These Apple Dumplings using Crescent Rolls are one of those almost-too-good-to-be-true desserts. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, they feature tart apples wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough, then bathed in a brown sugar butter sauce and baked until golden brown. A splash of Mountain Dew soda (that’s our secret weapon) bubbles underneath, adding moisture, caramelized edges, and a hint of tang that balances the sweetness.
Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something cozy and nostalgic, these crescent roll dumplings taste like a shortcut version of classic apple pie. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for the ultimate comfort dessert.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love These Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make Apple Dumplings using Crescent Rolls
- More Recipes You Will Love
- How to Store our Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew
- What to Serve with Apple Dumplings using Crescent Rolls
- Top Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew
- More Recipes You Will Love
- Apple Dumplings using Crescent Rolls Recipe
This crescent roll apple dumplings recipe was inspired by my love for apple desserts. One of the first things I truly baked on my own was my Apple Pie recipe, and ever since, it has been my favorite fruit to bake with! You might also want to try my Slow Cooker Apple Butter, Apple Coffee Cake or Apple Crisp Macchiato.
Looking for cozy apple cocktails? Try our Apple Cider Old Fashioned, Apple Cider Mimosa, Spiked Crockpot Apple Cider, Apple Cider Sangria, or Apple Cider Moscow Mule. Many of these recipes use our easy Apple Cider Simple Syrup for an extra boost of flavor.
Why You Will Love These Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew
- Simple Prep: Just roll an apple slice in crescent dough, pour on the sauce, and bake.
- Unexpected Twist: A splash of lemon-lime soda like Mountain Dew or ginger ale keeps the dumplings moist and adds depth.
- Quick to Make: No need to fuss with pie crust or puff pastry — these come together in minutes.
- Cozy Flavor: Tastes like homemade apple dumplings your grandma used to make, but so much easier.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you serve them for dessert or brunch, they’re a sweet treat that never disappoints.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple ingredients for these easy apple dumplings—most of which you probably already have on hand.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Crescent Roll Dough: A buttery, flaky shortcut that wraps the apple slices perfectly.
- Apples: Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Melts into a rich, caramel-like sauce that coats the dumplings.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds extra sweetness and helps the sauce thicken.
- Unsalted Butter: Creates a luscious, buttery sauce when melted with the sugars.
- Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the dumplings with cozy, warm spice.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the apple flavor.
- Mountain Dew Soda: Adds moisture and a slight citrusy tang while caramelizing the edges.
For this easy recipe, you'll want to have on hand a 9x13 casserole dish, medium saucepan, spatula, measuring cups and spoons.
Substitutions and Variations
A few quick changes can turn this into a whole new dish.
- Soda Swaps: Use a can of Sprite, ginger ale, or apple cider instead of Mountain Dew for a similar effect.
- Apple Options: Honeycrisp apples give a sweeter bite, while Granny Smith stays tart and firm through baking.
- Extra Spice: Add apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice for a more autumn-forward flavor.
- Alternate Dough: Use puff pastry or crescent dough sheets if you don’t have classic triangles.
- Filling Upgrade: Add chopped pecans or a bit of cream cheese inside each apple wedge for a fun twist.
How to Make Apple Dumplings using Crescent Rolls
These apple crescent dumplings are quick to prepare, making them perfect for an easy, cozy dessert whenever the craving hits.
Preheat oven to 350F and lightly grease a 9x13 casserole dish. Set aside.
Peel and core apples. Slice into 8 small wedges and place in a bowl of cold water until ready to use, if desired (this keeps them from browning). Blot dry on a paper towel before wrapping in our crescent dough.
Place a piece of apple on the large side the crescent roll and roll up, sealing the ends. Pinch any excessive dough or stretch if you have smaller pieces to try to cover as much of the apple slice as you can.
Place in the bottom of the pan and repeat for remaining apple slices. Set your casserole dish aside and make your topping.
Add brown sugar, butter, ground cinnamon and salt into a small saucepan and heat on medium heat. Stir until melted then lower the heat and allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until thickened. Stir a couple times.
Pour mixture over top of the crescent rolls to coat fully in the sweet sauce.
Pour Mountain Dew around the crescent rolls, but not on them.
Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.
Allow them to cool slightly and enjoy.
Hint: Make sure your oven is fully at 350F before baking for even cooking; I like to let mine run for 10 minutes after it has preheated to be sure.
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How to Store our Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store them.
- Refrigerator: Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Let the dumplings cool fully, then wrap them individually and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350F until warmed through.
What to Serve with Apple Dumplings using Crescent Rolls
Perfect for brunch or dessert, these apple dumplings can be dressed up or kept simple depending on the occasion.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The warm and cold contrast is classic and unbeatable.
- Caramel Sauce: A rich drizzle adds an extra indulgent finish.
- Apple Cocktails: Add a crisp, fall-inspired cocktail to the menu and try our apple cider old fashioned, apple cider Moscow mule, apple cider sangria or our apple pie shot.
- Cranberry Shrub: A tart, sparkling option that complements the sweet flavors beautifully.
- Brunch Items: Great addition to brunch spreads, you can incorporate our spinach bacon quiche, blueberry pancakes, crispy fluffy pancakes, or gluten free buttermilk waffles.
Top Tips
Keep these tips in mind for a foolproof, flavorful result.
- Slice Apples Evenly: Thin, consistent apple wedges ensure even baking inside the dough.
- Melt Butter Carefully: Use medium-low heat to avoid burning the butter when making the sauce.
- Pour Soda Strategically: Add the soda to the edges of the pan — not directly over the dumplings — to prevent soggy bottoms.
- Serve Warm: Let the dumplings cool slightly after baking, then serve warm with ice cream for the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew
Do you have questions about making our apple dumplings using crescent rolls?
Yes. You can assemble them and keep covered and chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Bake just before serving for the freshest texture.
The main function of the soda in this recipe is to create the sweet, bubbling sauce during baking. It doesn't necessarily matter which one you choose — Sprite, ginger ale, or even sparkling apple cider would all work well.
We recommend freshly sliced apples for the best results, but in a pinch, you can use canned apples or apple pie filling as swaps. If so, just reduce the added sugar slightly.
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Apple Dumplings using Crescent Rolls Recipe
Equipment
- 9x13 casserole dish
- Medium Saucepan
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 tart apples peeled and cut into 8 small wedges (each)
- 2 8- ounce crescent rolls 8-count
- 300 grams light brown sugar about 1 ½ cups
- 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¾ cup Mountain Dew soda
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and lightly grease a 9x13 casserole dish. Set aside.
- Peel and core apples. Slice into 8 small wedges and place in a bowl of cold water until ready to use, if desired (this keeps them from browning). Blot dry on a paper towel before wrapping in our crescent dough.
- Place a piece of apple on the large side the crescent roll and roll up, sealing the ends. Pinch any excessive dough or stretch if you have smaller pieces to try to cover as much of the apple slice as you can.
- Place in the bottom of the pan and repeat for remaining apple slices. Set your casserole dish aside and make your topping.
- Add brown sugar, butter, ground cinnamon and salt into a small saucepan and heat on medium heat. Stir until melted then lower the heat and allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until thickened. Stir a couple times.
- Pour mixture over top of the crescent rolls to coat fully in the sweet sauce.
- Pour Mountain Dew around the crescent rolls, but not on them.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.
- Allow them to cool slightly and enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure your oven is fully at 350F before baking for even cooking; I like to let mine run for 10 minutes after it has preheated to be sure.
- Thin, consistent apple wedges ensure even baking inside the dough.
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the butter when making the sauce.
- Add the soda to the edges of the pan — not directly over the dumplings — to prevent soggy bottoms.
- Let the dumplings cool slightly after baking, then serve warm with ice cream for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
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Abi says
Omg love this idea! What a fun way to use cresent rolls!
Eva Filer says
This is so fun, I hope you enjoy them!
Leanne says
I never have good luck with making pastry, so I love the idea of using crescent rolls. I am saving this recipe to try - thanks!
Eva Filer says
You’re welcome. I hope you enjoy it, it is one of my faves!
Joanne says
You must try these dumplings, they are delicious.
Eva Filer says
Thanks so much for the review, we love these. Glad you enjoyed them.
Eva Filer says
This dessert is unreal! It has a great balance of soft apples, flaky pastry and a light crunch on the outside. So simple to make, we just love it!