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Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings are a warm and comforting dessert that is great for sharing with friends and family. Crescent roll dough is filled with a buttery apple filling, brown sugar and club soda. It’s a fool-proof delicious dessert recipe that you will want to enjoy for generations to come.
This easy recipe is great for anyone and is perfect for first time bakers. It’s quick to prep and comes together with just a few ingredients. This old-fashioned apple dessert recipe will soon become a family favorite that you will want to serve at Thanksgiving, Christmas or any time through the fall season!
If you love apple desserts, try these easy apple hand pies too!
What are Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings?
Apple Dumplings are a classic, cozy dessert that wraps cinnamon-spiced apples in a flaky, buttery pastry and baked in a sweet, syrupy sauce. Every bite gives you a cozy mix of apples, spices, and pastry goodness that melts in your mouth. They’re perfect for fall or any time you’re craving a comforting treat! Serve them fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for that extra oomph!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Dumplings
This easy apple dumpling recipe comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious dumplings:
- Apples – Use a firm, tart variety of fresh apples like granny smith apples for the best balance of sweetness and tartness. Peel and core apples before slicing them into wedges.
- Ground Cinnamon – This gives the dumplings a cozy, autumnal flavor. You can substitute with apple pie spice, if desired.
- Crescent Rolls – They provide a flaky, buttery layer around the apples. No need to make crescent dough, just buy 3 packages of crescent rolls from the grocery store.
- Butter – Melted butter provides the base of the sweet sauce. Use unsalted butter.
- Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a touch of caramel flavor to complement the apples.
- Vanilla Extract – For delicious flavor. You can omit, if needed.
- Club Soda – This is the secret ingredient that helps the dumplings stay crunchy and fluffy. Trust me, you don’t want to omit this ingredient!
- Rum or Cognac (Optional) – Who doesn’t love a little rum with dessert? This enhances the flavor of the sauce.
How to Make Apple Dumplings Step by Step with Photos
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the buttery sauce by melting the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the brown sugar, vanilla and rum (if using), until the sugar is melted and the sauce is smooth. Set the sauce aside to cool while you prefer the dumplings.
Step 3: Peel, core, and slice the whole apples into large wedges (about 1/2 – 1 inch thick pieces.) Toss the apples with the cinnamon.
Step 4: Roll out the crescent roll dough and separate into the crescent pieces. Place one or two apple slices at the wide bottom of each piece and roll up the apples in the dough.
Step 5: Arrange the prepared dumplings in the prepared baking dish. I usually fit 3 across the width of the pan. Pour the brown sugar mixture over the dumplings to create a moist baking environment in the bottom of the pan that also infuses them with flavor. Then pour the club soda evenly over the dumplings.
Step 6: Sprinkle the top of the dumplings with brown sugar. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the apples are tender.
Step 7: Serve warm with a drizzle of the syrup from the baking dish, and enjoy with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Storage and Make Ahead
You can prep the apple dumplings a few hours ahead of time and keep them in the fridge, covered, until ready to bake.
To store leftovers, wrap the dish in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Or transfer the dumplings to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the dumplings in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are popular for their firmness and tartness, other baking apples like Pink Lady, Braeburn, or Jonathan work well too. Just make sure to choose apples that hold their shape when baked.
Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the dumplings a few hours ahead and keep them in the fridge, covered, until ready to bake. For longer storage, you can freeze unbaked dumplings for up to two months; when ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and proceed as directed.
Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?
Absolutely! Puff pastry will create a lighter, flakier texture. Just keep an eye on them while baking, as puff pastry may cook faster than pie dough.
Can I use a different type of fruit?
Yes, you can! Make peach dumplings by substituting the apple wedges with peach wedges. Or you can also use pears.
How should I store leftover apple dumplings?
Store cooled dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
What can I serve with apple dumplings?
Apple dumplings are delicious on their own but can be elevated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Other Easy Dessert Recipes
Did you try these Apple Dumplings? Leave a recipe rating and review below!
Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings
Ingredients
- 8 medium granny smith apples
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon rum or cognac (optional)
- 3 tablespoons club soda
- 3 packs crescent rolls (24 rolls total)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Once melted, whisk in the brown sugar, vanilla, and rum (if using), until the sugar is melted and the sauce is smooth. Set the sauce aside to cool while you prepare the dumplings.
- Peel, core and slice the apples into large pieces (about 1/2 to 1-inch wide.) In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with the cinnamon.
- Roll out the crescent roll dough and separate into the crescent pieces. Place two apple slices on the wide bottom of each piece and roll up the apples in the dough, pinching the edges to close.
- Arrange the dumplings in the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce over the dumplings, evenly coating. Then, pour the club soda over the dumplings.
- Sprinkle the tops of the dumplings with extra brown sugar. Bake for 20 minutes, then increase the temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the dumplings are golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Serve the dumplings warm with a drizzle of sauce from the baking pan and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made these for Thanksgiving and they were a big hit!! Some people even got 4-5 of these delicious dumplings! I’m excited to try more of Toni’s recipes! We appreciate the accessibility 🙌🏽
The way this was a huge hit after Thanksgiving dinner in my household!! Even those who aren’t big fans of apple desserts ate seconds of this dessert! It’s super quick and easy to make. Very delicious!
It was good. I think I would like it sweeter but it’s a good recipe and the sauce made it extra tasty.
Quick and delicious 😋
This is one of the best desserts I’ve ever tasted! They are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. They were so easy to make and I’ll definitely be making these again! Thank you for the recipe.
Just tried your recipe and it came out so tasty! Thank you!
I follow all of your recipes, so when I saw you post this yesterday, I had to jump on it right away! Made them last night, and they were so delicious. Thanks for another recipe!