Description
Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are a delightful dessert featuring tender apple slices wrapped in flaky crescent dough, baked to golden perfection and topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar butter sauce flavored with vanilla and a splash of Mountain Dew for a unique twist. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for sharing and can be served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Dumplings
- 1 large apple (Fuji, Granny Smith, or any tart apple)
- 1 can Pillsbury Crescent dough
Sauce
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup Mountain Dew (or any lemon-lime soda)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the dumplings.
- Prepare the Apple: Peel and core the apple, then cut it into 8 equal slices, which will be individually wrapped with dough to form the dumplings.
- Wrap the Apple Slices: Unroll the crescent dough and wrap each apple slice with a crescent triangle, starting from the wide end for full coverage and a neat appearance.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the dough-wrapped apple slices seam side down into the prepared baking dish, arranging them evenly.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar and ground cinnamon until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this sauce evenly over the wrapped apples in the baking dish.
- Add Mountain Dew: Gently pour the Mountain Dew around the edges of the baking dish, avoiding pouring it directly over the dumplings to keep the dough from becoming soggy.
- Bake the Dumplings: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added decadence.
Notes
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Mountain Dew adds a unique citrusy sweetness; you can substitute with any lemon-lime soda if preferred.
- For a crispier crust, brush the dough with a little melted butter before baking.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the best flavor experience.
- Ensure apples are sliced evenly for uniform baking.
