Looking for a warm and comforting dessert that’s perfect for fall? These Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are a delicious, easy-to-make treat that combines tender, juicy apples, buttery crescent dough, and a sweet cinnamon-sugar sauce. This recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser, and it’s especially irresistible when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients:
1 large apple (Fuji, Granny Smith, or any tart apple)
1 can Pillsbury Crescent dough
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup Mountain Dew (or any lemon-lime soda)
Directions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Apple:
Peel, core, and cut the apple into 8 equal slices. A tart variety like Granny Smith works well to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
Wrap the Apples:
Unroll the crescent dough and wrap each apple slice with a crescent triangle, starting from the wide end. Place each wrapped apple into the greased baking dish.
Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar and cinnamon until fully combined, then add the vanilla extract. Pour this rich cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the wrapped apples.
Add the Soda:
Pour the Mountain Dew around the edges of the dish, being careful not to pour directly over the dumplings. This keeps the tops of the dumplings crisp while adding moisture and a light tang to the sauce.
Bake:
Bake the apple dumplings for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. The crescent dough will be tender yet crisp on the outside, while the apples will be perfectly cooked.
Serve:
Serve these apple dumplings warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the flavors and create a decadent finish.
Serving Tips:
Serve Warm: Apple dumplings are best enjoyed warm straight from the oven. The dough is crisp, the apples are tender, and the cinnamon-sugar sauce is perfectly gooey.
Ice Cream Pairing: For a decadent treat, serve the dumplings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melting into the warm dumplings creates a heavenly contrast.
Add a Topping: Drizzle some caramel sauce or sprinkle powdered sugar on top for added sweetness and a professional finish.
Serve with Beverages: These dumplings pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, apple cider, or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They may lose some crispness, but the flavor will remain delicious.
Reheating Instructions:
Oven: To reheat, place the dumplings in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through and the dough is crisp again.
Microwave: For a quicker option, reheat individual dumplings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, though they may become slightly softer.
Freezing: These apple dumplings can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, allow them to cool completely, wrap each dumpling in plastic wrap, and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of dough for the apple dumplings?
Yes! While crescent dough is quick and convenient, you can use puff pastry or pie dough for a slightly different texture. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed—puff pastry may require a bit longer to get golden and crisp.
What can I substitute for Mountain Dew or lemon-lime soda?
If you don’t have Mountain Dew, any lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7UP works well. You can also use apple juice or apple cider for a more traditional apple flavor. The soda adds moisture and a light tang to the sauce, so if you skip it, the sauce will be thicker.
How do I keep the dumplings from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, make sure you pour the soda around the edges of the dish and not directly over the dumplings. This keeps the tops crisp while allowing the sauce to form around them.
Can I make the apple dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the apple dumplings a few hours ahead and refrigerate them until ready to bake. When you’re ready, just bake them as directed and serve fresh from the oven. If baking from a cold start, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Conclusion:
Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are the perfect fall dessert. With minimal prep time and a short list of ingredients, you can whip up this sweet, indulgent treat in under an hour. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, these dumplings are sure to impress.
📖 Recipe:
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Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are a quick and easy fall dessert made with crescent dough, tart apples, and a rich cinnamon-sugar syrup. Baked with a splash of lemon-lime soda like Mountain Dew, these dumplings are perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream. Ideal for a cozy family treat or any gathering, this recipe takes less than an hour to make.
Ingredients
1 large apple (Fuji, Granny Smith, or any tart apple)
1 can Pillsbury Crescent dough
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup Mountain Dew (or any lemon-lime soda)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Peel and core the apple, then cut it into 8 equal slices.
- Unroll the crescent dough and wrap each apple slice with a crescent triangle, starting from the wide end.
- Place the wrapped apples in the prepared baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar and cinnamon until well combined, then add the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture over the wrapped apples.
- Pour the Mountain Dew around the edges of the dish, avoiding the dumplings.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
For best results, use a tart apple variety like Granny Smith.
Mountain Dew or other lemon-lime sodas enhance the flavor and texture of the dumplings, but you can substitute with apple cider or juice.
These dumplings are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
