I’m so excited to share with you this delicious Apple Dumplings recipe! These delightful treats consist of tender, spiced apples enveloped in a flaky pastry crust. The warm scent of cinnamon and sugar will fill your kitchen as you bake these sweet delights to golden perfection.
Whether enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, Apple Dumplings are sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to indulge in every bite of these comforting and irresistible desserts!
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
- 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
- 2 (10 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup butter
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle Mountain Dew
Instructions for Making Apple Dumplings
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the apples: Cut each apple into 8 equal wedges; set aside.
- Wrap the apples: Separate crescent roll dough into triangles. Roll each apple wedge in crescent roll dough starting at the smallest end. Pinch to seal and place in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir sugar and cinnamon into melted butter until combined. Pour this mixture over the apple dumplings, followed by soda.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until golden brown, which should take about 35 to 45 minutes.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Choose the Right Apples: The choice of apple can make or break your dumplings. For a balance of sweetness and tartness, Granny Smith apples are a popular choice. However, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for different flavor profiles.
Dough Consistency: The key to perfect dumplings lies in the dough. If using crescent roll dough, ensure it’s chilled for easier handling. For homemade dough, aim for a soft, pliable consistency that’s not too sticky.
Sealing the Dumplings: Properly sealing the dough around the apple wedges prevents the filling from leaking out during baking. Pinch the edges firmly and check for any gaps before placing them in the baking dish.
Butter and Sugar Mixture: The butter and sugar mixture should be evenly poured over the dumplings to ensure each one is deliciously coated. Adjust the sugar according to your preference for sweetness.
Baking Temperature and Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s important to check the dumplings towards the end of the baking time. They should be golden brown and the apples inside soft when pierced with a fork.
Using Soda: The addition of soda to the recipe creates a unique texture and flavor. Experiment with different types of soda to find the one that complements your taste the best.
Serving Suggestions
A La Mode: Serve your apple dumplings warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a classic dessert pairing.
Caramel Drizzle: Enhance the flavor with a drizzle of caramel sauce over the warm dumplings for extra sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of each dumpling adds a light, creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the warm, spiced filling.
Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the dumplings before baking for added crunch and nuttiness.
Cheese Pairing: For a traditional twist, serve your apple dumplings with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. The contrast between the sweet dumplings and the savory cheese is surprisingly delightful.
Storage Tips
Refrigerating: Store leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
Freezing: Apple dumplings can be frozen before or after baking. Wrap each dumpling individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.
Reheating: To maintain the texture, reheat the dumplings in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through. This method helps keep the pastry crisp and the filling warm and bubbly.
Avoiding Sogginess: If the dumplings become soggy, reheating them in the oven on a wire rack allows air to circulate around the dumpling, helping to crisp up the dough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough? Yes, homemade pastry dough can be used for a more traditional approach. Ensure the dough is rolled thin enough to wrap around the apples but thick enough to hold the filling.
What can I use instead of soda? If you prefer not to use soda, a simple syrup or a mixture of water and a little extra sugar can be used as a substitute. This will still create a sweet glaze without the carbonation.
Can I make apple dumplings ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dumplings and store them in the refrigerator overnight before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
How do I know when the dumplings are done? The dumplings are done when the pastry is golden brown and the apples inside are tender. Inserting a fork or toothpick into the center of a dumpling should meet little resistance.
Can I use different fruits for this recipe? Absolutely! While apples are traditional, you can experiment with pears, peaches, or even mixed berries for a different twist on the classic dumpling. Adjust the sugar and spices according to the sweetness and flavor of the fruit you choose.
Apple Dumplings
INGREDIENTS
- 2 large Granny Smith apples peeled and cored
- 2 10 ounce cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup butter
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 12 fluid ounce can or bottle Mountain Dew
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the apples: Cut each apple into 8 equal wedges; set aside.
- Wrap the apples: Separate crescent roll dough into triangles. Roll each apple wedge in crescent roll dough starting at the smallest end. Pinch to seal and place in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir sugar and cinnamon into melted butter until combined. Pour this mixture over the apple dumplings, followed by soda.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until golden brown, which should take about 35 to 45 minutes.
