Apple Dumplings

Delight your taste buds with these exquisite tender apple dumplings that mimic the flavors of miniature apple pies. Crafted with precision, each dumpling features crescent roll dough enveloping a luscious slice of sweet-tart apple. As the dumplings bake, the apples become succulent and tender, while the dough achieves a delicate, flaky texture.

But the culinary journey doesn’t end there—these delectable dumplings are generously bathed in a cinnamon-brown sugar syrup that elevates the dessert to new heights. This syrup forms a delightful crackly sugar topping on each dumpling, imparting a luxurious caramel essence to the ensemble.

The surprise ingredient, citrus soda or Mountain Dew, may raise an eyebrow, but its magic is undeniable. The soda transforms the entire dish into a sumptuous apple pastry, complete with a gooey syrup perfect for drizzling over each apple dumpling.

While this recipe employs apple slices, the option to use whole apples for a slightly larger and more crowd-friendly version is equally enticing.

Irresistible Apple Dumplings for All
These tender apple dumplings are miniature marvels, combining pastry dough and fresh apples in perfect harmony. A touch of cinnamon adds warmth and coziness to the sweetness, creating a delightful balance. Top these dumplings with whipped cream or opt for the decadence of ice cream.

But beware, the moment when melted whipped cream melds with the caramel sauce from the apple dumplings creates a taste so sublime that you might momentarily lose track of reality.

Ingredients for Apple Dumplings
The ingredient list is elegantly simple yet potent in flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cooking spray: For coating the baking dish.
• Apples: Preferably Granny Smith, but Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Gala work well.
• Refrigerated crescent roll dough: The transformational element in this recipe.
• Unsalted butter: Balances the flavors; omit extra salt if using salted butter.
• Cinnamon: Enhances the rich sauce and sweet-tart apples.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness.
• Light brown sugar: Adds caramel and molasses notes to the sauce.
• Apple brandy: Elevates the apple flavor.
• Citrus soft drink: Mountain Dew surprises but blends perfectly for a delectable syrup.
• Whipped cream: The finishing touch, or use ice cream for added indulgence.

Selecting the Best Apples
Granny Smith apples take the spotlight for their crisp texture and perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. However, Honeycrisp, Gala, and Pink Lady can also work wonders in these apple dumplings.

Making Apple Dumplings: A Simple Joy
Aside from their deliciousness, what sets these apple dumplings apart is their simplicity. Here’s a brief overview, with the full recipe below:

1. Preheat the oven and coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Prepare apples and crescent roll dough.
3. Roll each apple slice in a piece of dough and place in the baking dish.
4. Create a cinnamon-brown sugar sauce with butter, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar.
5. Pour the sauce over the dumplings, adding brandy for a touch of luxury.
6. Add citrus soda around the dumplings.
7. Bake until golden brown and apples are tender.
8. Cool slightly and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Variations for Creative Flair
Have fun with the recipe:

• Enhance cinnamon flavor by dipping apple slices in cinnamon sugar.
• Experiment with different sodas like ginger ale or lemon-lime.
• Swap Granny Smith apples for Pink Lady for a sweeter twist.
• Try peach dumplings with Mountain Dew.

Serving Suggestions
These apple dumplings create their own delectable sauce, but here are additional serving ideas:

• Spice up whipped cream with cinnamon.
• Indulge in vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.
• Pair with a warm beverage like coffee or apple cider.

Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave on 50% power or in a 350°F oven.

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 2 large (9 oz. each) Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
• 2 (8-oz.) cans refrigerated crescent rolls (such as Pillsbury)
• 3/4 cup (6 oz.) unsalted butter
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 3/4 cup, plus 2 Tbsp. packed light brown sugar, divided
• 3 Tbsp. (1 1/2 oz.) apple brandy (such as Calvados)
• 1 cup citrus-flavored soft drink (such as Mountain Dew)
• Whipped cream

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.
2. Cut each apple into 8 slices. Unroll crescent roll dough, separate triangles, and place side-by-side on a clean surface.
3. Place 1 apple slice along the wide side of each triangle and roll up. Repeat with remaining slices and dough.
4. Arrange wrapped apple slices in the prepared baking dish.
5. In a saucepan, melt butter, cinnamon, salt, and 3/4 cup brown sugar until dissolved, 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, whisk in brandy.
7. Pour the butter mixture over the dumplings in the baking dish.
8. Pour citrus-flavored soft drink around dumplings and sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons brown sugar on top.
9. Bake until golden brown and apples are tender, 35 to 40 minutes.
10. Let stand for 5 minutes, then serve warm with whipped cream.