Imagine the warm aroma of cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen—there’s something so comforting about freshly baked apple dumplings.
This simple yet indulgent dessert is a breeze to make, perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings.
As the crescent dough wraps around each apple wedge, magic happens in the oven, transforming humble ingredients into golden, buttery treats.
Let’s bring this delightful dish to life and enjoy its sweet simplicity together.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 baking dish
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 peeler
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 teaspoon
Ingredients
- 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 can (12 ounces) lemon-lime soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Easy Apple Dumplings, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes)
- Spend a few minutes reading through the entire recipe to understand the steps.
- Gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prepping (15 minutes)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and core the apples, then cut each apple into 8 wedges.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough.
- Assembling the Dumplings (5 minutes)
- Roll each apple wedge in a crescent roll piece, starting at the wide end.
- Place the wrapped wedges in the baking dish.
- Preparing the Sauce (5 minutes)
- Combine sugar and butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla extract and cinnamon.
- Pouring and Baking (5 minutes)
- Pour the butter mixture evenly over the apple dumplings.
- Pour the lemon-lime soda around the edges of the pan.
- Place the dish in the oven.
- Baking (35 minutes)
- Bake the dumplings for 35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Resting and Serving (5 minutes)
- Let the dumplings rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cut each apple into 8 wedges.
Roll each apple wedge in a crescent roll piece, starting at the wide end.
Place the wrapped wedges in a baking dish.
Combine sugar and butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
Remove from heat and add vanilla extract and cinnamon.
Pour the mixture evenly over the apple dumplings.
Pour the soda around the edges of the pan.
Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown.
Let the dumplings rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm apple dumplings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic, creamy contrast.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a light and fluffy complement to the rich dumplings.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the dumplings for an extra layer of sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Crushed Nuts: Sprinkle some crushed pecans or walnuts to add a crunchy texture and nutty taste.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust the dumplings with cinnamon sugar for an enhanced spiced aroma and a touch of extra sweetness.
Storage
Store leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain their crispy texture.
Freezing
To freeze apple dumplings, allow them to cool completely.
Then wrap each dumpling individually in plastic wrap.
Place wrapped dumplings in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat apple dumplings, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for 10-15 minutes.
Alternatively, microwave individual servings for about 30-45 seconds until heated through.
Final Thoughts
These easy apple dumplings are a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the sweetness of a buttery cinnamon sauce.
The use of refrigerated crescent roll dough simplifies the preparation, making this recipe perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
Serve these dumplings warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, for an indulgent treat that your family and friends will love.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, these apple dumplings are sure to impress.
Enjoy the comforting flavors and the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Apple for This Recipe?
You can definitely substitute Granny Smith apples with another variety, like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just guarantee they’re firm and tart to balance the sweetness. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed to achieve perfect tenderness and flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Lemon-Lime Soda?
You can substitute lemon-lime soda with equal parts of ginger ale or apple juice. These alternatives maintain sweetness and moisture, ensuring your dumplings remain flavorful and tender. Experiment with these options to find your preferred taste.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the crescent roll dough with a gluten-free alternative. Check labels carefully to guarantee all other ingredients, like soda, are gluten-free. Enjoy a delicious dessert without compromising dietary needs!
Is There a Vegan Version of This Recipe?
You can veganize this recipe by using dairy-free butter and crescent roll dough. Replace the sugar with a vegan-friendly one, and choose a plant-based lemon-lime soda. Confirm all ingredients align with vegan dietary requirements.
Can I Prepare the Dumplings Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dumplings ahead. Assemble them without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed. This method preserves freshness and guarantees a delightful, warm serving.

Easy Apple Dumplings
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 peeler
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 teaspoon
Ingredients
- 2 large Granny Smith apples peeled and cored
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough each 8 ounces
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 can lemon-lime soda 12 ounces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut each apple into 8 wedges.
- Roll each apple wedge in a crescent roll piece, starting at the wide end.
- Place the wrapped wedges in a baking dish.
- Combine sugar and butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla extract and cinnamon.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the apple dumplings.
- Pour the soda around the edges of the pan.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the dumplings rest for 5 minutes before serving.