Golden Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe

Speedy Apple Magic: Crescent Roll Dumplings Recipe

Warm, golden crescent roll apple dumplings dance with sweet cinnamon magic that turns ordinary desserts into pure comfort.

Soft pastry wraps around tender apple slices like a cozy blanket of deliciousness.

Each bite promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen.

Buttery crescent dough creates a flaky exterior that cradles spiced apples in delectable harmony.

Drizzled with a rich, caramel-like sauce, these dumplings become an irresistible treat that beckons from the plate.

Sugar and spice weave their enchantment, transforming simple ingredients into a dessert that sparks joy and memories.

Dive into this easy recipe and let the aroma of baked apples and cinnamon fill your home with pure happiness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 9

Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Ingredient Guide

For Apple Filling:
  • Granny Smith Apples: Tart and firm apples that hold their shape perfectly during baking, creating a delightful texture contrast.
  • Cinnamon: Warm spice that brings cozy autumn flavors and enhances the natural sweetness of apples.
For Dough Wrapping:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: Buttery, flaky pastry that creates a golden, crispy exterior for the apple parcels.
For Caramel and Liquid Base:
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy depth and helps create a luxurious caramel sauce.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps thicken the caramel sauce.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors and adds a subtle aromatic warmth.
  • Lemon-Lime Soda: Creates a light, magical steaming effect that keeps dumplings moist and adds a hint of brightness.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies all the sweet flavors in the dish.
For Serving:
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, cold complement that melts beautifully over warm, gooey apple dumplings.

What Tools You’ll Need for Apple Dumplings

  • Baking Dish (13: Essential for baking and holding the dumplings.
  • Sharp Knife: Perfect for peeling and slicing apples into neat wedges.
  • Saucepan: Needed to create the delicious caramel sauce.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for preparing apples.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring the caramel sauce smoothly.

How to Make Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings

How to Make Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings
  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven and get a cozy baking dish ready for some delicious magic.

  • Apple Wrapping

Snuggle each apple slice into a soft crescent roll blanket, tucking them gently into the waiting dish.

  • Caramel Dream

Create a silky smooth caramel sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

  • Soda Splash

Give the dumplings a playful bath with a fizzy soda that adds a secret touch of sweetness.

  • Baking Transformation

Let the oven work its wonder, turning these simple ingredients into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

  • Sweet Finale

Serve up your creation with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, letting the warm dumplings and cold ice cream create pure dessert bliss.

Tips and Tricks for Apple Dumpling Success

Tips and Tricks for Apple Dumpling Success
  • Butter Boost: Brush the crescent roll edges with melted butter before rolling for extra golden, crispy edges that shine with a delicate sheen.
  • Spice Adventure: Experiment with warm spices like nutmeg or cardamom to add complex depth to the classic cinnamon flavor profile.
  • Apple Selection Magic: Choose firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape and provide a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness during baking.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Assemble the dumplings entirely ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking, making party prep a breeze and saving precious time in the kitchen.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Swap vanilla ice cream with coconut or almond milk ice cream for a delightful alternative that keeps the dessert creamy and indulgent for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Warm

  • Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair these dumplings with a warm cup of cinnamon coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat that complements the rich apple flavors.
  • Elegant Dessert Presentation: Drizzle extra caramel sauce on a white plate, carefully place the golden dumplings on top, and add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a restaurant-style dessert experience.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Serve alongside crispy bacon and scrambled eggs to create a comforting weekend breakfast spread that will make everyone at the table smile and ask for seconds.
  • Seasonal Party Pleaser: Prepare these dumplings for fall gatherings, offering a warm, nostalgic dessert that captures the essence of autumn with its cinnamon-apple goodness and irresistible caramel sauce.

Store Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Correctly

  • Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in the oven at 325°F for a crispy texture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the dumplings up to 24 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then pop directly into the oven when ready to serve. Perfect for stress-free entertaining.
  • Freezer Friendly: Wrap individual dumplings tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
  • Sauce Stash: Extra caramel sauce can be stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for 1 week. Warm gently before serving to restore its smooth, silky consistency.
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Golden Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe

Golden Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Homemade crescent roll apple dumplings showcase mountain heritage desserts from Appalachia. Mountain cooks craft simple ingredients into sweet comfort with cinnamon-kissed apples wrapped in buttery pastry. Each serving provides warm nostalgia you will savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and cut into 8 wedges each)
  • 2 cans crescent roll dough (8 oz / 226.8 g each)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter (plus more for pan)
  • 8 oz (236.6 ml) lemon-lime soda
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ tsps ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • Vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Warm the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 13″ x 9″ baking dish with butter, creating a non-stick surface for the dumplings.
  2. Apple Preparation: Core and slice apples into eight precise wedges, ensuring uniform size and clean cuts for even cooking.
  3. Wrapping Technique: Unroll crescent roll triangles and carefully wrap each apple wedge, starting from the wide end and rolling towards the point with smooth, consistent motion.
  4. Arrange and Position: Strategically place wrapped apple parcels in the prepared baking dish, positioning them close together to maximize space efficiency.
  5. Caramel Sauce Creation: In a saucepan, melt butter and seamlessly blend brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to craft a rich, velvety caramel sauce.
  6. Flavor Infusion: Generously drizzle the caramel mixture over the dumplings, ensuring complete and even coverage to maximize flavor penetration.
  7. Liquid Enhancement: Gently pour lemon-lime soda around the dish’s edges, creating a moist cooking environment without disturbing the dumplings’ carefully constructed tops.
  8. Baking and Transformation: Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and bubbling caramel sauce.
  9. Serving Finale: Remove from oven, allow brief cooling, and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, complemented by an additional drizzle of remaining caramel sauce.

Notes

  • Slice Apples Strategically: Cut wedges uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent wrapping around crescent roll dough.
  • Wrap with Precision: Roll crescent dough tightly around apple wedges, sealing edges completely to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
  • Caramel Sauce Technique: Simmer sauce slowly to develop rich flavor, stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve smooth consistency.
  • Soda Magic: Pour lemon-lime soda gently around edges to create a delightful, light syrupy texture that helps dumplings become perfectly moist and golden.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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