Easy Apple Dumplings Recipe

When it comes to making dessert that is great to serve as an alternative to a traditional apple pie, you can’t beat this Easy Apple Dumpling recipe. All the flavors of a homemade apple pie but in a dessert designed for two!

But what exactly is a dumpling? Although this term can mean different things to different people, let me explain what type of dumpling that I am talking about here.

The general definition of a dumpling refers to dough wrapped around some sort of filling and baked or fried until golden brown. They can be filled with savory ingredients such as meat, cheese and/or vegetables like empanadas and wontons.

Or they can take on a sweeter taste and have a fruit or fruit filling with an exterior coating of sugar. And that is exactly what I am talking about here.

An apple wedge rolled up in crescent roll dough. Then a brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter mixture is poured over top.

Add in a little lemon-lime soda to lighten things up a bit and bake until they are golden brown in color. It is an easy dessert recipe that comes together in less than 10 minutes.

Dumpling vs. Hand Pie

Ever since sharing my Apple Hand Pie recipe, I have had several emails requesting a recipe to make homemade apple dumplings. Besides the obvious difference that one can be eaten with your hands and on the go, and the other one requires a fork, there is also another major difference between the two desserts.

And it all start with the filling. Hand pies are made with apple pie filling that is encased in a pocket of pie crust that is sealed around the edges.

On the contrary, the center of the apple dumplings include just an apple, or a piece of an apple. Then the dough is wrapped around the fruit and a sweet syrup is poured on top before it goes in the oven.

Therefore, the majority of the sweetness is provided from the outside rather than the inside.

Although traditionally both are made using homemade or store bought pie crust, I have adapted the recipe here to make it an even easier recipe.

Instead of making homemade pie crust or cutting out triangles of store bought pie crust I use refrigerator crescent roll dough instead. The light and flaky texture and the buttery flavor of the crescent rolls are the perfect compliment to the apples and sweet syrup.

Not to mention that because the refrigerated crescent roll dough is already perforated, they are easy to roll. In fact, it took me less than 10 minutes to get this delicious dessert in the oven!

What Type of Apple Makes The Best Apple Dumplings?

However, before you go and make this sweet treat, you must first determine which type of apple to use.

My first choice of apple when it comes to any baking recipe is Granny Smith. I use these firm, tart apples to make Apple Pie, Apple Crisp, and Caramel Apple Pie Bars.

They are fantastic to use in cooking recipes where you want the apple to hold its shape. However, if you don’t have access to Granny Smith apples, here are a few other varieties that will stand up to the job as well:

• Jonathan
• Jonagold
• Cortland
• Braeburn
• Honeycrisp

So the next time you are craving the taste of an apple pie, make this easy dessert instead!

Easy Apple Dumpling Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 medium Granny Smith apple
• 4 oz. can refrigerated crescent rolls (4 Count)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup lemon-lime soft drink (Sprite, Mountain Dew, or something similar)

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray small 5 x 5 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. (See Affiliate Product Link: Mini Baking Dish). Set aside.

Peel and core the apple. Then cut the apple in 6 wedges. *You will only need 4 apple slices so feel free to snack on the other two.

Next, unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into 4 triangles. Place 1 apple slice on the side opposite of the point of each triangle.

Roll, wrapping the dough around each apple slice. Place each wrapped apple in the pan, seam side down.

In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour the mixture evenly over the dumplings.

Pour the soda down the sides and around the dumplings in the center. Be sure not to pour it directly on top of the apple dumplings.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until the dough turns golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and let it sit for 15 minutes before serving.

Optional Step: Drizzle caramel on top of the cooked dumplings when they come out of the oven.

Serve 1-2 warm dumplings per serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why Do I Need To Add Lemon-Lime Soda?

The soda is added to thin the brown sugar and butter mixture during the baking process, making a delicious caramel syrup. A common substitution for the Sprite is Mt. Dew or Diet Mt. Dew.

However, you can also use apple cider or apple juice as well.

2. Can I Make This In A Convection Oven?

If you want to cook this dessert in a microwave convection oven, decrease the baking time by 5-8 minutes. Although most convection oven conversions also recommend reducing the heat by 25°F, I found it best to keep the baking temp at 375°F.

3. I Only Have An 8 Ounce Can Of Crescent Roll Dough?

If you have the larger, standard size can of crescent roll dough that includes 8 crescent rolls you can easily double the recipe.

Or use the remaining dough pieces to make these Sausage & Cream Cheese Appetizers or Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels.

3. How Do I Store & Reheat The Leftovers

Because these dumplings can be served for dessert, breakfast or a snack, store the leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Then place the apple dumplings in a microwaveable dish and reheat for 30-45 seconds or until warmed through. However, they will be more soggy than when you eat them right out of the oven.

Enjoy! Mary

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