If you’re looking for a dessert that wraps up cozy autumn flavors in a delightful, flaky package, this Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe is a total winner. Tender apple wedges are lovingly wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough, baked in a gorgeous cinnamon-scented sugar and butter sauce, with a splash of lemon-lime soda that creates a beautiful glaze. It’s like apple pie, but much easier and faster to whip up, and perfect for sharing with anyone who loves warm, comforting sweets. Trust me, once you make this Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe, it will become a beloved classic in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each one plays an essential role, from the crisp apples providing fresh tartness to the crescent roll dough that adds buttery, flaky texture, and the sugars that caramelize into a sticky, sweet sauce with just the right hint of spice.
- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Crisp and tart apples hold their shape and balance the sweetness perfectly.
- 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough: Convenient and flaky dough that wraps the apples into perfect little parcels.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create the luscious sauce.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the sauce with classic sugary goodness.
- ½ cup light brown sugar: Gives a deep, caramel-like flavor to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A cozy spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
- 1 (12-ounce) can lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7Up): Adds a subtle fizz and citrus note that keeps the sauce light and bubbly.
- Optional pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
How to Make Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Peel and core your apples, then slice each apple into 8 even wedges. This size ensures a perfect bite with enough apple in every dumpling, lending that fresh fruit flavor we all crave.
Step 2: Wrap Each Apple Wedge
Unroll your crescent roll dough and carefully separate it into individual triangles. Take one apple wedge and place it at the wide end of the triangle, then roll it tightly all the way to the tip. This wrapping technique seals in the apple juices during baking and creates the signature crescent-shaped dumpling that’s both fun and delicious.
Step 3: Arrange Dumplings and Prepare Sauce
Place each wrapped apple wedge seam-side down in your prepared baking dish, arranging them close but not overcrowded. Next, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt if you’re using it. This aromatic syrup is the magic that coats the dumplings and caramelizes in the oven.
Step 4: Bake with Soda for a Perfect Glaze
Pour the warm buttery sugar mixture evenly over the dumplings, then carefully pour the lemon-lime soda around the edges of the dish, avoiding pouring it directly on top of the dumplings so they stay perfectly flaky. Bake everything for 35–40 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and the sauce bubbles enticingly. Let them cool for a few minutes once out of the oven, just enough so that the sauce thickens slightly.
How to Serve Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe
Garnishes
These apple dumplings deserve a little extra love on top. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting over the warm pastry or a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an irresistible, cool contrast. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top for that extra cozy vibe.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn this dessert into an entire experience, pair it with a hot cup of spiced cider or a rich homemade caramel sauce on the side. These pairings complement the apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully, creating a memorable fall-inspired treat for any gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve each dumpling in a small ramekin or individual mini pie dishes for personal portions. You can drizzle the caramelized sauce over each plate artistically, and add a sprig of fresh mint for color contrast. This Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe is naturally charming but those little touches really elevate your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them covered well to preserve moisture and prevent the pastry from drying out, so they stay tender and delicious.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze wrapped apple wedges before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving to keep that flaky crescent dough texture intact and prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites for their balance of tartness and firmness, you can experiment with Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala. Just keep in mind that softer apples may become mushier when baked.
Do I have to use lemon-lime soda? Can I substitute it?
The lemon-lime soda adds sweetness and a light citrus fizz that enhances the sauce. If you prefer, you can substitute it with sparkling water and a splash of lemon juice or use a mild ginger ale for a slightly different flavor.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough? Can I use something else?
You could try puff pastry as an alternative, which also gives a flaky texture, though it may change the size and baking time slightly. Homemade pie dough can work, but keep in mind it’s less buttery and will result in a different texture.
How sweet is this dessert? Can I reduce the sugar?
This Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe is moderately sweet, balancing the natural tartness of apples with sugar and brown sugar. If you prefer less sweet desserts, you can reduce both sugars by a quarter and still have plenty of flavor.
Can I add nuts or raisins inside the dumplings?
Definitely! Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins inside the dumplings before rolling them up adds great texture and flavor dimension. Just a small sprinkle with the apple wedges makes for a delightful surprise.
Final Thoughts
This Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe is such a heartwarming dessert to make and share, combining simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether it’s for a cozy night in, a potluck, or a festive celebration, these little bundles of apple goodness never fail to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy that beautiful balance of flaky pastry, tender apples, and rich cinnamon sauce. Once you do, it might just become your new favorite dessert too!
Print
Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring tender apple wedges wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough, baked to golden perfection and soaked in a sweet cinnamon-sugar sauce with a fizzy lemon-lime soda twist. Perfect for a comforting fall treat or any time you crave a warm, fruity dessert.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Dough
- 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
Sauce
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 (12-ounce) can lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7Up)
- Optional pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and apples: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Peel and core the apples, then cut each apple into 8 evenly sized wedges ready for wrapping.
- Wrap the apples: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Take each apple wedge and wrap it tightly starting from the wide end of the triangle, ensuring the dough fully encloses the fruit. Place each wrapped apple seam-side down in the prepared baking dish to keep them intact during baking.
- Make the sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt if desired. Stir continuously until combined and the sugars are dissolved to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the prepared butter and sugar mixture evenly over the crescent roll-wrapped apples. Then carefully pour the lemon-lime soda around the dumplings, being careful not to pour directly on top to maintain dough integrity. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly and fragrant.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the dumplings to cool slightly in the baking dish. Serve warm for best flavor, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the dessert experience.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a richer dessert.
- For a tangier flavor, lightly splash lemon juice on the apple wedges before wrapping them in the dough.
- If using very sweet apples, consider reducing the granulated sugar slightly in the sauce to balance the sweetness.
