This semi-homemade version of apple dumplings is made with a delicious surprise ingredient! Apple slices get wrapped in crescent dough, smothered in a caramel sauce, then topped with bubbly canned Sprite. You won’t believe how incredible this concoction is when it bakes up!
I LOVE apple season because of all the different ways to use apples in recipes. Apples are absolutely delicious in recipes like this salad. It adds a sweet crunchy texture. I also look forward to making this Irish apple cake and this breakfast casserole when I have extra apples on hand.
What Are Apple Dumplings?
Classic apple dumplings are apples wrapped in a pie crust and then baked in a gooey caramel sauce. The apples get tender and soft, the crust gets golden brown and flakey, and the sauce oozes over the dumplings. But this recipe is getting a refresh because we’re using refrigerated crescent dough and Sprite! And the result is even more amazing! This recipe is the easiest and quickest way to enjoy warm delicious apple dumplings!
It’s fall, and you know what that means! It’s time to make all of your favorite apple desserts, like this easy dump cake. I also love a good pumpkin or zucchini dessert this time of year. Try these pumpkin cookies or these zucchini bars. They are my fave must-have desserts for sure!
Gather the Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make these gooey caramel apple dumplings! Simple ingredients that you most likely already have in your pantry. Just make sure you have a can of refrigerated crescent rolls and you are all set. See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Apple: Yes, just 1 apple! I recommend Granny Smith because it’s the best baking apple.
- Crescent Rolls: Canned crescent rolls make this recipe SO easy!
- Butter: Butter to make the caramel glaze the rolls will bake in.
- Granulated Sugar: The sugar melts into the butter.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel flavor to the sauce.
- Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: The best spice combination to complement the apples.
- Vanilla: Adds a touch of flavor and enhances sweetness.
- Sprite: You will need 8 ounces of Sprite in this recipe. The sprite is unexpected but it transforms this dessert into yumminess!
Apple Dumpling Recipe
This is such a fun apple dumpling recipe to make with your kids! They will love to wrap the apples in crescent dough, and you love that you didn’t have to make homemade dough. It’s a win-win situation! They will also get a kick out of using a can of Sprite. And then ask to drink any extra soda that you don’t use!
- Preheat Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×9 inch baking dish with pan spray and set aside.
- Prepare the Apple: Peel and core the apple. Slice into 8 equal slices.
- Wrap Apple Slices in Crescent Dough: Wrap each apple slice in one section of the crescent roll dough, starting on the wide end.
- Place Dumplings On Prepared Pan: Lay the wrapped slices in the prepared pan. Leave 1 inch between each dumpling.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan add the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Heat over medium until thick and bubbling. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour Over Dumplings: Pour the sauce over the dumplings, being sure to cover the top of each one.
- Pour the Sprite Around the Edges of the Dumplings: Pour the Sprite into the pan and around the dumplings. Be careful to NOT pour on top of the dumplings.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the dumplings are a deep golden brown. The sauce and Sprite in the pan will thicken. Serve warm with ice cream.
Apple Dumpling Tips
This delicious dessert will be a go-to for your family during the fall. Actually, it’s so good that you will want to bake it all year long! It only takes a few minutes to put it all together. Here are some tips for making apple dumplings. And the best tip is to top it with some vanilla ice cream. You will love every bite!
- Apple Selection: When picking apples for this recipe, be sure to select a variety of apples that stands up well to baking. You don’t want your apples to turn to mush. Granny Smith is a tart green apple that is often used in pies. Use Granny Smith in this recipe, or there are several other kinds of sweeter apples to use if that is your preference. Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Jonagold, or Braeburn are great options.
- Soda Substitutions: Swap out the sprite in this recipe. Instead, use Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mellow Yellow, or Ginger Ale.
- Serve With Ice Cream: Serve with ice cream or whipped cream to balance out the richness.
Best Enjoyed Right Away
These warm apple dumplings are best served warm and right away. I don’t recommend storing leftovers because this recipe does not hold well. The dumplings become soggy and mushy as they sit. This is why it is best eaten right away when it is done baking.
More Amazing Apple Desserts
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Caramel Apple Slab Pie
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Apple Tart
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Brown Sugar Cinnamon Baked Apples
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Caramel Apple Skillet Cake
Apple Dumplings
Ingredients
- 1 large apple
- Crescent rolls
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 pinch cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 8 ounces sprite
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×9 inch baking dish with pan spray and set aside.
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Peel and core the apple. Slice into 8 equal slices.
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Wrap each apple slice in one section of the crescent roll dough, starting on the wide end.
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Lay the wrapped slices in the prepared pan, leaving about 1 inch between each dumpling.
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In a medium saucepan add the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Heat over medium heat until thick and bubbling. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
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Pour the butter/sugar mixture over the dumplings, being sure to cover the top of each one.
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Pour the Sprite into the pan, being careful to not pour on top of the dumplings.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the dumplings are a deep golden brown and the liquid in the pan has thickened into a syrup. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
