Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings

Name: Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large green apples, peeled and cored; 2 tablespoons cinnamon, divided; 2 (8 oz) cans crescent rolls; 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; ¾ cup apple cider; ¾ cup lemon-lime soda, or rum; Vanilla ice cream, optional, for serving

By:

Sarah

Published:

September 26, 2025

[grow_share_buttons]

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings are a delightful dessert that combines the warmth of baked apples with the flaky goodness of crescent rolls. If you’re looking for an easy recipe that brings comfort and a dash of nostalgia, you’ve come to the right place! This treat is perfect for cozy evenings at home or for impressing guests during get-togethers. Picture this: fragrant cinnamon wafting through your kitchen while the dumplings bake to golden perfection. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, you’ll love how straightforward and rewarding this recipe is. Plus, with the buttery layers of crescent rolls enveloping tender apple slices, you’ll have everyone asking for seconds! Let’s embark on this cooking adventure together, where every bite takes you back to warm family moments and sweet celebrations.

Why This Recipe Works

Understanding the combination of flavors: apple, cinnamon, and butter

The magic of Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings lies in the combination of flavors. Think about the sweetness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the richness of butter. Each ingredient complements the others beautifully. The tartness from the apples balances out the sweetness from the sugars, while the cinnamon adds a comforting spice that elevates the dish. Together, they create a delightful explosion of flavor.

The use of crescent rolls for a buttery, flaky texture

Crescent rolls are ideal for this recipe. Their dough is soft, buttery, and flaky, wrapping snugly around the apple slices. As they bake, the rolls puff up and form a delightful crust that perfectly contrasts the tender apples inside. This texture makes every bite irresistible!

Baking technique that ensures tender dumplings with a rich sauce

Baking these dumplings in a rich buttery sauce creates a tender texture. As they cook, the sauce seeps into the dough and apples, resulting in mouthwatering flavors. This cooking method ensures that each dumpling is infused with sweetness, making it even more enjoyable to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings

Quick preparation time perfect for busy home cooks

One of the best things about this recipe is how quick it is to prepare. With simple ingredients that come together in no time, it’s perfect for busy home cooks. You can whip up this dessert even on a weeknight!

Comfort food that evokes nostalgia and warmth

Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings are the epitome of comfort food. They remind many of childhood memories spent with family, gathering around the table for a sweet treat. The gooey, fragrant dumplings are sure to evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth.

Easily customizable for parties or family gatherings

This recipe is also wonderfully adaptable. You can easily double it to serve a crowd or tweak the flavors to suit your guests’ preferences. That flexibility makes it a hit at parties or family gatherings!

Ingredients

2 large green apples, peeled and cored
2 tablespoons cinnamon, divided
2 (8 oz) cans crescent rolls
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
¾ cup apple cider
¾ cup lemon-lime soda, or rum
Vanilla ice cream, optional, for serving

Preparing Your Ingredients

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s heating, grease a 9×13 baking pan or an extra-large cast iron skillet, then set it aside. This will ensure the dumplings don’t stick during baking.

Slice and Season the Apples

Next, take your peeled and cored apples and slice them into eight even wedges each. You should end up with a total of sixteen slices. To add flavor, sprinkle one tablespoon of cinnamon evenly over all the apple slices. This simple step infuses the apples with delightful spiciness.

Rolling the Dumplings

Wrap Apple Slices in Crescent Rolls

Now comes the fun part! Roll each apple slice tightly inside a crescent roll triangle. Be gentle but firm, making sure the apple is well-enveloped in the dough. Arrange the wrapped dumplings in your prepared baking dish, and place them in two rows. Leave some space between each dumpling; this allows for even cooking and that perfect golden color.

Preparing the Sweet Sauce

Make the Butter and Sugar Mixture

In a small pot, combine the butter, the remaining one tablespoon of cinnamon, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ¾ cup of apple cider. Place the pot over medium heat and bring this sweet mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally, watching as it transforms into a luscious sauce.

Pour Over Dumplings

Once the sauce is boiling, carefully pour it evenly over the arranged crescent roll dumplings. Make sure each dumpling gets a good amount of that buttery goodness. This step is crucial as the sauce will seep into the rolls during baking, creating a deliciously rich flavor.

Baking the Dumplings

Final Touches Before Baking

Before placing the dish in the oven, add that zesty kick by pouring the lemon-lime soda—or rum—around the edges of the baking pan. This bubbly addition enhances the overall flavor and provides an extra layer of sweetness.

Bake Until Perfect

Now, bake the dumplings in your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. During this time, the rolls will become golden brown, and the sauce will bubble gloriously. You’ll know they’re ready when the whole kitchen is filled with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and apples!

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture of the ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm dumplings.
Drizzle extra sauce from the baking pan on top of the dumplings for added flavor. That sauce is pure magic and makes each bite even better!

Tips for Success

Ensure your apples are firm to maintain their texture during baking. Softer apples may turn mushy.
Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. Leaving enough space allows the dumplings to cook evenly.
Experiment with different apple varieties for varied flavor. Each type can bring something unique to the dish!

Variations

Swap green apples for sweeter varieties, like Fuji or Honeycrisp, if you prefer a sweeter dumpling.
For a spice twist, add nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the sugar mixture, giving your dumplings an exciting touch.
Use a sugar-free soda for a lower-calorie option without losing flavor.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This helps preserve their delicious texture.

Pairing Ideas

Pair with cold vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.
Serve alongside a rich caramel sauce for added indulgence. The combination is heavenly!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare both the dumplings and the sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
What can I substitute for apple cider?
Apple juice or white grape juice works well as a substitute for apple cider without sacrificing taste.
Can I use other types of fruit?
Absolutely! Pears or peaches can be fantastic alternatives to apples in this recipe.
Is it necessary to use butter?
While butter adds richness, you can substitute with margarine or a dairy-free alternative if necessary.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best result, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed thoroughly.

As you savor each bite of your homemade Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings, you are sure to feel the warmth of comfort food envelop you. This delightful recipe will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen—perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings. Enjoy and make sure to share the joy with loved ones!