I absolutely adore making Country Apple Dumplings! This classic recipe includes tender, sweet apples wrapped in a buttery, flaky pastry and baked to golden perfection.

The warm and comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar fills the air as they bake in the oven, creating a irresistible treat that is perfect for any occasion. A drizzle of vanilla sauce or a scoop of ice cream on top takes these dumplings to the next level of deliciousness. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist these mouthwatering treats!

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

2 large Granny Smith apples – peeled, cored, and cut into quarters
2 cans (10 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough – for wrapping the apples
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – melted, for the sauce

1 ½ cups granulated sugar – for the sauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds flavor to the sauce
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – for sprinkling on top

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – for the sauce, optional for added spice
1 can (12 fluid ounces) or 1 ½ cups of Mountain Dew OR a similar citrus soda – helps to create a sweet and tangy sauce

Instructions for Making Country Apple Dumplings

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Apples: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel, core, and quarter your apples. This will be the heart of your dumplings, so make sure the apple pieces are nicely prepared.

Wrap the Apples in Dough: Open the cans of crescent roll dough and separate the triangles. Place an apple quarter on the wide end of each triangle, then roll the dough tightly around the apple. Pinch the edges to seal. Place the wrapped apples in a 9×13 inch baking dish, making sure they are not touching.
Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Keep stirring until the mixture is well combined and the sugar has mostly dissolved. Pour this sweet, spicy sauce evenly over the wrapped apples in the baking dish.
Add the Citrus Soda: Pour the Mountain Dew around the edges of the wrapped apples. This will add a unique tanginess to the dish and help create a syrupy sauce as the dumplings bake.

Bake the Dumplings: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Halfway through the baking process, you might want to spoon some of the sauce over the dumplings to ensure they’re evenly coated.
Serving: Allow the dumplings to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Choose the Right Apples: The choice of apple can significantly affect the taste and texture of your dumplings. Granny Smith apples are favored for their tartness and firmness, which balance the sweetness of the sugar and dough, and they hold up well during baking. However, you can also experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a different flavor profile.

Dough Thickness: When wrapping your apples in crescent roll dough, try to keep the thickness uniform. Too thick, and the dough may not cook through entirely; too thin, and it might tear or not provide enough coverage for the apples. Rolling the dough slightly with a rolling pin can help achieve a consistent thickness.

Sealing the Edges: Properly sealing the edges of the dough around the apple quarters is crucial to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Pinch the edges firmly and check for any gaps to ensure each dumpling is completely enclosed.

Adjusting the Sweetness: The amount of sugar in the recipe can be adjusted according to taste. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, consider reducing the sugar in the sauce. Alternatively, for a richer flavor, brown sugar can be used in place of some or all the granulated sugar.

Baking Temperature and Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your dumplings as they bake. They should be golden brown and the sauce bubbling when done. If they’re browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Letting Them Rest: Allowing the dumplings to cool for a few minutes after removing them from the oven is vital. This resting period helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes the dumplings easier to serve without falling apart.

Serving Suggestions

Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving warm apple dumplings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic combination. The contrast between the warm, spicy dumplings and the cold, creamy ice cream is irresistible.

Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of each dumpling adds a light, airy texture and a hint of sweetness that complements the rich flavors of the dessert.

Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over the dumplings before serving can enhance their sweetness and add a beautiful, glossy finish.

Cheddar Cheese: For a traditional twist, serve a slice of sharp cheddar cheese alongside or on top of your apple dumplings. The cheese’s tanginess contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the dessert.

Nut Topping: A sprinkling of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with the soft, cinnamon-spiced apples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make apple dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dumplings and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. However, it’s best to pour the sauce and soda over the dumplings just before baking to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.

How do I store leftover apple dumplings?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite pastry or pie dough recipe, you can use it to wrap the apple quarters. Homemade dough may require a longer baking time, so adjust accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, there are gluten-free crescent roll dough options available in some stores, or you can use a gluten-free pastry dough recipe. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I freeze apple dumplings?

Yes, apple dumplings can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, do not pour the sauce or soda over them until you’re ready to bake. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the sauce and soda before baking. For already baked dumplings, cool them completely before freezing and reheat in the oven until warm.

Why did my sauce turn out too thin?

If your sauce is too thin after baking, it might be due to the type of apple used or excess moisture from the soda. Let the dumplings sit for a bit after baking, as the sauce will thicken upon cooling. Alternatively, you can bake the dumplings for a longer period or at a higher temperature to reduce the sauce further.

Country Apple Dumplings

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Country Apple Dumplings are a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apples and cinnamon with a soft, doughy exterior.

Ingredients

2 large Granny Smith apples – peeled cored, and cut into quarters
2 cans 10 ounces each refrigerated crescent roll dough – for wrapping the apples
1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter – melted, for the sauce

1 ½ cups granulated sugar – for the sauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds flavor to the sauce
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – for sprinkling on top

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – for the sauce optional for added spice
1 can 12 fluid ounces or 1 ½ cups of Mountain Dew OR a similar citrus soda – helps to create a sweet and tangy sauce

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Apples: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel, core, and quarter your apples. This will be the heart of your dumplings, so make sure the apple pieces are nicely prepared.

Wrap the Apples in Dough: Open the cans of crescent roll dough and separate the triangles. Place an apple quarter on the wide end of each triangle, then roll the dough tightly around the apple. Pinch the edges to seal. Place the wrapped apples in a 9×13 inch baking dish, making sure they are not touching.
Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Keep stirring until the mixture is well combined and the sugar has mostly dissolved. Pour this sweet, spicy sauce evenly over the wrapped apples in the baking dish.
Add the Citrus Soda: Pour the Mountain Dew around the edges of the wrapped apples. This will add a unique tanginess to the dish and help create a syrupy sauce as the dumplings bake.

Bake the Dumplings: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Halfway through the baking process, you might want to spoon some of the sauce over the dumplings to ensure they’re evenly coated.
Serving: Allow the dumplings to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.