Easy Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking for a fall-inspired dessert that’s both nostalgic and surprisingly simple to make, you’ve struck gold with this Easy Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls Recipe. I absolutely love how this dessert captures that warm, cinnamon-spiced apple goodness wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry — and the best part? It’s all made using store-bought crescent rolls! Stick with me, because I’m about to share the exact method to get these golden, sweet dumplings that will have your family asking for seconds, guaranteed.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of this Easy Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls Recipe — just a handful of simple ingredients come together for a truly delicious dessert. Each one plays a role in creating that melty, gooey, flaky magic you’ll love. Quick tip: pick Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firmness, which balances the sweet sauce.

• Granny Smith apples: Their firm texture and tart flavor hold up well to baking and balance the sweetness perfectly.
• Crescent rolls: Store-bought makes this recipe a breeze — plus, they give you that flaky, buttery crust without any fuss.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create that luscious sauce around the dumplings.
• Sugar: Sweetens the sauce and caramelizes during baking for that irresistible glaze.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash brightens the flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
• Mountain Dew soda: This fizzy soda is a secret weapon — it adds subtle citrus notes and helps keep the dumplings moist and tender.
• Cinnamon: Classic fall spice that pairs perfectly with apple and butter.

Variations

I love how flexible this Easy Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls Recipe is. It’s one of those treats you can easily tweak to match your mood or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative — I often do!

• Spice it up: Sometimes, I add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the cinnamon for a deeper spice profile that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
• Fruit swap: I’ve also made this using peeled peaches or pears when it’s apple season, which gives a fresh twist while keeping the same delicious concept.
• Gluten-free option: While crescent rolls are my go-to, I’ve tried gluten-free crescent dough brands with good results — just watch your baking time as it can vary.
• Less sweet: If you want to cut down on sweetness, try using half the sugar and a dry sparkling water instead of Mountain Dew — the apples still shine through wonderfully.

How to Make Easy Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Apples and Crescent Rolls

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with butter — this helps the dumplings brown without sticking. Peel and core your Granny Smith apples, then cut each one into 8 wedges — I like the even size for consistent baking. Next, unroll the crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface and separate into 16 triangles. Here’s a trick I learned: work quickly so the dough stays cold and easier to roll around the apples.

Step 2: Wrap the Apple Wedges

Place each apple wedge on the widest end of a crescent triangle, then roll the dough snugly toward the point, overlapping the edges around the apple. Don’t worry about perfection — little folds add charm. Once all wedges are wrapped, arrange the dumplings stick-side down in your prepared baking dish. This prevents unrolling during baking.

Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce and Bake

In a small saucepan, melt one cup of butter over low heat. Stir in the sugar just enough to combine — you want it lumpy and grainy rather than fully dissolved. Then add vanilla extract with a quick stir. Pour this mixture evenly over the wrapped apples. Pour the can of Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan (not directly on top to keep dumplings intact) and sprinkle the cinnamon over everything. Pop it into your oven for 30 to 45 minutes, until the tops are a gorgeous golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve Warm and Happy

Serve your apple dumplings warm, spooning some of that bubbling sauce from the pan right over the top. I love them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — it’s the little indulgence that takes this from “delicious” to “oh wow.” Trust me, your family will go crazy for this dessert.

How to Serve Easy Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I tend to keep it classic here — a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream goes perfectly with warm apple dumplings. Sometimes I sprinkle a touch of powdered sugar or extra cinnamon on top for a little extra flair. A drizzle of caramel sauce doesn’t hurt either, especially if you’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

This dessert stands on its own, but if you want to complement it, I’d suggest light sides like a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee to balance the sweetness. A crisp green salad helps refresh the palate if you’re serving this after a heavier meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes plate each dumpling in an individual ramekin for that cozy, rustic feel. A fresh mint leaf or a small cinnamon stick as a garnish makes it look extra special. You could also turn these into mini servings by slicing apples thinner and using smaller crescent roll triangles — great for parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always cover leftover dumplings tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When cooled, the sauce gets thicker, but it still tastes amazing.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I freeze the wrapped apple dumplings before baking. Just wrap each in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I reheat them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warm. Microwave works too, but you risk a soggy crust. Reheating this way keeps that crispy, buttery top intact — just what you want!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls Recipe is one of those rare desserts that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I remember making this with my kids on a chilly evening, the sweet aroma filling the house and turning simple ingredients into something truly special. If you’re hunting for a fuss-free comfort dessert that tastes like it took hours but is done in under an hour, give this a try. Trust me — once you do, it’ll become your go-to fall favorite too.

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