Easy Apple Dumplings Recipe

This Easy Apple Dumplings Recipe is a rich, buttery dessert made with just six ingredients, including fresh apples and crescent roll dough. The caramel sauce on these dumplings makes this a cozy, warm treat perfect for cool days, weeknight dinners, and holidays.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Dumplings

• Quick and Easy: Takes just minutes to prep for baking – and the sauce is simple too.
• Simple Ingredients: Only 6 easy-to-find ingredients, some probably in your kitchen.
• Cozy and Versatile: Great for a weeknight dinner or holiday dessert.
• Rich and Delicious: Mouthwatering combination of ingredients yields a decadent bite.

Ingredients for Apple Dumplings Recipe

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

• Apples: Peeled and sliced Granny Smith, or substitute with firm baking apples like Braeburn, Rome, or Fuji.
• Crescent Rolls: Canned crescent roll dough to wrap apple slices for dumplings.
• Butter: 1 1/2 c to add richness to the caramel sauce and to prep the baking dish.
• Brown Sugar: Gives a deep molasses flavor to the homemade caramel sauce.
• Granulated Sugar: Used for sweetness in caramel sauce.
• Lemon-Lime Soda: Use Sprite or your favorite lemon-lime soda to prevent apple slices from browning, then pour it over the dumplings.

How to Make Easy Apple Dumplings

Simple ingredients and easy preparation make this dessert a favorite.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven. Prep baking dish, put on baking sheet, and set aside. Add lemon lime soda to a bowl. Peel and slice each apple into 6 equal slices, then add them to the soda bowl to prevent browning.

2. Wrap each apple slice in a crescent roll dough wedge. Repeat until all apple slices have been prepared, placing each into the prepared baking dish.

3. Once all the apple dumplings are arranged, pour the lemon-lime soda over the dumplings.

4. Make the caramel sauce. Melt butter and sugars in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until dissolved. Pour over the dumplings.

5. Bake until golden brown and done, about 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let set for 10 minutes before serving. Spoon caramel sauce over the apple dumplings. Serve like this or top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Recipe Success Tips

• Use Sturdy Apples: Granny Smith or another variety sturdy enough for baking, so they won’t be mushy.
• Serve Warm After Baking: Serve warm right out of the oven for optimal taste and texture. However, can be stored as directed.
• No Diet Soda: You need the sugar in the Sprite (or other lemon-lime soda) so don’t use sugar-free or diet soda for best results.

Recipe Variations

• Smaller Size Recipe: The recipe is written to serve 12. To reduce the recipe size to serve 6, divide the ingredients in half. Bake the recipe at 350º F for 30 minutes.
• Cinnamon Spiced: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the recipe. Stir into the melted butter and sugar, then pour over the prepared dumplings and bake.
• Pear Dumplings: Use sliced pears instead of apples in the recipe.
• Peach Dumplings: Use sliced peaches instead.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Bake as directed and cool completely. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Delicious served cold or warm. Reheat the baking dish in a 350-degree oven until warm, or reheat the desired portion at 50% power in the microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions