The first time I made this easy apple dumplings recipe was on a whim, late one weeknight, with leftover apples and a tube of crescent rolls I forgot I bought. I wasn’t expecting anything special just something sweet and warm. But when the buttery crust crisped up and the cinnamon sugar started bubbling at the edges, I knew we had something special.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
You only need seven ingredients. That’s it. And you probably already have most of them like sugar, cinnamon, butter, and a couple of apples. But when you bring them together? It’s magic. The crescent dough gets golden and flaky, wrapping the apples in sweet, spiced coziness.
Family-Friendly & Foolproof
This easy apple dumplings recipe feels homemade without the hassle. You wrap, pour, bake, and it comes out golden and comforting. It’s the kind of recipe kids can help with too, especially wrapping the apple slices. And because it uses refrigerated dough, there’s no fussing with pastry.
Unexpected Twist with Lemon-Lime Soda
Here’s the surprise: you pour lemon-lime soda around the dumplings before baking. It may sound strange, but the result is incredible. The soda reacts with the sugar and butter, forming a syrupy base that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It keeps the bottom juicy while the tops go crisp.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 Granny Smith apples – tart and firm, perfect for this easy apple dumplings recipe. Don’t swap these unless you must.
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls – this shortcut dough wraps up each apple wedge like a buttery blanket.
- 1 cup unsalted butter – melted with sugar to form that rich, golden syrup.
- 1½ cups granulated sugar – sweetens the sauce and gives the dumplings their classic candy-like top.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds warmth and depth.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – just the right amount of spice.
- 1 can lemon-lime soda – pour this around the edges for that signature bubbling magic.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Your Apples and Dough
Start by peeling and coring your apples. Cut each into 8 wedges. Pop open the crescent dough and separate into triangles. Then wrap each apple wedge in dough and place it seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch dish.
Make the Butter-Sugar Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and vanilla—but don’t let it boil. It should be thick and shiny, like wet sand.
Assemble and Bake the Dumplings
Pour the butter-sugar mixture evenly over the dumplings to build that rich base in this easy apple dumplings recipe.Then gently pour the lemon-lime soda around the edges of the pan. Don’t pour directly over the dumplings or they’ll get soggy. Sprinkle cinnamon on top. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Serve with Optional Add-Ons
Let them rest for a few minutes so the sauce thickens slightly. Serve warm. Ice cream is optional but highly recommended. A big scoop of vanilla melts into the sauce and makes every bite irresistible.
Expert Tips for Perfect Apple Dumplings
Don’t Pour Soda Over the Dough
For this easy apple dumplings recipe, keep the soda around the dumplings, not on top. That way, the bottoms stay juicy while the tops crisp up just right.
Best Apples to Use
Granny Smith apples are your best friend here. They hold their shape and bring that perfect tart bite that balances the sweet syrup. Softer apples tend to turn mushy.
Reheating and Storing Leftovers
These dumplings taste best fresh out of the oven. But if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 300°F to keep the crust from getting too soft. You can microwave them, but the texture won’t be as crisp.
More Such Recipes
If you love cozy apple desserts, check out these:
- Try these Caramel apple cheesecake bars for fall dessert inspiration
- Craving something flaky and sweet? Easy crescent roll apple turnovers with flaky crust
- Or warm up with this Amish apple fritter bread with cinnamon glaze
- Want something chewy? Don’t miss the Maple glazed apple blondies for a chewy treat
Easy Apple Dumplings Recipe Card
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Easy Apple Dumplings – Quick, Cozy & Delicious
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This easy apple dumplings recipe uses just 7 ingredients and delivers golden, cinnamon-spiced pastry wrapped around tart apple slices. With crescent roll dough and lemon-lime soda, it’s sweet, buttery, and fast to make.
Ingredients
2 large Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, cut into 8 wedges each)
2 (8 oz.) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 (12 oz.) can lemon-lime soda (7Up, Sprite, or Mountain Dew)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Wrap each apple wedge in crescent dough and place in dish, seam side down.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in sugar and vanilla (do not boil).
4. Pour the butter mixture over dumplings evenly.
5. Pour the lemon-lime soda around (not over) the dumplings.
6. Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over the top.
7. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbling.
8. Let rest for a few minutes and serve warm with ice cream if desired.
Notes
Use Granny Smith apples for best tartness and structure.
Avoid pouring soda directly over dumplings—it makes the dough soggy.
Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for best texture.
Microwave reheating is fine but may soften the crust.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dumpling
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What are apple dumplings made of?
Apple dumplings usually include fresh apples, dough (like crescent rolls or pastry), butter, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes soda or juice to create a syrupy sauce.
How to do dumplings easily?
Use refrigerated crescent dough and precut apple wedges. Wrap and bake no rolling pins, no complicated steps. This version makes it super simple.
What kind of apples are best for dumplings?
Granny Smith apples are ideal. Their tart flavor pairs well with the sweet syrup, and they don’t get mushy in the oven.
Why do my apple dumplings fall apart?
If the dough isn’t sealed tightly or gets too wet (from pouring soda on top), it can split. Always wrap snugly and pour the soda only around the dumplings.
Final Thoughts
This easy apple dumplings recipe is a little sweet, a little spiced, and a whole lot of comfort. I always come back to it when I need a no-fuss dessert.Whether you’re baking for family or just need something warm on a chilly night, this one delivers. If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think leave a comment or tag me on Pinterest or Facebook.