Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish
Preheat the Oven:
For the mixture – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees that the oven will be heated when it’s time to bake.
Grease the Baking Dish:
Generously butter (or spray) an 8×8 inch baking dish. This helps the dumplings not to stick and simplifies cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel and Slice the Apple:
Pare a large apple and slice it into 8-10 wedges. This sweet and tangy combination is why I recommend a tart variety, such as Fuji or Granny Smith, for this recipe.
Pat the Apple Wedges Dry:
Dab the apple wedges dry with a paper towel. This allows the crescent dough to stick more firmly to the apples and limits moisture when baking.
Step 3: Encase the Apples in Crescent Dough
Open and Separate the Dough:
Crank the handle on a can of Pillsbury Crescent dough, and break it into golden, triangle-shaped segments.
Wrap the Apple Wedges:
Beginning at the wide end of each triangle of dough, roll each apple wedge tightly in the crescent dough. Be sure to pinch the edges of the dough in order to fully enclose the apple.
Arrange in the Baking Dish:
Arrange the wrapped apple wedges into the greased baking dish with an even distance between each wedge so they bake evenly.
Step 4: Mix the Cinnamon and Sugar
Melt the Butter:
Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a small saucepan on medium heat.
Add Sugar and Cinnamon:
When the butter melts, add 2/3 cup of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Whisk until thickened and well combined.
Add Vanilla Extract:
You can also take the mixture off the heat and add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
In the Pan: Sprinkle the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:
Pour the thickened cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the wrapped apple dumplings in the baking dish, so that each dumpling is coated.
Add the 7-Up:
Pour 3/4 cup of 7-Up (or other lemon-lime soda) around the edges of the baking dish. This allows for a bubbly, caramelized sauce when baking.
Step 6: Bake the Apple Dumplings
Bake the Dumplings:
Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling, 40 to 45 minutes.
Check for Doneness:
The crescent dough will puff and gold and the insides will be gooey apple good.
Step 7: Serve the Dumplings
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the dish from the own and let the dumplings cool slightly.
Enjoy:
Serve the dumplings hot, with the gooey sauce. They’re tasty all on their own, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Serving Suggestions:
These Apple Dumplings are delicious on their own, but a few simple additions can take the dessert to the next level:
Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic combo! The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts with the warm dumplings.
Whipped Cream: A swath of airy whipped cream provides a lovely texture and balances the rich sauce.
Drizzle a bit more caramel sauce on top.
Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the garnishing for a crunchy texture.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To refrigerate: If you have leftovers, place the apple dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken when cool, though, and the dumplings will be delicious when reheated.
To reheat, place the dumplings in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for ~10 minutes each or in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This will return some snap to the dough.
Freeze: Unbaked apple dumplings can also be frozen after wrapping each one individually and placing them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake according to the recipe instructions.
Recipe Variations:
Peach Dumplings: Replace the apples with slices of peach for a summery spin. Peaches are a great match with the cinnamon-sugar blend.
Spiced dumplings: Stir some nutmeg or allspice into the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a more spiced version that’s perfect for fall.
Alternative to Crescent Rolls: If you don’t have crescent dough, sub out for puff pastry or pie dough for a flakier texture.
Conclusion:
These Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings are a dessert you have to try that’s super quick and easy to whip up, but tastes like you spent hours making it. Buttery crescent dough meets tender apples and a sweet, caramelized sauce in this beautiful dish, which can serve as a late breakfast, dessert, or snack. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight treat or a labor of love at a family gathering, it’s bound to impress.
