Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe
Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings are the kind of magical dessert that checks all the boxes: simple to make, incredibly comforting, and guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Each warm bite delivers crisp-tender Granny Smith apples wrapped in golden, flaky crescent dough, bathed in buttery cinnamon sugar sauce and baked until bubbly. Whether you’re whipping these up for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight treat, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a show-stopping sweet finale you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings lies in their simplicity. You’ll need just a handful of ingredients, and every single one plays a vital role in building flavor and creating that luscious texture everyone loves.
- Granny Smith apples: Tart and firm, these apples balance the sweetness and hold their shape beautifully when baked.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Provides that delightfully flaky golden crust you get with hardly any work at all!
- Unsalted butter: Melted into the sauce, it infuses every bite with rich, decadent flavor and helps caramelize the crust.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and combines with butter to create that irresistible syrupy sauce.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash deepens the overall aroma and rounds out the flavors perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warm, cozy notes that make the dumplings truly unforgettable.
- Lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7UP): An unexpected magic ingredient—it lightens the sauce and helps create a beautiful glaze over the dumplings.
- Vanilla ice cream (optional): Serving warm dumplings with cold ice cream turns this into a dreamy dessert experience.
How to Make Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings
Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Peel your Granny Smith apples and slice them into 8 thick wedges each, making 16 sturdy little slices—perfect for wrapping. Open the crescent roll cans and gently separate the dough into triangles, laying them out flat on your work surface.
Step 2: Wrap the Apples
Now, here’s where the fun really starts. Place one apple wedge on the wide end of each crescent roll triangle. Roll up each apple tightly, starting from the wide end and winding all the way to the point. You’ll see that the dough curls around the apple, ready to soak up all those delicious flavors once baked. Place each apple-wrapped crescent into your prepared dish, seam side down, and snug them in so they bake up nicely together.
Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter gently. Once it’s liquid gold, stir in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Mix until everything is smoothly combined, letting the aroma fill your kitchen—but don’t let it boil! This buttery mixture is what gives Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings their rich, spiced flavor and that dreamy, sticky bottom sauce.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Soda
Next, pour the warm butter mixture evenly over the rolled-up dumplings, making sure each one gets a generous coating. Now the secret touch: slowly pour the lemon-lime soda around the edges and in between the dumplings (avoid pouring directly on top). This step might seem unusual, but it’s key for a tender, almost caramel-like sauce that bubbles up beautifully as your dumplings bake.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your dish into the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The crescent dough will puff up and turn golden brown, and the sauce will be bubbling away, creating a sticky, fragrant syrup. When done, let your Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings cool for just a few minutes—the aroma will have everyone hovering!
How to Serve Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings
Garnishes
There’s nothing like a finishing flourish to make this dessert truly special. Serve each dumpling with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dusting of extra cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce if you’re feeling fancy. The cold, creamy ice cream melting over the hot dumplings is absolutely divine!
Side Dishes
These dumplings shine on their own, but if you’re making a full dessert spread, pair them with fresh whipped cream, stewed fruit, or a simple fruit salad for a lighter contrast. A warm mug of apple cider or coffee also goes beautifully alongside the sweet, spiced flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings in individual ramekins for a personalized touch—perfect for dinner parties. Or, slice baked dumplings crosswise and fan them on a dessert platter, finished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for rustic elegance. You can even serve them family style, right from the baking dish, letting everyone help themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any dumplings left (which doesn’t happen often!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days, though the dough may soften a bit from the sauce.
Freezing
To freeze Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings, allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, pop your dumplings back in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes, which crisps up the pastry while reheating the apples through. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave will make them warm and gooey, though the crust won’t be as crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples bring a perfect tartness to Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even Gala for a sweeter twist. Just make sure your apples are firm to hold their shape during baking.
What if I don’t have lemon-lime soda?
No worries—you can substitute with apple cider for a more autumnal flavor or even a mild ginger ale. The key is the liquid’s sugar content, which helps create that incredible caramelized sauce.
Can I make Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dumplings up to the point of baking and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours. Bake just before serving so the crescent dough stays fluffy and light.
Why do I need to avoid pouring the soda directly on the dumplings?
Pouring the lemon-lime soda around the dumplings ensures the dough crisps up on top while the sauce forms underneath and between. Pouring directly on top can make the pastry soggy—so go gently around the sides!
Are Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian as long as your crescent roll dough and other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. Always double-check package labels if you’re cooking for strict vegetarians.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an easy, show-stopping dessert that’s sure to win hearts, you definitely need to make Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings. They’re warm, cozy, and just the right amount of nostalgic. Roll them up, share them with loved ones, and get ready for the compliments to pour in!
Print
Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 dumplings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings are a delightful dessert that combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough and baked to golden perfection. Served warm with a sweet buttery sauce, they are a comforting treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings:
- 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into 8 wedges each
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 can (12 oz) lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7UP)
- Optional: vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Wrap the apples: Wrap each apple wedge in a crescent roll triangle, starting at the wide end and rolling up tightly. Place all the wrapped apple wedges in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until combined (do not boil). Pour the butter mixture evenly over the dumplings.
- Add soda: Slowly pour the lemon-lime soda around the edges and in between the dumplings—avoid pouring directly on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Notes
- Granny Smith apples work best due to their tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji can also be used.
- For a richer flavor, substitute half the soda with apple cider.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven to keep the crust crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dumpling
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
