Apple Dumplings

These easy Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings are out of this world delicious! No one will ever suspect that the secret ingredient is a can of soda.

For a delicious twist, try my Peach Dumplings recipe. Same easy recipe, with a peachy twist! Or give our fried apples a try for dessert. They’re also delicious on top of some homemade waffles.

White dessert plate with several apple dumplings and a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.


Mountain Dew {Secret Ingredient}

Some recipes sound just crazy enough to work. Such is the case with this insanely good Apple Dumpling recipe.

Soda isn’t something I keep around the house these days (as a recovering Diet Coke addict!) but it sure can be handy when it comes to baking (have you tried this Coca Cola Cake yet??).

It adds one-step sweetness and flavor, like in this Cherry 7 Up Pound Cake. The carbonation works as a leavening agent in a pinch for many baked goods.

Many years ago I first saw a recipe for Mountain Dew Dumplings, I was intrigued. Rather than putting soda in any kind of batter or dough, you actually pour it around the edges of the dumplings as they bake!

It creates a sweet and syrupy bed for the apple dumplings that works perfectly with the spiced apples wrapped in flaky dough.

Easy Apple Dumplings

White 13x9 baking dish with apple dumplings in sugar syrup sauce.

I’ve made plenty of apple desserts in my time. There’s not a lot I wouldn’t do for a slice of Apple Pie or Apple Cinnamon Bread. But I can’t recall having made apple dumplings before.

Dumplings like this are an old fashioned, down home dessert. Chances are good your grandmother used to make them. . . and that her grandmother probably made them too!

A buttery crust surrounds sweet apples that melt in your mouth, made even better with the lightest touch of cinnamon. They’re typically served with a generous amount of thick, caramel-y sauce and I don’t think anyone would turn down a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

In fact, I demand it!

If you’re looking for an easy apple dumpling recipe, stop right here and try the one I’m sharing today!

Using quick hacks like my trust refrigerated crescent roll dough and a cup of Mountain Dew, you probably have everything you need to whip up a batch today!

The sauce. The sauce in this recipe deserves a shout out. It’s simple–just butter, sugar and vanilla, mixed on the stove then poured over the crescent-wrapped apples.

And sometimes the simplest things are the best! As the dumplings baked the sauce formed a sugary glaze over every dumpling. The addition of the Mountain Dew to the edges of the pan turned the syrup into liquid gold.

Believe me when I say, you need to try this dessert recipe!

Ingredients needed for pioneer woman apple dumpling recipe.

Ingredient Notes

This recipe was originally taken from the Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings. I loved it so much I just had to share it with all of you!

You only need 7 ingredients to make Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings:

  • Granny smith apples
  • Butter
  • Sugar
  • Crescent roll dough
  • Cinnamon
  • Vanilla
  • Mountain Dew

How to Make Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings

Step by step photos for making homemade apple dumplings.

Only a few easy steps required to make these Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings!

STEP 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter 13×9-inch baking dish with 2 Tbsp butter. Set aside.

STEP 2. Peel and core granny smith apples. Cut each apple into 8 slices. Roll one apple slice in one crescent roll. Place in the buttered baking dish.

STEP 3. In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup butter with sugar. Barely stirring, remove from heat when butter is melted. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.

STEP 4. Pour over crescent rolls. Then pour the 1 cup of Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan ONLY. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

STEP 5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the rolls are completely cooked.

Serve warm, and don’t forget to spoon some of that sauce from the pan over the top!

Plate of apple dumplings with one forkful being lifted up and topped with melted vanilla ice cream.

Tips and Tricks

  • Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings are good on their own, but they’re even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream on top!
  • Make sure not to pour any Mountain Dew on the dumplings themselves. Stick to the sides of the pan so you don’t get the dough soggy. If liquid gets on top of the crescent dough it won’t brown and will turn into a mushy mess. . . but a tasty mushy mess at least.
  • Use REAL Mountain Dew here! In a pinch a can of Sprite will work. Just don’t choose diet soda!
  • Don’t use a pan smaller than 9 x 13. The dumplings need just a little room to breath to be at their best!
Dessert plate with apple dumplings and ice cream and granny smith apples in background.

More Apple Dessert Recipes

Apple Dumplings

4.75 from 16 votes
By: Aimee
These easy Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings are out of this world delicious! No one will ever suspect that the secret ingredient is a can of soda.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 16 servings

Ingredients 

  • 2 large Granny Smith apples
  • 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls 8 ounce each
  • 1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup Mountain Dew
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Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter 13×9-inch baking dish with 2 Tbsp butter. Set aside.
  • Peel and core granny smith apples. Cut each apple into 8 slices. Roll one apple slice in one crescent roll. Place in the buttered baking dish.
  • In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup butter with sugar. Barely stirring, remove from heat when butter is melted. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
  • Pour over crescent rolls. Then pour the 1 cup of Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan ONLY. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the rolls are completely cooked.
  • Serve warm with ice cream (be sure so spoon some of the sauce from the pan over the top)!

Notes

  • Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings are good on their own, but they’re even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream on top!
  • Make sure not to pour any Mountain Dew on the dumplings themselves. Stick to the sides of the pan so you don’t get the dough soggy. If liquid gets on top of the crescent dough it won’t brown and will turn into a mushy mess. . . but a tasty mushy mess at least.
  • Use REAL Mountain Dew here! In a pinch a can of Sprite will work. Just don’t choose diet soda!
  • Don’t use a pan smaller than 9 x 13. The dumplings need just a little room to breath to be at their best!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 121kcal, Carbohydrates: 26g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 6mg, Sodium: 18mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 23g
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!

Soft Apple dumpling bottoms with a golden brown top and a rich sauce are an indulgence everyone needs from time to time. Add some ice cream and you have a dessert that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!



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About Aimee

Aimee is a dessert lover (specifically rice krispie treats), workout enthusiast, self-taught foodie, and recipe creator.

Learn more about Aimee.

Affiliate Disclosure:**There may be affiliate links in this post! By clicking on them, or purchasing recommended items I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I love! Thank you for supporting Shugary Sweets! See my disclosure policy for more info**

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Posted on May 6, 2020

Comments & Reviews

  1. These look delicious! Do the granny smith apples get soft? I like a soft fruit in my pies etc. Thanks!

  2. I live in Australia I’m wondering if Crescent Rolls are sold here as well. When I go shopping on Monday I will have a look for them. I really want to try this recipe.

  3. These were amazing! I’ve been requested to make them for Thanksgiving they’re so good! Very easy too. I didn’t see to “peel” the apples and they were delicious with the peels – easier too!

  4. Does the part of the crescent on the bottom, get crispy or soggy,,I ve used crescent rolls in a chili recipe, and the part on the bottom was soggy, it didn’t bake,,, just wondering?

  5. I was wondering about using Sprite since my husband doesn’t drink Mountain Dew. Thanks for pointing out it can also be used. This sounds great! I be sure to pick up some Granny Smith apples when I go the store next. I can’t wait to make them!

  6. If you are in a big hurry or just don’t want to peel apples, you can get Granny Smiths already peeled and sliced at most grocery stores.
    My family loves both apple and peach dumplings.
    Goes over really good at potlucks too.

  7. These are so delicious. Very easy to make and your family will love them. Great for holidays too.

    1. If I wanted to freeze some would I assemble each and don’t bake or do I bake and freeze after cooking ?

  8. I made these dumplings yesterday and they are UNBELIEVABLE!!!! Delicious, my husband has very high praise for this recipe as I do. I have made so many of your recipes and this one is #1!! Thank you Aimee.

    1. I’ve made this before and I poured the soda right out of the liter. Mine was full of fizz!

  9. We absolutely LOVE these! If you’ve never had them, you’re in for a wonderful, yummy surprise! And sooo easy to do, too! Thank you for posting! God bless! 🙂

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