Hot Apple Dumplings: A Cozy, Caramel-Soaked Classic Made Easy
There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of apples, pastry, cinnamon, and sugar—especially when they come together in a bubbling, buttery baking dish fresh from the oven. Hot Apple Dumplings are the dessert equivalent of a warm hug. Flaky crescent rolls hug tart apple slices, all baked in a rich brown sugar-butter sauce with a fizzy twist from lemon-lime soda. The result is soft, gooey, golden dumplings in a self-made caramel sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything.
This classic American dessert brings nostalgia and comfort, and best of all? It’s ridiculously easy to make, thanks to store-bought crescent roll dough. Whether you’re making dessert for a family dinner, potluck, or holiday feast, these apple dumplings will quickly become a crowd favorite.
A Brief History of Apple Dumplings
Apple dumplings have roots in both American and European culinary traditions. In the U.S., they became popular in Pennsylvania Dutch communities, where apples were abundant and often preserved for baking. Early versions used homemade pastry dough and whole apples stuffed with sugar, butter, and cinnamon before being wrapped and baked.
The modern shortcut version—using crescent roll dough and soda—is a more recent American innovation, made famous by generations of Southern cooks. It’s quick, indulgent, and made for weeknights as much as holidays. This version keeps all the cozy flavors of the original while simplifying the technique, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast and easy – Minimal prep with store-bought dough and pantry staples.
Incredible flavor – Tart apples, buttery dough, spiced sugar, and a sweet, fizzy caramel-like sauce.
Family-friendly – A hit with kids and adults alike.
Perfect for fall and winter – Especially paired with vanilla ice cream.
Budget-conscious – Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dumplings:
2 large Granny Smith apples – Tart and firm, perfect for baking.
2 cans (8 oz each) crescent roll dough – Flaky, buttery, and easy to use.
½ cup granulated sugar – For that sweet cinnamon coating.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Classic apple pie flavor.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional) – Adds warm depth.
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted – Rich and necessary for the sauce.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the caramel notes.
For the Sauce:
1 cup brown sugar – Combines with butter for a gooey caramel sauce.
1½ cups Sprite, 7UP, or ginger ale – Adds a surprising fizz and helps form the sauce while baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Prepare the Apples
Peel and core 2 Granny Smith apples.
Slice each apple into 8 equal wedges, giving you 16 slices total.
Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness and ability to hold shape during baking, but Honeycrisp or Braeburn also work well.
3. Assemble the Dumplings
Open your crescent roll cans and separate the dough into triangles.
Place one apple slice at the wide end of each triangle.
Roll up tightly, tucking in the ends so the apple is fully wrapped.
Place each dumpling seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. You should have 16 dumplings arranged in a single layer.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, brush the inside of each triangle with a touch of melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before wrapping the apples.
4. Make the Sauce
Step 4a: Spiced Sugar Mix
In a small bowl, combine:
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
Sprinkle this evenly over the prepared dumplings in the dish.
Step 4b: Butter-Brown Sugar Sauce
In a small saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl), melt:
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
Stir in:
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar
Whisk until smooth and pour this mixture evenly over the dumplings.
Step 4c: Add the Soda
Carefully pour 1½ cups Sprite, 7UP, or ginger ale around the dumplings—not over them. This helps create steam and forms a luscious, bubbling sauce as it bakes.
5. Bake
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until:
The dumplings are puffed and golden brown.
The sauce is thickened and bubbling around the edges.
Baking Tip: If the tops of the dumplings start browning too quickly, lightly tent the dish with foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
6. Serve Warm
Once baked, let the dumplings rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
Serve each dumpling with a generous spoonful of the sauce and top with:
Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
Or even a dusting of powdered sugar
Tips for Success
Use firm, tart apples – They hold up best during baking.
Keep dough cold – Cold dough is easier to work with and bakes flakier.
Don’t skip the soda – The fizz interacts with the sugar and butter to make the rich sauce.
Space evenly – Allow space between dumplings so they can expand and crisp up.
Flavor Variations
1. Spiced Rum Apple Dumplings
Replace ¼ cup of soda with spiced rum for a grown-up twist.
2. Maple Apple Dumplings
Add 2 tablespoons of real maple syrup to the butter sauce for a deeper, richer sweetness.
3. Apple-Pear Dumplings
Use one apple and one pear for a fruity flavor blend.
4. Nutty Apple Dumplings
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling or sprinkle over the top before baking.
5. Puff Pastry Swap
Instead of crescent rolls, use store-bought puff pastry for an even flakier texture.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
Make-Ahead:
Assemble the dumplings up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate (without pouring the soda).
When ready to bake, add soda and bake as directed.
Storing Leftovers:
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in the microwave for 30–60 seconds.
Or bake in a 325°F oven for 10–12 minutes to crisp the edges.
Serving Suggestions
Hot Apple Dumplings pair beautifully with:
Vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream
Salted caramel drizzle
Chopped toasted pecans
A warm mug of apple cider or coffee
They’re also perfect as a Thanksgiving dessert alternative or a sweet finish to any holiday meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use another kind of apple?
Yes! Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Braeburn, or Fuji all work well. Just avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious.
Is the soda necessary?
Yes. The carbonation helps create the caramel sauce and adds a lightness to the finished dish. Sprite or 7UP are most commonly used, but ginger ale gives a spicy twist.
Can I make this with homemade dough?
Absolutely. If you prefer, you can use your own pie or biscuit dough. Roll it thin and wrap the apple slices similarly.
Can I freeze these?
Freezing before baking isn’t ideal due to the soda. However, you can freeze fully baked dumplings (minus toppings) and reheat later.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe strikes a beautiful balance of flavor, texture, and ease. The tartness of Granny Smith apples balances the rich brown sugar-butter sauce, while the flaky dough wraps each bite in buttery comfort. The soda is the unsung hero—helping create a caramel sauce that thickens and glazes every dumpling.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat, but decadent enough for any holiday dessert table.
Printable Recipe: Hot Apple Dumplings
Ingredients:
For the Dumplings:
2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced into 8 wedges each
2 cans (8 oz each) crescent roll dough
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Sauce:
1 cup brown sugar
1½ cups Sprite, 7UP, or ginger ale
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Wrap each apple slice in crescent dough. Arrange dumplings in dish.
Combine granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle over dumplings.
Melt butter and mix with vanilla and brown sugar. Pour over dumplings.
Pour soda around (not over) dumplings.
Bake 35–40 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.