Easy Apple Dumplings Recipe

These Easy Apple Dumplings are the ultimate cozy dessert, combining wedges of tart apple, pillowy crescent roll dough, and a swoon-worthy butter-cinnamon sauce all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. If you crave a treat that feels homemade but is refreshingly simple to assemble, this recipe is about to become your new tradition. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or want something special just because, you’ll adore how Easy Apple Dumplings fill your home with nostalgic aromas and pure comfort in every bite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of classic, easy-to-find ingredients come together for such a standout dessert. Each one brings its own magic: from the tart snap of fresh apples to the rich depth of melting butter, and the sparkle of lemon-lime soda giving it that irresistible soft-yet-crispy finish.

• Granny Smith apples (2 large): Their tartness balances the sweetness, and they hold up beautifully while baking for perfect texture.
• Refrigerated crescent roll dough (2 cans, 8 oz each): These make dumpling assembly quick and give the exterior that golden, flaky hug around each apple wedge.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup): Melted butter adds luscious richness and ensures a silky, caramelized sauce coats every dumpling.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Creates the signature sweetness and helps the sauce achieve that glossy, almost syrupy perfection.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Just a touch delivers cozy warmth and big apple pie vibes.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): This simple addition deepens the aroma and flavor with sweet, mellow notes.
• Lemon-lime soda (1 can, 12 oz): Adds lift, subtle citrus, and makes the dumplings fluffy and moist while they bake!

How to Make Easy Apple Dumplings

Step 1: Prep the Apples and Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticky situations later. Peel, core, and cut your Granny Smith apples into 8 nice and even wedges per apple. The even cuts help every dumpling bake up just right!

Step 2: Wrap Apple Wedges

Pop open those crescent roll cans—my favorite part! Separate the dough into triangles. Take each apple wedge and place it at the wide end of a triangle, then roll it up snugly, making sure the dough covers the apple. Tuck any ends under and place the dumpling seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s silky smooth, stir in the sugar and ground cinnamon. The mixture will look a bit grainy, and that’s perfectly fine; you’re after that rustic, sugar-crunchy finish. Remove from heat and swirl in the vanilla extract for that extra bit of fragrance.

Step 4: Assemble and Add the Soda

Pour the warm butter mixture evenly over the dumplings—you want to coat every piece but don’t worry if some pools at the bottom. Now, gently pour the lemon-lime soda along the edges of the pan, not directly over the dumplings (this keeps the tops golden and crispy!). You’ll start to smell the magic as the soda mingles with the sugar.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for golden tops and bubbling sauce. The hardest part? Waiting for them to cool just a bit so the sauce can thicken—but the reward is that first, steamy, tender bite!

How to Serve Easy Apple Dumplings

Garnishes

For irresistible presentation (and flavor!), serve your Easy Apple Dumplings warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. You can also dust them with a touch of powdered sugar or sprinkle with chopped pecans for an extra crunch that complements the soft apple filling.

Side Dishes

Although these dumplings are pure comfort on their own, a scoop of cinnamon or caramel ice cream alongside adds another layer of fall flavor. For a brunch twist, serve them with crisp bacon or maple-glazed breakfast sausages—the salty-savory notes are a surprising match!

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the Easy Apple Dumplings in individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party treat, or plate them family-style and let everyone serve themselves. If you’re feeling playful, cue up a dessert bar with fun toppings like caramel drizzle, toasted coconut, or even a citrus zest sprinkle for brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Easy Apple Dumplings, simply transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep happily in the refrigerator for up to three days, and a quick reheat will bring back all that buttery-cinnamony goodness.

Freezing

These dumplings actually freeze better than you’d think! Once cooled, wrap each dumpling individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months—so you can always have a sweet treat stashed away for later.

Reheating

To reheat, place Easy Apple Dumplings in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave will do the trick—just use short bursts to avoid overcooking the dough.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide that lovely tartness and hold their shape, you can also try Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples for a slightly sweeter twist. Just choose apples that won’t turn mushy as they bake.

What can I substitute for the lemon-lime soda?

If you don’t have lemon-lime soda on hand, try using a mild ginger ale or even apple cider for a different but delicious spin. The key is to use a sweet, fizzy drink to create that signature tender texture and caramelized sauce.

How do I keep the dumplings from getting soggy?

Pouring the soda around the edges (not over the top) helps the tops stay crispy while the bottoms soak up all the delicious sauce. Also, let the dumplings cool for a few minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken and set.

Can these be made in advance?

You can assemble the dumplings and sauce a few hours ahead and store them covered in the fridge. Hold off on adding the soda and baking until just before serving to keep everything perfectly fresh and flaky.

Are Easy Apple Dumplings vegetarian?

Yes! As written, these Easy Apple Dumplings use vegetarian-friendly ingredients. Just check that the crescent roll dough you purchase is free from animal fats if that’s a strict dietary concern.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the ultimate feel-good dessert with hardly any fuss, these Easy Apple Dumplings deserve a spot on your table. They’re nostalgic, gooey, and guaranteed to bring smiles with every serving. I hope you’ll give them a try and let them become a beloved staple in your home too!

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