These Apple Dumplings using Crescent Rolls are tender, flaky and bursting with sweet apple filling. A buttery brown sugar sauce and hint of citrusy soda create a rich, caramelized flavor with just the right balance of sweetness and tang.
Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings or whenever you’re craving something cozy and nostalgic. Think a classic apple pie flavor in an unconventional presentation! Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for the ultimate comfort dessert.
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!
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- 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 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.
- Unsalted Butter: Creates a luscious, buttery sauce when melted with the sugars.
- Mountain Dew Soda: Adds moisture and a slight citrusy tang while caramelizing the edges.
For this easy dimpling recipe, you'll want to have on hand a 9x13 casserole dish, medium saucepan, spatula, measuring cups and spoons.
Variations
- 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, vanilla extract (if using) 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.
Recipe Tips
- 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.
Apple lover? You must try my Apple Coffee Cake recipe, perfect any time of day.
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Storage Instructions
- 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.
Serving Suggestions
- 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.
Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Recipe FAQs
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
Equipment
- 9x13 casserole dish
- Medium Saucepan
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 tart apples each peeled and cut into 8 small wedges
- 2 8- ounce crescent rolls 8-count
- 300 grams light brown sugar about 1 ½ cups
- 1 ½ sticks butter unsalted
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extracr (optional)
- 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, vanilla extract (if using) 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
- Preheat your Oven: 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.
- Slice Apples Evenly: Thin, consistent apple wedges ensure even baking inside the dough.
- Melt Butter Slowly: Use medium 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.
Nutrition
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Karina says
The Mountain Dew really was the secret. We all loved these as a fun dessert. And the few leftovers for breakfast were just as delicious with coffee the next morning. Bonus!
Eva Filer says
Such a simple yet impactful dessert! We love this one too. Thank you for the review.
Therese says
These sound so good. I can't wait to make this with my kids!
Eva Filer says
Probably my favorite dessert ever! Enjoy.
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!