Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are a warm, comforting dessert made with crescent roll dough wrapped around apple wedges, then baked in a buttery cinnamon-sugar syrup with a splash of Mountain Dew. This easy-to-make dish delivers a rich, caramelized flavor and tender texture that makes it irresistible. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

Granny Smith applescrescent roll doughunsalted buttersugarvanilla extractground cinnamonsaltMountain Dew (or lemon-lime soda)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Peel and core the apples, then cut them into eighths.

Unroll the crescent dough and wrap each apple wedge with one triangle of dough, sealing the edges.

Place the wrapped apples in the prepared baking dish.

In a saucepan, melt the butter, then stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

Pour the mixture evenly over the dumplings.

Carefully pour the Mountain Dew around the edges and in between the dumplings (not directly on top).

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.

Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 35-40 minutesCooling time: 10 minutesTotal time: 60-65 minutes

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper flavor.

Swap Mountain Dew with ginger ale or Sprite for a different citrus twist.

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

What type of apples should I use?

Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the sauce.

Can I use homemade dough?

Yes, but crescent roll dough is a convenient and tasty shortcut.

Why use Mountain Dew?

It adds a citrusy flavor and helps create the caramelized sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the dumplings and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking, but bake them just before serving for best results.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but butter provides the richest flavor.

Can I freeze apple dumplings?

It’s best to freeze them before baking. Thaw and bake when ready.

How do I keep the dumplings from getting soggy?

Don’t pour the soda directly on top and bake until the tops are golden and crisp.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can cut the sugar by 1/4 cup without drastically altering the taste.

What can I use instead of soda?

Try apple cider, ginger ale, or even a mix of lemon juice and water with sugar.

Is this dessert very sweet?

Yes, it’s quite rich and sweet, especially with the soda and sugar syrup.

Conclusion

Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are a nostalgic and indulgent dessert that’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying. With tender apples wrapped in buttery pastry and baked in a sweet, fizzy sauce, this dish is sure to impress family and guests alike. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate treat.

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