Apple dumplings are a classic treat that never goes out of style. With their soft, buttery pastry surrounding tender, spiced apples, this dish brings comfort and warmth to any table. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy weekend dessert, these hot apple dumplings are sure to become a family favorite Hot Apple Dumplings - Don't Lose This

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple yet delicious this recipe is. The combination of warm, baked apples and the flaky, golden crust creates a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The best part is that I can customize the filling with a variety of spices and even add a drizzle of caramel or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Whether I’m serving these dumplings for dessert or as a comforting snack, they never disappoint. Plus, they’re easy to make and always get rave reviews.

Ingredients

2 large apples (I usually use Granny Smith for their tartness, but you can also go with Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious)
1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup Mountain Dew (or any citrus soda)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Peel and core the apples, then cut them into quarters.
Unroll the crescent roll dough and place each apple quarter at the wide end of each triangle. Fold the dough around the apple, pinching the edges to seal it tightly.
Place the wrapped apple dumplings in a greased baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Pour the butter mixture evenly over the dumplings, ensuring each dumpling is coated.
Pour the Mountain Dew around the dumplings in the baking dish.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the apples are tender.
Serve hot, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 dumplings, perfect for a small family or a gathering of friends. It takes roughly 10 minutes of prep time and 35-40 minutes of baking time, so in just under an hour, I can enjoy a warm, comforting dessert.

Variations

There are many ways I can switch up this recipe to suit different tastes. I’ve tried adding a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the sugar mixture for added crunch. Another fun twist is to use different fruits like pears or peaches in place of the apples. For an extra indulgent touch, I sometimes drizzle caramel sauce over the dumplings before serving. If I’m craving a more complex flavor, I’ll add a splash of vanilla extract or even a little bourbon to the butter mixture.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often!), I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They typically stay good for up to 3 days. To reheat, I like to place the dumplings in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to warm them through and crisp up the pastry again. Alternatively, I can microwave them for 30 seconds to a minute if I’m in a hurry, though the pastry won’t be as crispy.

FAQs

How do I make sure the dumplings don’t leak while baking?

I make sure to seal the dough around the apples as tightly as possible. Pinching the edges of the dough firmly helps prevent the filling from leaking out while baking.

Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent roll dough?

Absolutely! If I’m feeling adventurous, I can make my own dough from scratch. I just need to make sure it’s rolled thin enough to wrap around the apple slices.

What is the best type of apple to use for apple dumplings?

I prefer using tart apples like Granny Smith because they hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the sugar and butter. However, I can also use sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp if I want a less tart flavor.

Can I freeze these dumplings before baking them?

Yes! I can prepare the dumplings, place them in the baking dish, and cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, I can freeze them for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to bake them, I just need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since they’ll be frozen.

Can I make these dumplings without Mountain Dew?

If I’m not keen on using Mountain Dew, I can substitute it with another citrus soda, like 7-Up or Sprite. If I prefer a non-soda version, I can use apple juice or water with a splash of lemon juice for acidity.

Conclusion

Hot apple dumplings are an incredibly satisfying dessert that’s easy to make and full of comforting flavors. Whether I’m enjoying them as a special treat or serving them to guests, they’re always a hit. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, I can have a delicious, homemade dessert that everyone will love. I like to experiment with different variations, but no matter how I make them, these apple dumplings are a classic that never gets old.