Delicious Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings

Last weekend, I had one of those messy kitchen days because flour somehow ended up on my shirt and on the counter, so even the dog got some, but that was me, and I wanted something sweet.

So I went back to an old favorite, which is Apple Dumplings, even though I almost gave up halfway because I realized I’d forgotten to buy vanilla extract, and I wondered why that always happens on the one day I actually plan ahead; however, it didn’t matter because the apple dumplings still came out golden and bubbling, so ridiculously good.

I grew up watching my grandma make apple dumplings and hers were way fancier because she’d roll the dough perfectly like she was folding little gift boxes but mine looked more like lopsided pillows however you know what because no one at the table cared and they were gone in minutes so have you ever noticed how the “ugly” desserts are always the tastiest maybe it’s because they’re made without worrying too much about perfection.

And that’s what I love about apple dumplings, because they don’t demand perfection, and they’re easy, so quick, and forgiving plus, the smell that fills the house, like cinnamon, butter and baked apples feels like a warm hug so have you ever had one of those days when all you need is dessert to fix everything well this is the one.

Ingredients

• 2 large apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 2 cans of refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can of lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7-Up, about 12 ounces)

Ingredients notes

• Apples: Choose apples that are a little tart, like Granny Smith, because they balance the sweetness. If you like a softer apple, Honeycrisp works too.
• Crescent roll dough: This is the easy shortcut that makes apple dumplings fun. No need to make your own dough—it’s already shaped and ready.
• Sugar: White sugar makes the sauce sweet and shiny.
• Butter: Use real butter because it melts into the sauce and makes everything taste rich and yummy.
• Cinnamon: Just a little bit makes the apples smell and taste like fall.
• Vanilla: This adds a soft, sweet flavor that mixes with the apples.
• Soda: The soda is the secret ingredient! It makes the dumplings fluffy and gives them a syrupy sauce as they bake.

How to make Apple Dumplings?

Step 1: Get your kitchen ready

First, wash your hands and clean your table or counter. Turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C) so it can get hot while you work. Get out all your ingredients so they are easy to reach.

Step 2: Prepare the apples

Peel the apples so there’s no skin. Then cut each apple into 8 small pieces. That way, you’ll have 16 slices total.

Step 3: Wrap the apples

Open the crescent roll dough. It comes in triangles, which is perfect. Put one apple slice on each triangle, then roll it up like a little blanket. Make sure the apple is tucked in nicely.

Step 4: Place in baking dish

Get a 9×13 baking dish (the kind you use for casseroles). Spray it with a little cooking spray or wipe it with butter so nothing sticks. Put all the wrapped apple dumplings inside.

Step 5: Make the sauce

In a small pot, melt the butter on low heat. Add the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, and stir until it looks like golden syrup.

Step 6: Pour the sauce

Carefully pour the butter-sugar sauce over the dumplings in the pan. Make sure each dumpling gets a little bit of love.

Step 7: Add the soda

Slowly pour the can of soda around the dumplings, not on top of them. This helps them cook and makes the yummy sauce.

Step 8: Bake the dumplings

Put the pan in the oven. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.

Step 9: Cool and serve

Take the dumplings out of the oven carefully (they’re hot!). Let them cool for about 5 minutes. Then serve them warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Kitchen equipment needed

• Oven
• 9×13 baking dish
• Knife
• Peeler
• Small pot
• Spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooking spray or butter
• Cutting board

Storage options!

If you have leftovers, don’t worry, apple dumplings taste just as good later. You can cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, just heat them in the microwave for 30–40 seconds or pop them in the oven for 10 minutes at 300°F. You can also freeze them. Wrap each dumpling tightly in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for about 2 months. To eat, thaw them in the fridge and warm them up in the oven.

Variations!

There are so many fun ways to change apple dumplings. You can try using different fruits, like peaches, pears, or even cherries. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top before baking for extra crunch. Another fun idea is to drizzle caramel sauce over the dumplings after they come out of the oven. If you want less sugar, you can use half the sugar in the sauce, or even swap in honey for a lighter taste. And if you like spices, add nutmeg or pumpkin spice along with the cinnamon to make them even cozier.

What to enjoy with Apple Dumplings?

I remember the first time I made Apple dumplings for a family dinner and I thought they’d just be a simple dessert but they ended up stealing the show, and everyone was asking what to eat them with, so I started experimenting and now I’ve got a list of favorite pairings that make them even better and honestly I love them most with some Chocolate Zucchini Muffins and also BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats, because sweet and savory together just works.

Sometimes I serve Apple Dumplings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream because that melting cream over the warm apples feels like magic, and other times I go with whipped cream since it’s lighter and fluffier, and if it’s chilly outside, then I grab a hot drink like cocoa, coffee, or even tea, and the dumplings taste like comfort in a bowl.

One night we had leftovers and I heated them up for breakfast, and added some yogurt on the side, and it was a surprise hit because the tangy yogurt balanced the sweetness, so now that’s on my list.

Tips for making the best apple dumplings

The secret to the best apple dumplings is choosing the right apples. Tart apples like Granny Smith balance out the sweet sauce, so you don’t get something too sugary. Make sure to roll the dough tightly so the apples don’t slide out while baking. Always pour the soda around the dumplings, not over the top, so the dough can stay golden and crispy. If you like extra sauce, you can double the butter and sugar mixture. And don’t forget to let them cool for a few minutes before eating, they’re very hot inside and need a little time to set.

FAQ

What are apple dumplings made of?

Apple dumplings are made of apples wrapped in crescent roll dough, baked with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and soda to make them soft and sweet.

What do apple dumplings taste like?

They taste like a mix of apple pie and cinnamon rolls, with a golden crust, tender apple inside, and a buttery syrupy sauce.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, you can try peaches, pears, or plums for a fun twist.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Yes, peeling makes the apples soft and easy to eat. The skin can get chewy if you leave it on.

What kind of apples are best?

Granny Smith is best for tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji are also tasty if you like sweeter dumplings.

Can I make apple dumplings without soda?

Yes, you can use apple juice or water instead, but soda makes them extra fluffy and syrupy.

How long do apple dumplings last?

They last about 3 days in the fridge if covered well.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them, cover the pan, and keep in the fridge for up to 1 day before baking.

Can I freeze apple dumplings?

Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat when ready.

How do I reheat apple dumplings?

Warm them in the oven for 10 minutes or microwave for about 30 seconds.

Can I add nuts or toppings?

Yes, pecans, walnuts, caramel sauce, or even a dusting of powdered sugar make them extra special.

Do apple dumplings taste better with ice cream?

Yes, ice cream makes them taste even more amazing because the warm dumpling and cold ice cream mix perfectly.