Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings are the ultimate comfort dessert—a delightful mix of flaky crescent rolls, tender apples, and buttery cinnamon sugar sauce. This crowd-pleasing recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for fall or any time you’re craving a cozy treat. The secret ingredient? A splash of fizzy soda poured over the dumplings before baking, creating a caramel-like sauce that’s utterly divine!
With just a few simple ingredients, this dessert comes together in minutes and bakes to golden perfection. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an unforgettable treat!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples (or your favorite tart apple)
- 2 (8 oz) cans crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7-Up)
Tools:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Vegetable peeler and knife
- Spoon or pastry brush
Pro Tips for Perfect Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings
- Choose the Right Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal because they balance the sweetness of the sauce and hold their shape during baking.
- Roll Tightly: Wrap the crescent dough snugly around the apple slices to keep the filling intact as it bakes.
- Use Cold Dough: Keep the crescent roll dough cold before rolling—it’s easier to work with and creates flakier dumplings.
- Don’t Skip the Soda: The lemon-lime soda adds moisture and helps create the caramel-like sauce that makes this dessert so irresistible.
- Serve Warm: These dumplings are best enjoyed fresh from the oven while warm and gooey.
Substitutions and Variations
- Apples: Swap Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala if you prefer a sweeter filling.
- Spices: Add a pinch of allspice or ginger for extra warmth in the sauce.
- Soda: Try ginger ale or apple cider for a different twist on the sauce.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the dumplings before baking for added crunch.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Make Ahead Tips
- Prepare in Advance: Assemble the apple dumplings (without adding the soda) up to 4 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake, then pour the soda over just before placing them in the oven.
- Reheat: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Instructions: How to Make Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples into 8 wedges each (16 total wedges).
Step 3: Assemble the Dumplings
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 16 triangles. Place an apple wedge at the wide end of each triangle and roll it up tightly. Place the rolled dumplings seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, stir together 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (if using), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour the mixture evenly over the dumplings.
Step 5: Add the Soda
Pour 1 cup of lemon-lime soda around the edges of the baking dish (not directly over the dumplings).
Step 6: Bake the Dumplings
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the dumplings cool slightly before serving. Spoon the dumplings onto plates and drizzle with the buttery caramel sauce from the dish. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience!
Leftovers and Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispy texture, or microwave individual portions for 30 seconds.
- Freezing: Freeze baked dumplings in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings are an easy, comforting dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. With their tender apples, flaky crescent roll crust, and irresistible cinnamon-sugar sauce, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a holiday dinner, a potluck, or just because, they’re guaranteed to impress!
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out for you. Did you stick with the classic recipe or try a fun variation? I’d love to hear about your dumpling adventures in the comments below. Happy baking!
