Description
These Pioneer Woman-inspired Apple Dumplings are a delightful dessert with a buttery, flaky crescent dough wrapped around juicy apple slices. Baked in a sweet cinnamon sauce and topped with a fizzy touch of 7-Up, these apple dumplings have a unique flavor and texture. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy family dessert, they’re easy to make and sure to impress!
Who is This Recipe For?
This recipe is for anyone who loves a comforting, apple-filled dessert that doesn’t require a lot of prep work. If you enjoy quick, crowd-pleasing recipes or are a fan of warm, baked apple treats, you’ll love these easy-to-make apple dumplings!
Why It’s Great
With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, these apple dumplings capture the cozy flavors of apple pie without the fuss of rolling out pie dough. The soda adds a slight caramelized touch, and the buttery cinnamon sauce infuses each dumpling with warm, rich flavor. Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert experience!
Ingredients
- 1 large apple (Fuji, Granny Smith, or any tart apple)
- 1 can Pillsbury Crescent Roll dough
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (6 ounces) 7-Up or any lemon-lime soda
How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare the Apples:
- Peel the apple and cut it into 8-10 wedges. Pat the apple wedges dry with a paper towel to help the dough stick.
- Separate the crescent roll dough into individual triangles.
- Wrap the Apples:
- Roll each apple wedge in one piece of crescent roll dough, starting at the wider end.
- Pinch the edges of the dough to fully enclose the apple, and place each wrapped apple into the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Cinnamon Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and cinnamon, stirring until fully combined and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the cinnamon sauce evenly over the apple dumplings in the baking dish.
- Pour the 7-Up around the edges of the dumplings (not directly over them).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the dumplings cool slightly, then serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Paring knife for cutting and peeling the apple
Storage
Store any leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. These dumplings are best enjoyed warm!
FAQ
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! Any firm, slightly tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works well in this recipe.
Do I have to use 7-Up?
While 7-Up is traditional for this recipe, any lemon-lime soda or even ginger ale will work. The soda adds a hint of sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
For the best results, bake the dumplings fresh, but you can assemble them in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Add the soda and bake just before serving.
Conclusion
These Pioneer Woman-inspired Apple Dumplings are a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert with the perfect blend of sweet apples, cinnamon, and buttery pastry. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just craving a cozy dessert, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy these warm dumplings with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat!
