Looking for a dessert that’s quick, easy, and undeniably delicious? These Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings check all the boxes. With minimal prep and a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them after a family dinner or bringing them to a potluck, these dumplings are guaranteed to be a hit!
What Are Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings?
Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings are a delightful combination of buttery crescent dough wrapped around tart apple slices, baked in a sweet, cinnamon-spiced sauce. What makes them even more unique? The surprise ingredient—7 Up or Mountain Dew—that adds an extra layer of flavor and keeps the dumplings moist and tender as they bake. This dessert has a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery richness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry or fridge.
- Minimal effort: The store-bought crescent roll dough makes this recipe quick to prepare.
- Crowd-pleaser: These dumplings are great for gatherings, as they look and taste impressive but require little work.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s a quick look at the key ingredients for these delicious dumplings:
- 2 cans (8 each) refrigerated crescent roll dough: The base of this dessert, offering buttery, flaky layers.
- 2 sticks of butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce and gives it a caramel-like quality.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the flavor.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: A classic spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
- 1 can (12 oz) 7 Up or Mountain Dew: This might seem like an unusual ingredient, but it adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the dumplings.
- 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced: These tart apples hold their shape well during baking, balancing the sweetness of the dish.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Peeler and corer for the apples
- Baking dish (9×13 inch works well)
- Small saucepan for the sauce
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Oven preheated to 350º F
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350º F and greasing a baking dish to ensure the dumplings don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Apples and Crescent Rolls
Peel, core, and slice your Granny Smith apples. Take one apple slice and place it at the wide end of each crescent roll triangle. Roll the dough tightly around the apple slice, tucking in the edges as you go to form a dumpling.
3. Arrange the Dumplings
Place the rolled dumplings in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are snug but not overlapping too much.
4. Make the Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Continue stirring until everything is well combined and you have a smooth, rich sauce.
5. Pour the Sauce
Pour the butter mixture evenly over the dumplings, ensuring they are coated with this sweet, spiced sauce.
6. Add the Soda
Carefully pour the 7 Up or Mountain Dew around the dumplings (but not on top of them), creating a moisture base that helps the dumplings bake to a soft and tender texture.
7. Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
8. Serve
Serve these dumplings warm, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
