Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe

The Coziest Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe for Lazy Sundays

Crescent roll apple dumplings bring magic to your dessert table with their irresistible charm and simplicity.

Soft, buttery pastry wraps around sweet, tender fruit in a delightful culinary embrace.

Warm spices dance through each bite, creating a sensory experience that feels both comforting and indulgent.

Bakers of all skill levels can easily master this delectable treat without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

The recipe promises a perfect balance between flaky exterior and luscious inner filling that melts in your mouth.

Imagine serving these golden-brown parcels that fill your kitchen with an enchanting aroma of cinnamon and baked goodness.

Each dumpling tells a story of comfort and homemade happiness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Explore this delightful dessert and let the sweet magic unfold.

Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings You’ll Crave Again

Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings You’ll Crave Again
  • Transform simple crescent rolls and apples into an impressive, gourmet-style dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours baking.
  • Create a rich, luxurious caramel sauce with minimal ingredients and cooking skills, delivering restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques.
  • Deliver a warm, nostalgic dessert that combines classic apple pie vibes with the convenience of ready-made crescent rolls, guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy.
  • Use lemon-lime soda as a secret ingredient that adds unexpected sweetness and helps create a dreamy, bubbling sauce during baking, elevating the entire dessert experience.

Ingredient List for Apple Dumpling Delight

Main Ingredients:

Fresh Apples: A sweet and crisp fruit that forms the core of these dumplings, best when firm and slightly tart like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

Crescent Roll Dough: Buttery, flaky pastry that wraps around the apples, providing a convenient and delicious outer layer for the dumplings.

Sauce and Sweeteners:
  • Brown Sugar, Butter: Rich caramel base that creates a decadent, glossy coating with deep, warm flavors.
  • Lemon-Lime Soda: Adds moisture and subtle citrus brightness to the baking process.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, complex sweetness and aromatic depth to the overall dessert.
Spices and Finishing Touches:
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm, sweet spice that complements the apple and enhances the dessert's cozy profile.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the overall flavor complexity.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic, creamy accompaniment that offers cool contrast to the warm dumplings.

How to Wrap and Bake Crescent Apple Dumplings

How to Wrap and Bake Crescent Apple Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Grab a 13″ x 9″ baking dish and generously coat the bottom and sides with butter, ensuring nothing sticks.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Carefully peel each apple, remove the core, and slice them into 8 perfect wedges. Choose crisp, sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best flavor.

Step 3: Wrap Apples in Crescent Dough

Unroll each crescent roll triangle. Place an apple wedge at the wide end and gently roll it up, tucking in the sides. Arrange these cozy apple bundles in the buttered baking dish.

Step 4: Create Decadent Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:
  • Butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Stir the ingredients until they transform into a smooth, glossy caramel sauce.

Step 5: Drench the Dumplings

Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the wrapped apple dumplings, making sure each one gets a delicious coating.

Step 6: Add Sparkling Magic

Gently pour lemon-lime soda around the edges of the pan. Be careful not to disturb the tops of the dumplings.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes until the dumplings turn a beautiful golden brown and the sauce becomes bubbly and enticing.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm, topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Drizzle any remaining caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips for Golden, Flaky Apple Dumplings

Tips for Golden, Flaky Apple Dumplings
  • Choose Ripe, Firm Apples: Select crisp, sweet-tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide perfect texture.
  • Seal Crescent Rolls Tightly: Pinch the edges of each crescent roll completely to prevent apple filling from leaking during baking.
  • Control Caramel Sauce Consistency: Stir the butter and brown sugar mixture constantly to create a smooth, glossy sauce without burning.
  • Distribute Soda Carefully: Pour lemon-lime soda gently around the pan's edges to create a moist, tender dumpling without saturating the tops.
  • Serve Immediately: Enjoy these dumplings warm right out of the oven for the most decadent taste and optimal melting ice cream experience.

How to Store and Reheat Crescent Dumplings

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
  • Reheat Oven: Warm dumplings at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, restoring their crispy edges and gooey caramel sauce.
  • Microwave Option: Heat individual dumplings for 30-45 seconds, drizzling extra sauce on top to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.

Sweet Pairings for Apple Dumpling Dessert

  • Pair with Warm Cinnamon Tea: Brew a cup of fragrant cinnamon tea that complements the apple's spicy notes and enhances the dessert's cozy warmth.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Gelato: Swap traditional ice cream for creamy, rich vanilla bean gelato that adds luxurious smoothness and intensifies the dessert's sweetness.
  • Match with Caramel Macchiato: A coffee drink loaded with caramel drizzle mirrors the dessert's buttery, sugary profile and provides a delightful caffeine kick.
  • Enjoy with Spiced Bourbon Cocktail: A smooth bourbon mixed with baking spices creates a sophisticated adult pairing that echoes the apple dumpling's deep, complex flavors.

New Ideas for Crescent Apple Dumpling Flavors

  • Peach Paradise Dumplings: Swap apples with ripe, juicy peaches for a summery southern-style dessert. Slice peaches into similar-sized wedges and roll inside crescent pastry. Prepare caramel sauce as original recipe, but add a hint of almond extract for deeper flavor complexity.
  • Berry Bliss Bundles: Use mixed berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries instead of apples. Reduce cooking time to 25 minutes to prevent berries from becoming too soft. Drizzle with a light cream cheese glaze after baking for extra richness.
  • Tropical Spice Crescents: Replace apples with chunks of fresh pineapple and mango. Modify caramel sauce by adding coconut extract and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg. Serve with coconut ice cream for a Caribbean-inspired dessert experience.
  • Cinnamon Pear Pockets: Use ripe pears cut into similar wedges as the original recipe. Enhance caramel sauce with a touch of cardamom and ginger. Top with chopped toasted pecans before serving for added crunch and nutty flavor.

FAQs for Apple Dumpling Perfection

  • Can I use a different type of soda?

Sprite or Mountain Dew work best. Avoid diet sodas as they won’t create the same rich caramel effect.

  • How do I store leftover apple dumplings?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.

  • Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?

Prepare and assemble the dumplings up to 8 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for the best texture.

  • What are some ingredient substitutions?

You can swap Granny Smith apples with Honeycrisp or Fuji. If you don’t have crescent rolls, puff pastry works as an alternative.

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Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe

Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Warm, flaky crescent roll apple dumplings dance with cinnamon-kissed sweetness, wrapping tender apples in buttery pastry. Mountain-style comfort brings pure dessert magic straight to your plate, promising delightful indulgence in every golden, caramel-glazed bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and cut into 8 wedges each)
  • 2 cans crescent roll dough (8 ounces each)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (plus more for pan)
  • 8 ounces lemon-lime soda
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Spices and Seasoning:

  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch kosher salt

Serving Suggestion:

  • Vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 350°F and coating a 13″ x 9″ baking vessel with a thin butter layer.
  2. Transform whole apples into eight precise wedges, meticulously removing core and skin to ensure clean slices.
  3. Carefully unfurl each crescent roll triangle and lovingly encase an apple wedge, rolling from the broader end toward the pointed tip with gentle precision.
  4. Arrange the wrapped apple parcels in the prepared baking dish, creating a neat arrangement with minimal spacing.
  5. Craft a luxurious caramel sauce by gently melting butter in a saucepan, gradually incorporating brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a whisper of salt.
  6. Tenderly cascade the silky caramel mixture over the assembled dumplings, ensuring even coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
  7. Delicately stream the lemon-lime soda around the dish’s perimeter, taking care to preserve the dumplings’ pristine tops.
  8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and allow the dumplings to transform for approximately 30 minutes, watching for a golden, effervescent appearance.
  9. Once baked, remove from the oven and let rest momentarily before serving alongside velvety vanilla ice cream, drizzling any remaining caramel sauce for decadent embellishment.

Notes

  • Prep ahead by having all ingredients measured and ready to streamline the baking process.
  • Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and balanced sweetness in the dumplings.
  • Ensure crescent roll dough is cold but pliable when wrapping apple slices to prevent tearing.
  • Create a perfect caramel sauce by whisking ingredients continuously to prevent burning and achieve smooth consistency.
  • Lemon-lime soda adds unexpected moisture and subtle flavor complexity to the dessert.
  • Serve immediately after baking for the most decadent experience with crisp pastry and warm, gooey filling.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 330 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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