🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 6)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Granny Smith apples | 2 medium | Or any firm variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp |
| Refrigerated crescent rolls | 1 can (8-count) | Pre-made dough makes prep quick |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup, melted | Adds rich buttery flavor |
| Brown sugar | ¾ cup | Use packed for best caramel taste |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | Classic warming spice |
Optional Toppings to Elevate Your Dessert
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Vanilla ice cream — the perfect contrast to warm apples
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Caramel sauce — drizzle extra sweetness and shine
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Whipped cream — light and creamy finish
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (10-Minute Prep, 30 Minutes Bake)
1. Prepare the Oven and Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, core the apples to remove seeds and the tough center. Don’t worry about peeling—the skins add texture and hold the wedges together beautifully. Slice each apple into 8 even wedges to create the perfect bite-sized pieces.
2. Wrap Apple Wedges in Crescent Dough
Unroll your refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangles. These pre-cut dough pieces make wrapping quick and mess-free. Place one apple wedge near the wide end of each triangle. Roll the dough up around the apple wedge, tucking the ends underneath to seal it as best you can. Place each wrapped dumpling seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them neatly in rows.
3. Make the Sweet Cinnamon Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. This mixture will soak into the dough and apples as they bake, creating that irresistible caramel glaze. Pour the sauce evenly over all the wrapped dumplings, making sure each one gets a generous coating.
4. Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The crescent rolls should puff up and turn golden brown, while the sauce bubbles and thickens around them. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning—if the tops brown too quickly, tent with foil and continue baking until done.
5. Serve Warm with Toppings
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the dumplings cool for a few minutes. Spoon some of the luscious caramel sauce from the pan over each dumpling before serving. For the ultimate treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream on top. This dessert is best enjoyed warm for that melt-in-your-mouth comfort.
🔥 Pro Tips for Next-Level Apple Dumplings
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Extra Saucy? For an even more indulgent sauce, pour about ½ cup of lemon-lime soda (Sprite or Mountain Dew) over the dumplings before baking. The soda adds a subtle fizz and helps caramelize the sauce beautifully.
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Add a Flavor Boost: Before wrapping the apples, toss the wedges with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg. These spices add warmth and depth to the flavor.
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Make Ahead: Prepare the dumplings in advance by assembling them in your baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add the sauce and pop them in the oven.
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Customize Your Filling: Mix raisins, chopped walnuts, or dried cranberries with the apples for texture and extra flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices like cloves or allspice.
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Use Different Apples: While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tart contrast, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples will add sweetness and softness if you prefer a milder flavor.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these apple dumplings gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the crescent roll dough with a gluten-free pastry dough or use pre-made gluten-free crescent rolls available at some stores.
Q: How long do leftovers keep?
A: Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the dumplings?
A: Absolutely! Assemble and wrap the dumplings, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These easy apple dumplings are a foolproof way to bring the flavors of fall to your table without the fuss. The tender apples, wrapped in buttery dough and bathed in a cinnamon caramel sauce, deliver a comforting dessert that’s both nostalgic and simple. Whether you serve them as a quick weeknight treat or a festive holiday dessert, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ready to impress your family and friends with this sweet, cozy classic? Gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy the delicious rewards!