PIONEER WOMANS APPLE DUMPLINGS

These Apple Dumplings are a delightful mix of soft, buttery crescent dough wrapped around tart apple slices, baked in a rich cinnamon-sugar sauce. With a touch of vanilla and a surprising secret ingredient—7-Up soda—this dessert creates an irresistible caramelized sauce that pairs perfectly with the warm, tender apples. Whether served on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these apple dumplings are bound to be a hit at any gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Quick and Easy: Using crescent dough saves time and effort, making this recipe perfect for last-minute desserts or when you want something special without a lot of fuss.
Deliciously Cozy: The combination of cinnamon, apples, and buttery crescent dough creates the ultimate comfort food dessert.
Crowd-Pleaser: These dumplings are a hit with both kids and adults alike, and they pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create this rich, flavorful dessert.

Key Ingredients:

Apples: Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice for their tartness, but you can use Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples for a sweeter variation. If you prefer softer apples after baking, Gala or Golden Delicious are good options.
Crescent Dough: Pillsbury Crescent dough is a convenient option, but you can use puff pastry if you want an extra flaky and buttery result.
7-Up Substitute: Any lemon-lime soda will work in place of 7-Up, or you can try ginger ale for a slightly different flavor profile.
Spices: For a warm, autumnal twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon mixture.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready when it’s time to bake.

Grease the Baking Dish:
Thoroughly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This prevents the dumplings from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Peel and Slice the Apple:
Peel a large apple and cut it into 8-10 wedges. A tart apple like Fuji or Granny Smith works well for this recipe due to its sweet and tangy flavor.

Pat the Apple Wedges Dry:
Use a paper towel to pat the apple wedges dry. This step helps the crescent dough adhere better to the apples and prevents excess moisture during baking.

Step 3: Wrap the Apples in Crescent Dough

Open and Separate the Dough:
Open a can of Pillsbury Crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles.

Wrap the Apple Wedges:
Starting at the wide end of each dough triangle, roll each apple wedge tightly in the crescent dough. Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough to fully enclose the apple.

Arrange in the Baking Dish:
Place the wrapped apple wedges into the greased baking dish, ensuring they are spaced evenly for even baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

Melt the Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat.

Add Sugar and Cinnamon:
Once the butter has melted, stir in 2/3 cup of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Whisk constantly until the mixture thickens and is well combined.

Add Vanilla Extract:
Remove the mixture from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Pour the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:
Evenly pour the thickened cinnamon-sugar mixture over the wrapped apple dumplings in the baking dish, making sure each dumpling is well coated.

Add the 7-Up:
Pour 3/4 cup of 7-Up (or any lemon-lime soda) around the edges of the baking dish. This helps create a bubbly, caramelized sauce during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Apple Dumplings

Bake the Dumplings:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.

Check for Doneness:
The crescent dough should puff up and turn golden, while the apples inside will become tender and flavorful.

Step 7: Serve the Dumplings

Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the dumplings to cool slightly.

Enjoy:
Serve the dumplings warm with the gooey sauce. They are delicious on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Serving Suggestions:

These Apple Dumplings are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the dessert with a few simple additions:

Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm dumplings.
Whipped Cream: A light, fluffy dollop of whipped cream adds a nice texture and complements the rich sauce.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the top for even more indulgence.
Chopped Nuts: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, store the apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, but the dumplings will still be delicious when reheated.

Reheat: To reheat, warm the dumplings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This will help restore some of the crispiness of the dough.

Freeze: You can freeze unbaked apple dumplings by wrapping them individually and storing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Recipe Variations:

Peach Dumplings: Swap the apples for peach slices for a summery twist. Peaches pair wonderfully with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Spiced Dumplings: Add nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a more spiced version that’s perfect for fall.
Crescent Rolls Alternative: If you don’t have crescent dough, you can use puff pastry or pie dough for a flakier texture.

Conclusion:

These Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings are a must-try dessert that’s incredibly easy to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of buttery crescent dough, tender apples, and a sweet, caramelized sauce makes this dish a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight treat or a show-stopping dessert at a family gathering, it’s sure to impress.