These Country Apple Dumplings are an irresistibly delicious dessert that combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with buttery crescent roll dough and a sweet, caramel-like cinnamon glaze. The magic ingredient? Citrus soda, which adds a light, bubbly touch to this already mouthwatering treat. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or anytime you want a warm, comforting dessert, these apple dumplings are easy to make and guaranteed to impress!
Easy Country Apple Dumplings Recipe
These dumplings are a dessert dream come true. Each bite features a warm, tender apple wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, bathed in a buttery, cinnamon-sugar sauce, and baked until golden perfection. The addition of citrus soda creates a rich syrup that coats the dumplings, giving them a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Enjoy them fresh from the oven, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
Why Our Country Apple Dumplings Are the Best
Our Country Apple Dumplings are a perfect balance of simplicity and decadence. The tartness of Granny Smith apples pairs beautifully with the buttery dough and sweet cinnamon glaze, while the citrus soda creates an irresistible caramel-like sauce that sets this recipe apart.
Ingredients Notes for Country Apple Dumplings
Each ingredient in this Country Apple Dumplings Recipe is key to achieving the perfect flavor and texture:
- 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored – These tart apples balance the sweetness of the sauce and hold their shape well when baked.
- 2 (10-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough – Makes this recipe quick and easy while delivering a buttery, flaky crust.
- 1 cup butter – Adds richness and forms the base of the sweet sauce.
- 1 ½ cups white sugar – Sweetens the glaze and caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warm, cozy spice to the glaze.
- 1 (12-ounce) can or bottle Mountain Dew – The carbonation helps create a light, syrupy sauce that soaks into the dumplings.
Ingredient Substitution Tip: If you prefer, you can use other citrus sodas like Sprite or 7-Up, or even sparkling apple cider for a twist. For a different flavor profile, swap out Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisp or Fuji apples.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Country Apple Dumplings
To make these delightful dumplings, you’ll need the following:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Apple corer or paring knife
- Small saucepan
- Pastry brush (optional, for spreading butter mixture evenly)
How to Make Country Apple Dumplings
Making this classic dessert is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apples
Peel and core the 2 large Granny Smith apples. Cut each apple into 8 equal wedges for a total of 16 pieces. Set aside.
3. Wrap the Apples
Separate the crescent roll dough into individual triangles. Place one apple wedge on the smallest end of each triangle. Roll the dough around the apple, pinching the edges to seal. Place the wrapped apples seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
4. Make the Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup butter over low heat. Stir in 1 ½ cups white sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until fully combined. The mixture will resemble a thick glaze. Pour the sauce evenly over the apple dumplings.
5. Add the Soda
Pour the 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew around (not directly over) the dumplings in the baking dish. This creates a bubbling caramel sauce as it bakes.
6. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 35–45 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
7. Serve
Serve the dumplings warm, drizzled with the sauce from the baking dish. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
How To Store Country Apple Dumplings
To store leftovers, place the dumplings in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the dumplings in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Country Apple Dumplings Variations
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, and you can make it your own with these creative ideas:
- Pecan Apple Dumplings: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the dumplings before baking for added crunch.
- Caramel Apple Dumplings: Drizzle caramel sauce over the dumplings just before serving.
- Berry Apple Dumplings: Add a few fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries inside the crescent rolls for a fruity twist.
- Maple-Infused Dumplings: Replace some of the sugar with maple syrup for a rich, fall-inspired flavor.
What To Serve With Country Apple Dumplings
These dumplings are delightful on their own, but pairing them with other treats can make your dessert table extra special. Serve with:
- Vanilla ice cream: The cool creaminess perfectly balances the warm dumplings.
- Caramel drizzle: Adds another layer of rich sweetness.
- Hot cider or coffee: Complements the warm, spiced flavors of the dish.
Top Tips for Perfect Country Apple Dumplings
- Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal as their tartness balances the sweet sauce.
- Seal the Dough: Pinch the edges of the crescent roll dough tightly to prevent the sauce from leaking in.
- Pour Soda Around the Edges: Pouring the soda around the dumplings (not directly over them) ensures the sauce stays bubbly and caramelizes beautifully.
- Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on the dumplings as they bake and remove them when the tops are golden brown.
- Serve Warm: These dumplings are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven.
Helpful Notes
- If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry sheets cut into triangles as an alternative.
- Make sure to grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle the dumplings with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond: “Don’t be afraid to add a dash of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for extra warmth.”
- Ina Garten: “Using high-quality butter makes all the difference in baked goods like these.
- Martha Stewart: “Serve with fresh whipped cream flavored with a touch of cinnamon for an elegant finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! While Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples work well too.
2. Can I use diet soda?
Yes, diet versions of citrus soda like Mountain Dew or Sprite will work just as well for this recipe.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the dumplings and store them in the refrigerator (without the soda) for up to 1 day. Add the soda and bake just before serving.
4. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough?
Absolutely! Puff pastry will give a slightly different texture but is equally delicious.
5. How do I prevent soggy dumplings?
Ensure your oven is fully preheated, and bake the dumplings uncovered to achieve a golden, crisp crust.
Enjoy these sweet, buttery Country Apple Dumplings and bring a little slice of comfort to your table!
Country Apple Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- – 2 large Granny Smith apples peeled and cored
- – 2 10 oz cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- – 1 cup butter
- – 1 ½ cups white sugar
- – 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- – 1 12 oz can Mountain Dew
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Apples: Cut each apple into 8 equal wedges. Set aside.
- Wrap with Crescent Dough: Separate the crescent roll dough into triangles. Roll each apple wedge in a crescent roll triangle, starting at the smallest end. Pinch to seal the dough and place the dumplings in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar and cinnamon until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the apple dumplings.
- Add Soda: Pour the Mountain Dew around (not over) the dumplings in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown.
- Serve: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a twist, substitute Mountain Dew with Sprite or ginger ale.
- Granny Smith apples work best for their tartness, but other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji can be used.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven.
