Name: Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Granny Smith apples; 2 (8 ounce) cans crescent rolls; 1 cup butter; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1 dash cinnamon; 1 (12 ounce) can Mountain Dew soda

These easy-to-make Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings transform simple ingredients into a heavenly dessert with a rich, buttery sauce that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tart apples wrapped in flaky crescent rolls and bathed in a sweet syrup creates an irresistible treat that’s become a beloved classic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple dumpling recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. You’ll love how the tart Granny Smith apples soften to perfection while the crescent rolls turn golden and flaky. The butter-sugar sauce creates a caramel-like coating that’s enhanced by the unexpected addition of Mountain Dew, resulting in a dessert that’s homey yet impressive. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or special occasion, this dessert brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Granny Smith apples provide the perfect tartness to balance the sweet sauce in this recipe. Their firm texture holds up well during baking, allowing them to become tender without turning mushy. If Granny Smith isn’t available, any tart baking apple like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady works nicely.

Crescent rolls are the convenient shortcut that makes this recipe so accessible. They bake up with a wonderfully flaky texture while wrapping the apple slices in a warm, doughy hug. The pre-made dough saves time without sacrificing flavor.

Butter forms the rich base of the sauce, bringing a velvety texture and unmistakable depth of flavor that makes these dumplings truly indulgent. Use unsalted butter if you prefer to control the salt content.

Sugar transforms with the butter to create a caramel-like sauce that bathes the dumplings. It caramelizes slightly during baking, adding complexity to the sweetness.

Vanilla extract adds a warm aromatic note that enhances both the apples and the buttery sauce. Pure vanilla extract provides the best flavor, but imitation works in a pinch.

Cinnamon brings its characteristic warmth and spice that pairs perfectly with apples. It’s the quintessential apple dessert spice that makes your kitchen smell amazing while baking.

Mountain Dew soda might seem unusual, but it’s the secret ingredient that creates the perfect consistency in the sauce. The citrus notes complement the apples while the carbonation helps the dumplings rise slightly. Any lemon-lime soda can work as a substitute.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Peel and core the Granny Smith apples, then cut each apple into 8 slices for a total of 16 slices.
Open the cans of crescent rolls and separate the dough along the perforations.
Roll each apple slice in a triangle of crescent roll dough, starting from the wide end and rolling toward the point. Place each wrapped slice in the buttered baking dish.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Add the sugar and stir gently until just combined, but don’t overmix.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour this butter mixture evenly over the wrapped apple slices in the baking dish.
Pour the Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan, not directly on top of the dumplings.
Sprinkle the dumplings lightly with cinnamon.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Allow to cool slightly before serving. These dumplings are best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and some of the pan sauce spooned over the top.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 16 individual apple dumplings, which typically serves 6-8 people depending on appetite and whether you’re serving with ice cream. The prep time is about 10 minutes, and the cooking time is 40 minutes, for a total time of 50 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, making it an indulgent but reasonable dessert option.

Variations

Spiced Apple Dumplings: Add 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and a pinch of cloves to the cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.

Caramel Apple Dumplings: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving or mix 1/4 cup of caramel sauce into the butter mixture.

Nutty Apple Dumplings: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the dumplings before baking for added texture and flavor.

Reduced Sugar Version: Cut the sugar to 1 cup and use diet lemon-lime soda for a slightly less sweet option.

Orange Twist: Replace the Mountain Dew with orange soda for a different citrus note, or add some orange zest to the butter mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before covering to prevent condensation.

Freezing: These dumplings can be frozen after baking. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating from Refrigerated: The best way to reheat refrigerated dumplings is in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.

Reheating from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes until hot.

Microwave Method: For a quick option, microwave individual dumplings for 30-45 seconds, though this may slightly compromise the texture of the pastry.

FAQs

Why are my apple dumplings soggy?

If your dumplings turn out soggy, it might be because there was too much liquid in the pan. Make sure to pour the Mountain Dew around the edges rather than over the dumplings. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking.

Can I make these apple dumplings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dumplings up to the point of baking, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

What’s the best type of apple to use for these dumplings?

Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweet sauce, and they hold their shape during baking. Other good options include Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady apples.

Can I use homemade pastry instead of crescent rolls?

Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own pastry, a simple pie crust works well. Roll it to about 1/8-inch thickness and cut into triangles to wrap the apples.

Why does this recipe use Mountain Dew?

The Mountain Dew adds a subtle citrus flavor that complements the apples, while its carbonation and sugar content help create the perfect sauce consistency during baking.

How do I know when the dumplings are done baking?

The dumplings are done when the crescent rolls are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges, typically after about 40 minutes at 350°F.

Can I reduce the amount of butter or sugar?

You can reduce both slightly—try 3/4 cup butter and 1 cup sugar—but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and abundant. The recipe is meant to be indulgent!

What can I substitute for Mountain Dew?

Any lemon-lime soda works well, including Sprite or 7-Up. For a less sweet version, you could use a combination of apple juice and a splash of lemon juice.

Should I serve these warm or cold?

These apple dumplings are best served warm, ideally about 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows the sauce to set slightly while keeping the dumplings warm and comforting.

Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

While apples are traditional, you could experiment with pears as an alternative. Avoid fruits with high water content like berries, as they may make the dumplings too soggy.

Conclusion

Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings exemplify how simple ingredients can create something truly magical when combined. The contrast between the tart apples and sweet, buttery sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors, while the flaky crescent rolls provide a satisfying texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re serving these dumplings for a cozy family dessert or as the finale to a dinner party, they’re sure to earn rave reviews. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility—feel free to experiment with the variations to make it your own family tradition. With minimal effort and maximum impact, these apple dumplings may just become your new go-to dessert.