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake until golden brown and crispy on top, about 40 minutes.
- Serve, spooning some of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top.
Notes
For optimal flavor and texture, use firm, tart Granny Smith apples to balance the sweetness of the sauce. Ensure each apple slice is fully enclosed by the crescent roll dough to prevent the apples from drying out and the dough from becoming soggy. While Mountain Dew is specified, any lemon-lime soda can be used; the acidity helps cut through the richness and contributes to the crispness. Monitor the baking closely, as oven temperatures vary, looking for a deep golden-brown crust and bubbling sauce. To elevate the dessert, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of apple pie spice to the cinnamon. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to complement the sweet, syrupy sauce.