Name: Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and cut into 8 wedges; 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough; 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 can (12 ounces) lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7UP)

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If you’re craving a cozy and irresistibly sweet treat, this Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe is a must-try. Picture juicy apple wedges wrapped in buttery, flaky crescent roll dough, swimming in a warm, cinnamon-spiced sauce with just the right hint of vanilla and effervescence from lemon-lime soda. It’s a simple dessert that bursts with warm fall flavors, perfect for gathering family or impressing friends in the most charming, effortless way!

Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe stars a handful of everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dessert full of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role—from the crispness of the apples to the richness of the melted butter and the lightness of the crescent dough, finishing with a bubbly soda that creates a deliciously sticky glaze.

2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): These tart or sweet apples provide the perfect balance of flavor and hold their shape well during baking.
2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough: This flaky dough is the easy wrapper that bakes to golden perfection around each apple wedge.
1 cup unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps develop that luscious, saucy coating.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that caramelizes slightly to create a delightful syrupy base.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warms up the flavor and complements the apples with a classic spicy note.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and a sweet, fragrant aroma that ties the ingredients together.
1 can (12 ounces) lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7UP): This fizzy soda softens the apples and creates a beautifully bubbly sauce as it bakes.

How to Make Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), then lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Peel, core, and slice your apples into 8 wedges each, keeping them uniform so they’ll cook evenly and wrap neatly in the crescent rolls.

Step 2: Wrap the Apples in Crescent Dough

Take each apple wedge and wrap it tightly in one crescent roll triangle, making sure the seam side is tucked underneath. This helps seal in the apple’s juiciness and keeps the dough flaky. Place each wrapped apple seam-side down in your prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding.

Step 3: Make the Butter and Sugar Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Once melted, stir in granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Let these ingredients blend together thoroughly but avoid boiling. This mixture will be poured over your dumplings and transform into a sweet, fragrant sauce during baking.

Step 4: Assemble and Add Lemon-Lime Soda

Pour the warm butter and sugar sauce evenly over the wrapped apples. Then, gently pour the lemon-lime soda around the dumplings in the pan — avoid pouring it directly over to keep the dumplings wrapped nicely. The soda bubbles during baking, giving the syrup a light, tangy lift.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the dumplings are a gorgeous golden brown and the sauce is bubbling joyfully around them. The aroma when they come out of the oven is nothing short of heavenly. After baking, let your dumplings cool slightly to let the sauce thicken up just enough for serving.

How to Serve Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes

A scoop of rich vanilla ice cream is the classic companion to these dumplings, melting slowly over the warm apple and dough to create every bite’s dreamiest contrast. For a touch of color and fresh flavor, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving.

Side Dishes

Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings make a dessert that’s perfectly satisfying on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the experience. On chilly days, serve alongside hot cider or a cozy cup of spiced tea for the ultimate comforting treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving these dumplings in individual ramekins or nestling them atop a warm crumble for a layered apple sensation. You can also drizzle the sticky sauce artistically on dessert plates for a café-style presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though they tend to vanish fast!), let the dumplings cool completely, then cover tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to bring back the warm, gooey dessert magic.

Freezing

This Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe can be frozen if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Wrap each wrapped apple tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, place the dumplings in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and the sauce is bubbling again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crescent roll dough flaky and fresh-tasting.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are suggested for their firmness and balance of tartness or sweetness, feel free to experiment with your favorite apples. Just keep in mind that softer apples might become mushy during baking.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to using butter?

Yes! You can substitute unsalted butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free twist. This will slightly alter the flavor but still create a deliciously rich sauce for the dumplings.

Can I add spices other than cinnamon?

Definitely! A pinch of nutmeg, ground cloves, or even allspice work beautifully alongside cinnamon and add extra warmth and complexity to the flavor profile of your dumplings.

What’s the purpose of the lemon-lime soda in this recipe?

The lemon-lime soda adds a lovely fizz that helps tenderize the apples while baking and creates a sweet, bubbly sauce. Its citrus notes also brighten the overall flavor without overpowering the cinnamon and vanilla.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

For a gluten-free version, you can try using gluten-free crescent roll dough if available. Otherwise, consider wrapping the apples in gluten-free puff pastry or phyllo dough for a similar texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward yet indulgent, making it perfect for both weeknight treats and special occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easy and delicious baking with simple ingredients can be. Trust me — once you make these, they’ll become a go-to dessert that everyone asks for again and again!

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