If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and delightfully easy to make, you really can’t go wrong with this Easy Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Recipe. I absolutely love how the tangy apples, buttery crescent rolls, and that surprising splash of Mountain Dew soda come together to create a magical, caramelized sauce that’s sweet, fizzy, and downright addictive. Trust me, whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of kitchen staples and Mountain Dew for an incredible flavor boost.
- Unexpected Flavor Twist: The soda creates a luscious, caramel-like sauce that turns plain apple dumplings into a crowd-pleaser.
- Quick and Easy Prep: In under an hour, you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert that really looks and tastes like you spent hours.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a fall gathering or a special family night, this recipe is always a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Easy Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Recipe work together beautifully. Crisp Granny Smith apples add that perfect tartness, while crescent rolls make wrapping and baking a breeze. Plus, using Mountain Dew as a key ingredient adds fizz and sweetness in a way that’s uniquely delicious. Here are some tips to make your shopping trip easier.
- Granny Smith apples: Choose firm, tart apples for the best flavor and texture that won’t get mushy in the oven.
- Crescent rolls: I like using canned crescent dough for convenience, but homemade dough can work too if you’re feeling ambitious.
- Butter: Use unsalted so you control the saltiness of the sauce; melting it slowly is key to that perfect syrup.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar blends into the butter to create a sweet, slightly crunchy topping.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash adds warmth and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Mountain Dew soda: I always make sure it’s fresh and fizzy—this is the secret weapon of the recipe.
- Cinnamon: Sprinkled on top for that classic apple pie vibe and an extra touch of warmth.
Variations
I love keeping this recipe flexible depending on what I have on hand or my mood. Don’t be shy about tweaking it to suit your taste or dietary needs—you’ll find it welcoming to substitutions and extras.
- Use other apple varieties: Sometimes I swap Granny Smith for Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter twist, which my family totally loves during apple season.
- Swap the soda: If you can’t find Mountain Dew or just want a different flavor, lemon-lime soda works almost as well but expect a slightly different sweetness level.
- Go gluten-free: Try gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry to make this dessert friendly for guests with dietary restrictions.
- Add nuts or raisins: Sneak in some chopped pecans or raisins inside the wrapped apples for extra texture and flavor—really elevates the experience.
How to Make Easy Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and buttering a 13-by-9-inch baking dish—this helps prevent sticking and adds richness. While the oven heats, peel and core your Granny Smith apples. To keep the dumplings uniform and easy to roll, slice each apple vertically into halves, then cut each half into about 4 wedges. I find working quickly at this stage helps keep the apples fresh and firm for wrapping.
Step 2: Wrap the Apple Wedges in Crescent Roll Dough
Unroll your crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface and carefully separate the sheets into 16 triangles. This is your dumpling “wrapper.” Place one apple wedge on the wide base of a triangle and gently roll it up toward the pointed end. The dough should overlap and snugly wrap around the apple wedge. If the dough feels too sticky, a light dusting of flour does wonders. Keep the wrapped dumplings arranged in your prepared baking dish as you go.
Step 3: Make the Butter-Sugar Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt one cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sugar and stir only very gently—you want to create a grainy, lumpy texture rather than dissolve the sugar completely. This keeps the sauce slightly textured, which I discovered gives such a lovely caramel feel when it bakes. Stir in the vanilla extract and then pour this buttery, sugary concoction evenly over your wrapped apples in the baking dish.
Step 4: Add Mountain Dew and Sprinkle Cinnamon
Pour the 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew soda gently around the edges of the baking dish—not over the tops of the dumplings, so the dough bakes golden and crisp. Finally, sprinkle one teaspoon of cinnamon over the whole pan for warmth and spice. Now it’s ready to bake!
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Bake your apple dumplings in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are a beautiful golden brown and crisp. I like to peek a little before 30 minutes just to check the bubbling sauce around the edges—if it’s not caramelizing yet, give it extra time. When finished, let them cool a bit before serving (if you can resist!).
Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Recipe
- Work Quickly with Cold Dough: This keeps the dough from getting too sticky and helps it wrap neatly around each apple wedge.
- Don’t Over-Stir the Sauce: I learned that blending the butter and sugar too much ruins the slightly grainy texture that bakes into a beautiful caramel topping.
- Use a Sharp Knife to Core Apples: This ensures clean wedges and prevents the dough from tearing when you wrap each piece.
- Watch Your Oven Times: If your dumplings are browning too fast, loosely tent with foil to avoid burning before the apples cook through.
How to Serve Easy Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Recipe
Garnishes
My favorite way to serve these apple dumplings is with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—because who can resist that creamy contrast to warm apples? Sometimes, I add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for a little extra crunch and flavor. If you want to keep it simple, just spoon some of the syrupy sauce right from the pan over the dumplings and watch smiles light up around the table.
Side Dishes
Although this dessert is pretty hearty on its own, I love pairing it with a cup of hot apple cider or a cozy chai latte—perfect for chilly evenings. If you’re serving it after a meal, something light like a fresh green salad or steamed veggies keeps the focus on the sweet treat without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like plating individual apple dumplings in pretty ramekins with a swirl of whipped cream and a cinnamon stick garnish. It feels extra festive and makes everyone feel like they’re indulging in something truly special. You can even sprinkle a pinch of powdered sugar over the top for a snowy, seasonal look!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight. When I reheat, I gently warm them in the oven to keep the crust crisp instead of soggy.
Freezing
Freezing baked apple dumplings can be a bit tricky because of the sauce, but it’s doable! I wrap each fully cooled dumpling tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to two months. To thaw, I leave them in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the oven until warm and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheating is best done in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, uncovered, to refresh that crisp pastry exterior while warming the filling and sauce. I avoid microwaving because it tends to make the dough soggy and the sauce less appealing.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are my go-to for their tartness and firmness, you can use any apple that holds up well to baking, like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples will make the dessert less tangy and more mellow.
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What does Mountain Dew add to the recipe?
Mountain Dew adds a uniquely sweet, citrusy fizz that transforms the butter-sugar mixture into a rich, caramel-like sauce. The soda’s acidity helps balance the sweetness and enhances the apple’s natural flavor, making these dumplings extra special.
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Can I make these apple dumplings ahead of time?
You sure can! You can assemble the dumplings and refrigerate them in the baking dish for a few hours before baking. Just bring them back to room temperature before putting them in the oven to ensure even cooking.
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Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes. You can substitute the crescent roll dough with a gluten-free puff pastry or crescent dough alternative. Keep in mind baking times might vary slightly, so watch for golden, crispy tops as your indicator.
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How should I store leftover apple dumplings?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve flakiness, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Recipe has become one of my absolute favorite comfort desserts. It’s quick enough for a weeknight treat but impressively delicious enough for special gatherings. When I first tried it, I was skeptical about using soda, but it turned out to be a game-changer—a little secret that creates a wonderfully saucy, golden crust every time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these just as much as my family and I do. Go ahead, give it a shot; your taste buds will thank you!
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Easy Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Apple Dumplings made with Granny Smith apples wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough, baked until golden and served with a sweet, cinnamon-infused Mountain Dew sauce. This comforting autumn dessert combines the tartness of apples with a crispy, flaky crust and a luscious syrupy glaze, perfect for serving warm with ice cream.
Ingredients
Apples and Dough
- 2 Granny Smith apples
- 2 (8-oz.) cans crescent rolls
Sauce and Flavoring
- 1 cup butter, plus more for greasing
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (12-oz.) can Mountain Dew soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 13-by-9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to add extra buttery flavor to the dumplings.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel and core the Granny Smith apples. Cut each apple in half vertically, then slice each half into 4 even wedges to create 16 apple pieces total.
- Wrap the Apples in Dough: On a lightly floured surface, unroll the crescent dough sheets and separate along the perforations into 16 triangles. Place one apple wedge at the wide base of each triangle and carefully roll the dough around the apple, starting at the base and rolling toward the pointed end to fully encase the apple. Repeat for all apple pieces and place the wrapped dumplings into the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Syrup: In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over low heat. Add 1 1/2 cups of sugar and gently stir just enough to create a lumpy, grainy texture—do not fully dissolve. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract with minimal mixing to keep the texture.
- Prepare to Bake: Pour the butter-sugar mixture evenly over the apple dumplings in the dish. Then, carefully pour the Mountain Dew soda around the edges of the pan, allowing it to mingle with the sugar mixture without disturbing the dumplings. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon cinnamon evenly over the top.
- Bake the Dumplings: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes until the dumplings are golden brown and the tops are crispy. The syrup should be bubbling and thickened around them.
- Serve: Serve the apple dumplings warm, optionally with a scoop of ice cream. Spoon some of the delicious syrup from the baking dish over the top for extra sweetness and moisture.
Notes
- Apple dumplings are a classic and beloved autumn dessert, offering a perfect balance of tart apples and sweet, buttery dough.
- This recipe is super simple and uses common pantry ingredients including crescent rolls and Mountain Dew soda for a unique, flavorful glaze.
- If you don’t have Mountain Dew, lemon-lime soda can be used as a substitute, though flavor will vary slightly.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent treat.
- For easier prepping, chill the dough before unrolling to make wrapping the apples more manageable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 744
- Sugar: 64 g
- Sodium: 817 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 93 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 81 mg
