Apple Dumplings

Y’all, these Apple Dumplings are about to change your life. And I mean it! Long story short, they’re flaky crescent rolls wrapped around tender apple slices, all drenched in a buttery, fall spiced syrup with a splash of whiskey. But wait… There’s more! A bubbly secret ingredient makes these dumplings special, and I mean EXTRA special. You’ll be over the moon once you try it boos!

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Alright boos, here’s the scoop on what makes these easy apple dumplings truly BOMB. The secret ingredient? Lemon-lime soda! Yep, you heard right! You pour that fizzy goodness around the dumplings before baking, and it turns into this incredible sauce that soaks right into the dough. I don’t know if it’s the fizz and all that butter, or the way the lemon-lime flavor melds with the spices, but trust me, it’s the secret sauce that takes these dumplings to the next level. These babies are one of the first things I whip up when apple season hits (besides a classic apple pie, of course), but honestly, you can enjoy this treat all year round.

Ingredients To Make Apple Dumplings

• Crescent roll dough: Grab yourself some store-bought crescent roll dough to save a ton of time. I’m all about those Pillsbury crescent rolls – they’re so darn flaky and buttery. Make sure to keep ‘em in the fridge until you’re ready to use.
• Apples, peeled and cored: You only need two apples for this recipe, so pick your favorites! Granny Smith or Golden Delicious are perfect for baking.
• Unsalted Melted Butter: Adds a rich flavor to the syrup and makes everything taste better.
• Whiskey: Whiskey brings a depth of flavor that’ll make your dumplings stand out. It’s oaky, nutty, dry, and smoky. If whiskey’s not your thing or you don’t have any on hand, you can swap it out for rum.
• Sugars: For that sweet caramel flavor, you’ll need both white granulated sugar and dark brown sugar. They help create that perfect balance of sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet undertone that enhances the overall flavor.
• Spices: Ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg bring those cozy fall flavors forward. They truly are the heart of this recipe’s spice mix.
• Pinch of Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness of your apple dumplings and enhance all the other flavors.
• Lemon Lime Soda: Sprite or Mountain Dew work great here. Just steer clear of diet versions – they don’t have the sugar needed for the syrup.

How to make apple dumplings

You’ll have this delicious apple dessert ready to bake in no time. Just a handful of steps and they’re off to the oven!

1. Unwrap the crescent roll dough and separate it into the set triangles.
2. Place an apple slice in the center of each triangle then roll up the croissant around it. Place each apple dumpling into the baking dish.

3. In a bowl, whisk together butter, whiskey, both sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until combined.
4. Pour the syrup over the dumplings.

5. Next, pour soda around the rolls.
6. Bake until they turn perfectly golden brown!

Tips And Tricks For The Best apple dumplings recipe

• Use an Apple Corer: Lemme tell y’all, an apple corer is a lifesaver! I used to wrestle with peeling and slicing apples, but since I got one, it’s been a breeze. Your apple slices will be perfect every time, and it’ll save you a TON of time.
• Chill Your Dough: Keep that crescent roll dough in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Cold dough is way easier to handle and bakes up flaky and delicious.
• Pour the Soda Around, Not Over: When you’re adding that Mountain Dew, make sure to pour it around the apple dumplings, not right on top. That’s how you get the perfect syrup without making the dough all soggy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your dumplings a little room to breathe in the baking dish. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of bake, and you want ’em crispy and golden.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

• Extra Cinnamon Love: If you really, really love cinnamon (and who doesn’t?), coat your apple slices in a mix of cinnamon and sugar before wrapping them in the dough. Thank me later!
• Pie Crust Dough Swap: Don’t have crescent roll dough on hand fro your apple dumplings? No worries, boos! You can use pie crust dough instead. Just cut it into triangles, wrap those apple slices, and bake as usual.
• Caramel Drizzle: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of the dumplings right before serving. It may be too sweet for some, but it does the trick when my sweetest tooth is callin’.
• Cheese Please: Now, this might sound like an odd addition, but y’all… Try adding a small slice of sharp cheddar cheese on top of each apple slice before wrapping it in the dough. The savory and salty mixed with the sweetness? Too good to miss!

What To Serve With these easy apple dumplings

• You can’t go wrong with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream. You can also enjoy it with coffee ice cream, cookie butter ice cream, and more!
• I know I already mentioned caramel sauce, but it’s just that good! Especially with my easy, homemade vegan version.
• If you want to add some freshness, serve these dumplings with a side of strawberry sauce or a simple bowl of fresh berries.
• Pair your apple dumplings with a hot beverage for a cozy treat, like my spiced apple cider or a cup of hot chocolate.

How To Store crescent roll apple dumplings

• Fridge: At the chance you have leftovers (hard to believe, but it can happen), storing apple dumplings is pretty easy. They can be left covered and at room temp for up to 2 days, or refrigerated in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
• Freezing: Frozen apple dumplings will keep for up to 2 months. To freeze them place the dumplings on a large baking sheet so they’re not touching. Place the baking sheet into the freezer for up to 2 hours or until they’ve become solid. Once solid you can store the apple dumplings together in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Reheating: To slightly warm a leftover apple dumpling, heat in the microwave on a plate for 15-20 seconds. To reheat an apple dumpling from frozen, remove it from the freezer and let thaw in the refrigerator or defrost in the microwave for roughly 5 minutes, then heat for 15-20 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

More apple recipes

• Apple Cobbler
• Apple Tarte Tatin
• Spiced Apple Cider
• Apple Brown Betty

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