Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe

Sweet & Cozy Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe for Fall

Crafting delectable crescent roll apple dumplings brings pure comfort to your kitchen adventure.

Sweet apples nestled in buttery pastry create magic on plates.

Childhood memories dance with each golden-brown bite you’ll savor.

Seasonal ingredients transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg complement the tender pastry perfectly.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness in this spectacular dessert.

Baking these treats promises smiles and pure joy for everyone at the table.

Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings That Comfort

Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings That Comfort
  • Savor Simple Comfort: Dive into a dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for bakers of all levels.
  • Transform Basic Ingredients: Magically convert everyday crescent rolls and pantry staples into a delightful treat that looks and tastes like a gourmet dessert.
  • Create Family Bonding Moments: Engage kids and adults alike in a fun cooking experience that encourages teamwork and creates lasting memories around the kitchen.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Deliver an impressive dessert that comes together rapidly, making it ideal for unexpected guests, potlucks, or spontaneous sweet cravings.

Ingredients for Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings

Main Ingredients:

Pastry Base:
  • Crescent Rolls: Soft and flaky dough that serves as the primary wrapper for the apple filling.
  • Apple Pie Filling: Sweet and spiced mixture of sliced apples that forms the core of the dessert.
Sweetening Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, caramel-like sauce that adds depth and sweetness to the dumplings.
  • Lemon-Lime Soda: Provides moisture and a subtle tangy flavor that helps create a syrupy texture during baking.
Optional Serving Ingredients:
  • Whipped Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream: Provides a cool and creamy complement to the warm apple dumplings.

Step-by-Step Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings

Step-by-Step Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Unroll Crescent Dough

Carefully separate the crescent roll triangles from their packaging, laying them flat on a clean surface.

Step 3: Fill Crescent Rolls

Place apple pie filling on the wider end of each dough triangle.

Roll the dough from the filled end, tucking and sealing the edges to keep the apple filling secure inside.

Step 4: Arrange in Baking Dish

Gently position the filled crescent rolls in the greased baking dish, spacing them evenly so they aren’t touching.

Step 5: Create Sweet Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Unsalted butter
  • Brown sugar

Whisk or mix until the ingredients blend into a smooth, creamy mixture.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Drizzle the butter and sugar mixture over each crescent roll.

Carefully pour the lemon-lime soda around the rolls, avoiding pouring directly on top of them.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crescent rolls turn a beautiful golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the warm apple dumplings. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.

Tips to Make Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Shine

Tips to Make Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Shine
  • Opt for crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the dumpling.
  • Seal crescent roll edges tightly to prevent apple filling from leaking during baking, ensuring a neat and appetizing presentation.
  • Drizzle remaining butter-sugar mixture over dumplings right after baking for an extra caramelized glaze that enhances overall taste.
  • Try spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in the apple filling to add depth and warmth to the classic dessert.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat briefly in the oven to maintain the crispy texture of the crescent rolls.

Variations on Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings

Variations on Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings
  • Pear Pastry Swap: Replace apples with ripe pears for a softer, more delicate flavor profile that maintains the original recipe's structure.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Apple Transformation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based crescent rolls, and replace soda with apple juice for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Utilize sugar-free apple filling, replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener, and opt for a zero-calorie clear soda to reduce overall sugar content.

Pairing Ideas with Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings

  • Drizzle rich, creamy cinnamon-infused ice cream alongside the warm apple dumplings to amplify the dessert's spicy-sweet profile and create a luxurious flavor experience.
  • Brew a steaming cup of chai tea with its warming cardamom, ginger, and clove notes to perfectly balance the buttery crescent rolls and enhance the apple's natural sweetness.
  • Craft a velvety caramel bourbon sauce to pour over the dumplings, adding depth and complexity that transforms the simple dessert into an elegant culinary delight.

How to Keep Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Fresh

How to Keep Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Fresh
  • Refrigerate: Store cooled apple dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap each dumpling individually in plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
  • Freeze: Place completely cooled dumplings in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for maximum 2 months to preserve optimal texture and flavor.
  • Microwave Reheat: Warm individual dumplings on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Add a small splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain soft, tender texture.
  • Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 325°F. Place dumplings on baking sheet, cover loosely with aluminum foil. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, ensuring crispy exterior remains intact.

FAQs

  • What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Golden Delicious or Granny Smith apples are ideal because they hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness during baking.

  • Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?

You can prepare the dumplings and assemble them in the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

  • Is it necessary to use lemon-lime soda?

The soda creates a unique caramel-like sauce and helps enhance the overall flavor. If you don’t have soda, you can substitute with apple juice or water, though the sauce might be slightly different.

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Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe

Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade crescent roll apple dumplings showcase mountain heritage cooking from southern Appalachia. Mountain cooks craft simple desserts with local ingredients, creating sweet comfort for family gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 1 can (20 oz) apple pie filling
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 can lemon-lime soda

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into individual triangles.
  3. Place a generous portion of apple pie filling on the wider end of each triangle.
  4. Carefully roll the dough from the filled end, completely encasing the apple filling and creating a sealed dumpling.
  5. Arrange the filled dumplings in the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly.
  6. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
  7. Dollop the butter-sugar mixture over each crescent roll dumpling.
  8. Gently pour the lemon-lime soda around the dumplings, avoiding direct contact with the pastry.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the dumplings turn a rich golden brown.
  10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Ensure crescent rolls are at room temperature for easier handling and better dough flexibility.
  • Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in the filling.
  • Seal the edges of each crescent roll tightly to prevent the apple filling from leaking during baking.
  • Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in the butter-sugar mixture for added depth of flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute crescent rolls with gluten-free pastry dough or phyllo sheets.
  • Create a lighter version by using reduced-fat crescent rolls and replacing some butter with Greek yogurt.
  • Prepare extra sauce by doubling the butter and brown sugar mixture for those who love a more decadent topping.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 463
  • Sugar: 36g
  • Sodium: 337mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 57g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 44mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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