Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls
Apple dumplings with crescent rolls are a warm, gooey, and utterly delightful treat that can easily become your new favorite dessert. This simple yet satisfying dish features tender, juicy apples wrapped snugly in flaky, buttery crescent roll dough. Each bite bursts with sweet apple flavor, perfectly complemented by a rich buttery sauce that turns golden and bubbly as it bakes. While they may look gourmet, they’re remarkably easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion, from an everyday snack to a crowd-pleasing dessert at an event!
Table of Contents

I first discovered this recipe during a chilly autumn evening when I craved something warm and sweet. The enticing aroma filled my kitchen, and within no time, I was savoring the most delicious apple dumplings. Not only are these delightful dumplings a fantastic way to enjoy the fall flavors, but they are also incredibly quick to make, which is always a win in my book. Trust me, once you try apple dumplings with crescent rolls, you’ll be reaching for that recipe time and time again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just a handful of ingredients and only 40 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready to impress.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of soft, spiced apples and sweet, buttery sauce creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These dumplings are not only delicious but also look stunning on the dinner table, perfect for impressing guests!
- Flexible Serving: Serve them warm as a dessert, a sweet brunch addition, or even pair with ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Budget-Friendly: With affordable ingredients, this is a dessert that doesn’t break the bank but tastes as if it came from a fancy bakery.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cans (10 oz) Pillsbury refrigerated crescent roll dough: This is the star of your dish, providing a flaky and buttery texture. You can use other crescent roll brands if needed, but Pillsbury is a trusted choice.
- 2 Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness of the dough and sugar, making them perfect for this recipe. Feel free to try other firm apples like Honeycrisp for a different flavor profile.
- 2 sticks butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce. Ensure it’s unsalted to control the overall saltiness.
- 1 ½ cups sugar: This sweetens the sauce and the apples as they bake. For a healthier option, consider reducing the sugar or using a sugar substitute.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: This warming spice enhances the flavor of the apples beautifully. You can add nutmeg or allspice for an extra kick.
- 12 oz Mountain Dew: This unique ingredient brings moisture and a bubbly texture along with a hint of citrus. Swap with another lemon-lime soda if you wish.
How to Make Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray to ensure your dumplings don’t stick during baking.
- Prep the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples into eight slices each. These thick slices will hold up beautifully during baking.
- Roll the Apples: Starting at the wide end of each crescent roll triangle, place one apple slice. Roll it up snugly toward the point, tucking the tip underneath to secure it. Place each rolled dumpling into your prepared pan.
- Repeat: Continue until all 16 crescent roll triangles have been filled with apple slices and are nestled comfortably in the pan.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the two sticks of butter, 1 ½ cups of sugar, and 1 tsp of cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is well combined and fragrant—this should take just about five minutes.
- Pour the Sauce: Once mixed, pour this luscious buttery mixture evenly over the dumplings in the pan. Make sure every dumpling gets a lovely coat of sauce.
- Add the Lemon-Lime Soda: Carefully pour the 12 oz of Mountain Dew over the entire pan of dumplings. This bubbly layer helps to create a sweet sauce as they bake.
- Bake: Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and bubbly around the edges. They should smell heavenly!
- Serve Hot: These dumplings are best served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream to elevate the experience even more!
Storing & Reheating
You can store any leftovers at room temperature for up to two days, but for longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap individual dumplings tightly and place them in a freezer-safe container, where they can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Keep in mind that while the flavor will still be delightful, the texture might be a touch different, so serve with a scoop of ice cream to refresh a bit!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overworking the crescent roll dough when wrapping the apples; a gentle touch ensures they stay flaky.
- Use chilled butter for a more defined butter sauce; melting it slowly contributes to the rich flavor.
- If you’re short on time, try using premade pie filling instead of fresh apples for a quicker assembly.
- Consider garnishing each dumpling with a sprinkle of additional cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving for a lovely finish.
- For an even richer flavor, add chopped nuts to the sliced apples or sprinkle them over the top before baking.
Now that you have this easy and delicious recipe for apple dumplings with crescent rolls, it’s time to let your kitchen fill with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. These delightful little desserts are bound to become a staple in your home. Enjoy the warm, gooey treat with family and friends and relish each moment spent together around the table. Get ready to become the star of dessert time!

Recipe FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn. Just make sure whichever apples you choose are firm and can hold their shape during baking.
How can I make these dumplings ahead of time?
You can prepare the apple-filled crescent rolls and place them in the baking pan ahead of time. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake! Just remember that you may need to increase the baking time slightly if they’re taken straight from the fridge.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the crescent roll dough with gluten-free dough or pre-made gluten-free pastry sheets. Just ensure all other ingredients also meet gluten-free standards.
What should I serve with apple dumplings?
These dumplings are delicious on their own, but for an extra indulgence, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoying them with a hot cup of cider or coffee makes for a cozy pairing!
PrintMore Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
- No-Bake Carrot Cake Protein Balls
- Vanilla Cake | Easy Homemade Vanilla Layer Cake
- Tres Leches Cake | Authentic Mexican Three-Milk Celebration Dessert
- Blueberry Cheesecake Protein Popsicles
- Peach Cobbler Cookies
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card

Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls offer an irresistible flavor and simple preparation. Enjoy buttery, cinnamon-spiced dumplings that are perfect for a comforting dessert or an easy homemade treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (10 oz) pillsbury refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 granny smith apples
- 2 sticks butter
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 12 oz mountain dew
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9 x 13 pan with non-stick spray.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into 8 slices each.
- Place one apple slice in each Crescent Roll triangle, starting from the wide end, and roll it up, tucking the narrow end to secure.
- Repeat this step until all 16 Crescent Roll triangles have apple slices and are placed in the pan.
- Over low heat, mix together the butter, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Pour the butter mixture evenly over the dumplings in the pan.
- Drizzle the Mountain Dew over the entire pan of dumplings.
- Bake for 40 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
Feel free to use other types of apples for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dumpling
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
