Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are a comforting, irresistible dessert made with crescent roll dough, fresh apples, and a buttery cinnamon-sugar sauce. What sets this recipe apart is the addition of a fizzy citrus soda like Mountain Dew, which caramelizes into a rich glaze during baking. These dumplings are perfect for cozy nights, potlucks, or family gatherings.

ingredients

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

Granny Smith applescrescent roll doughunsalted buttersugarbrown sugarvanilla extractground cinnamonMountain Dew 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 each into 8 slices.

Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles.

Wrap each apple slice in a triangle of dough, starting at the wide end and rolling up.

Place all the wrapped apples into the prepared baking dish.

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then stir in the sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Mix until combined but do not boil.

Pour the butter mixture evenly over the dumplings.

Pour the Mountain Dew around the edges and down the middle of the pan, avoiding the tops of the dumplings.

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

Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 16 dumplings.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 35-40 minutesTotal time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

Use Sprite or 7UP instead of Mountain Dew for a slightly different citrus flavor.

Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mix for extra warmth.

Try using pears instead of apples for a twist.

Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a crunchy finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and warm for 30-45 seconds or until heated through.You can also reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes for a crispier texture.

FAQs

What kind of apples work best?

Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness and firm texture, which balances the sweetness of the dish.

Do I have to use crescent rolls?

Yes, they provide the perfect soft and flaky crust. Substitutions will change the texture significantly.

Why add Mountain Dew?

The soda creates a sweet, caramelized syrup that enhances the flavor and moistness of the dumplings.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can assemble ahead and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

Is it too sweet?

It is sweet, but the tart apples and vanilla ice cream can balance it out.

Can I use diet soda?

Yes, though the flavor and caramelization may vary slightly.

Can I freeze apple dumplings?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the dough can suffer.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just use a larger baking dish or two pans.

Is this kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love the soft apples and sweet sauce.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for the best texture, but you can leave the skin on if preferred.

Conclusion

Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are the ultimate blend of simplicity and indulgence. With crisp apples wrapped in golden dough and a buttery soda glaze, this dessert is both easy to prepare and impossible to resist. Serve it warm and watch it disappear—this comforting classic is sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe box.

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