Apple dumplings are a timeless dessert that combines the natural sweetness and tartness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon and the richness of buttery pastry. Traditionally, they’ve been a beloved treat across various cultures, often served warm and topped with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Over time, apple dumplings have become a favorite in home kitchens because of their comforting flavors and straightforward preparation, making them perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

This particular recipe draws inspiration from Pioneer Woman’s classic take on apple dumplings, offering a delicious twist on the traditional approach. Known for her approachable and hearty recipes, Pioneer Woman’s version stands out for its simplicity and unique ingredient choices, particularly the use of soda like 7-Up, which adds an unexpected yet delightful element to the dessert. This recipe is ideal for both novice and experienced bakers alike due to its ease and quick preparation.

What makes this recipe so unique is not only its speed and simplicity but also the ingenious use of crescent dough and soda. These ingredients streamline the process, eliminating the need for homemade dough while still delivering a deliciously flaky texture. The soda, when baked, transforms into a caramel-like sauce that coats the dumplings, enhancing both the flavor and presentation of the dish.

Ingredients Overview

One of the best aspects of this apple dumplings recipe is its straightforward ingredient list, which consists of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. The combination of tart apples, buttery dough, and sweet cinnamon-sugar syrup creates a perfect balance of flavors. What’s even better is the flexibility of this recipe. You can easily swap out certain ingredients for others, allowing you to personalize the dish to your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Common Substitutions

Apple Varieties: While this recipe calls for a tart apple variety like Fuji, you can use other apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala. The key is to choose apples that hold their shape well when baked and have a good balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Alternative Doughs: If you don’t have crescent dough on hand, you can use puff pastry, pie dough, or even make your own dough for a more rustic version. Each type of dough will yield a slightly different texture, but all can work beautifully in this recipe.

Ingredients List Breakdown

Apple (Fuji or Tart Variety):
- The choice of apple is essential for achieving the right flavor balance in this dessert. Tart apples like Fuji or Granny Smith are ideal because they provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Tart apples also hold up better during baking, retaining their shape and texture, rather than turning mushy.
- You can also experiment with sweeter varieties, but the result may be less balanced in flavor. Whichever apple you choose, make sure to peel and slice it into uniform wedges for even cooking.
Crescent Dough:
- Pillsbury Crescent dough is a fantastic shortcut for making apple dumplings. Its pre-cut triangles are perfectly sized for wrapping apple wedges, and it bakes up golden and flaky. The dough’s soft, buttery texture complements the tender apples inside, creating a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and the juicy filling.
- This dough is ideal for bakers who want a quick and easy option without sacrificing the quality of homemade pastry.
Butter:
- Real butter is key to achieving the rich, indulgent flavor of these apple dumplings. As the butter melts during baking, it blends with the sugar and cinnamon, creating a decadent sauce that soaks into the dumplings, making them irresistibly moist and flavorful. Margarine or butter substitutes can be used, but they may alter the taste and texture slightly.
Sugar:
- Sugar adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples. The ratio of 2/3 cup of sugar helps create a thick, caramel-like sauce when combined with butter, cinnamon, and the soda. You could also adjust the sugar level based on personal preference or substitute it with a healthier alternative like coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a lighter version of the recipe.
Cinnamon:
- Cinnamon is a classic spice that pairs beautifully with apples. Its warm, spicy notes enhance the flavor of the fruit and add depth to the overall dessert. This recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon, but you can increase or decrease the amount depending on how much you love cinnamon.
Vanilla Extract:
- Vanilla extract deepens the flavor of the cinnamon-sugar mixture, adding a sweet, aromatic quality that ties all the elements together. Even though it’s used in a small amount, it makes a noticeable difference in the overall taste of the dish. If you don’t have vanilla extract on hand, almond extract can be an interesting alternative, offering a slightly nuttier flavor.
7-Up Soda:
- One of the most unique aspects of this recipe is the addition of 7-Up soda. While it may seem like an unconventional ingredient for a dessert, it serves a crucial purpose. The carbonation helps lift and lighten the dough as it bakes, ensuring the dumplings turn out soft and fluffy on the inside with a golden-brown crust. Additionally, the soda combines with the butter and sugar to form a rich, bubbly sauce that coats the dumplings as they bake, mimicking a caramel sauce without the need for extra effort.
- If you don’t have 7-Up, other lemon-lime sodas like Sprite or even ginger ale can work as substitutes. Just make sure to use a soda with a similar flavor profile to maintain the balance of sweetness and acidity.

Together, these ingredients create a simple yet flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to whip up after dinner or something to impress guests at a gathering, these apple dumplings deliver with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparation of Ingredients

Preheat the Oven
The first step in making these delicious apple dumplings is preheating your oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring the oven is properly heated before you start assembling the dumplings is crucial for even baking and achieving the perfect golden-brown finish. While the oven is heating, you can move on to preparing the ingredients.

Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with either butter or non-stick spray. This helps prevent the dumplings from sticking to the dish and makes for easy serving once baked.
Peeling and Cutting the Apples
Start by selecting a large apple, such as Fuji or another tart variety like Granny Smith, as these hold up well during baking. Peel the apple completely to ensure a soft texture. Then, cut the apple into 8-10 wedges. You want the wedges to be uniform in size for even baking, which ensures that all the dumplings cook at the same rate.

Peeling Tip: Use a sharp vegetable peeler or a paring knife to peel the apple quickly and efficiently. A peeler will help you remove just the skin without cutting too much into the flesh.
Patting the Apples Dry
After slicing the apple wedges, use a paper towel to pat them dry. This step is crucial because apples contain moisture, and removing excess liquid ensures that the dumplings don’t become soggy during baking. Drying the wedges also helps the dough adhere better to the apples, preventing them from unwrapping during baking.

Step 2: Assembling the Dumplings

Separating the Crescent Dough
Unroll the Pillsbury Crescent dough and separate it into triangles along the perforated lines. Crescent dough is delicate, so handle it gently to avoid tearing. If the dough tears, simply press it back together with your fingers.

Tip: If the dough becomes too warm and difficult to handle, pop it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
Wrapping the Apples
Take one apple wedge and place it at the wide end of a crescent dough triangle. Starting from this end, roll the dough around the apple wedge, tucking it in as you go. Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough to seal it completely around the apple. This prevents any filling from leaking out during baking.

Wrapping Tip: Roll the dough tightly around the apple wedge to avoid gaps, but don’t stretch the dough too thin as this can cause tearing.
Placement in the Baking Dish
Arrange the wrapped apple wedges in the greased baking dish. For best results, place them seam-side down to keep the dough securely wrapped around the apples. Make sure the dumplings are evenly spaced, allowing room for the dough to expand while baking and ensuring each dumpling gets properly browned.

Step 3: Making the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

Melting the Butter
In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Be careful not to overheat the butter, as it can burn quickly. Stir constantly as the butter melts to prevent it from browning, which could alter the flavor of the dish.
Stirring in Sugar and Cinnamon
Once the butter has melted, reduce the heat to low and stir in 2/3 cup of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens slightly. You want the sugar to dissolve and combine smoothly with the butter to form a syrup-like consistency.

Tip: Stir constantly to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pan and caramelizing prematurely.
Adding Vanilla Extract
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Adding the vanilla off the heat ensures that its flavor remains bold and doesn’t evaporate. The vanilla extract adds a rich depth to the cinnamon-sugar mixture and enhances the overall flavor of the dumplings.

Step 4: Pouring the Mixtures

Pouring Cinnamon-Sugar Over Dumplings
Pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the assembled dumplings, making sure to coat each one. This mixture will seep into the dough as it bakes, creating a sweet, sticky exterior while infusing the dumplings with flavor.

Tip: Use a spoon to evenly distribute the mixture and ensure every dumpling is well-coated.
Adding the 7-Up
Now, take 3/4 cup of 7-Up soda and carefully pour it around the edges of the baking dish, avoiding the tops of the dumplings. The soda serves two purposes: it helps create a caramel-like sauce as it combines with the sugar and butter, and it also helps the dumplings stay soft and tender during baking.

Why 7-Up? The carbonation in the soda helps lift the dough, keeping it light and fluffy, while the slight citrus flavor complements the sweetness of the apples and cinnamon.

Step 5: Baking and Serving

Baking Time and Visual Cues
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the dumplings for 40-45 minutes. As they bake, the dumplings will puff up and turn golden brown. The sauce at the bottom of the dish will bubble and thicken, creating a caramel-like glaze.

Visual Cues: The dumplings are done when they are golden and crisp on top, and the sauce is bubbly. If the tops of the dumplings brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning while the inside continues to cook.
Letting the Dumplings Cool
Once baked, remove the dumplings from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This cooling time allows the sauce to thicken further and ensures the dumplings hold their shape. Serving the dumplings too soon can cause the filling to spill out before it sets.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the apple dumplings warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. The contrast between the warm, spiced dumplings and the cold, creamy topping is irresistible. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the dumplings before serving.

Tips for Perfect Apple Dumplings

How to Select the Best Apples
The choice of apple plays a key role in the success of your dumplings. Tart apples, like Fuji, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp, work best because their acidity balances the sweetness of the sugar and cinnamon mixture. These apples also hold their shape well when baked, giving you a tender but not mushy filling. Avoid overly sweet apples, like Red Delicious, which tend to break down too much during baking.
Ensuring the Dough is Fully Sealed
To prevent leaking during baking, make sure each apple wedge is tightly and completely wrapped in the crescent dough. Pinch the edges of the dough to seal it around the apple wedge, preventing the filling from spilling out. This helps maintain the integrity of the dumplings and keeps the sauce inside, enhancing the flavor and texture.
Avoiding Soggy Dumplings
Achieving the perfect texture means avoiding soggy dumplings. Here are a few key steps to ensure crispiness:
- Pat the apple wedges dry before wrapping them in the dough. Excess moisture from the apples can make the dough soggy as it bakes.
- Don’t overbake the dumplings. Stick to the suggested baking time of 40-45 minutes, checking for a golden-brown color and bubbling sauce. Overbaking can cause the dough to absorb too much moisture, making the dumplings too soft.
- Ventilation: Properly space the dumplings in the dish, so they have room to expand and crisp up.

Recipe Variations

Alternative Apple Varieties
While the recipe calls for tart apples, you can experiment with other varieties to suit your taste. Some great alternatives include:
- Granny Smith: Perfect for a strong tart flavor.
- Honeycrisp: Adds a slight sweetness and firm texture.
- Gala: A sweeter option that still holds up well when baked.
Using Different Sodas
If you don’t have 7-Up on hand, you can substitute it with other sodas. Each soda brings a unique flavor to the dish:
- Sprite: Another lemon-lime soda that works just as well as 7-Up.
- Ginger Ale: Adds a subtle spice that complements the cinnamon.
- Mountain Dew: A popular alternative that works similarly to 7-Up but with a slightly bolder citrus flavor.
Alternative Dough Options
While Pillsbury Crescent dough is quick and convenient, other dough options can also work well:
- Puff Pastry: Offers a flakier, more delicate texture.
- Homemade Dough: For those who prefer a personal touch, making your own pastry dough can add a rustic element to the dish.
Adding Nuts or Raisins
For an extra layer of texture and flavor, consider adding nuts or raisins to the filling.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans bring a crunchy contrast to the soft apples and dough.
- Raisins or dried cranberries can add a touch of sweetness and a chewy texture to the filling.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration Tips
If you have leftover apple dumplings, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, transfer them to an airtight container once they have cooled completely. This helps prevent them from absorbing excess moisture, which can make the dough soggy.
Freezing Dumplings
Apple dumplings can be frozen either before or after baking:
- Before Baking: Assemble the dumplings and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, you can place them directly in the oven from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- After Baking: Allow the dumplings to cool completely before freezing. Wrap each dumpling individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.
Reheating Tips
To reheat leftover dumplings, the method you choose can affect the texture:
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the dumplings on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the dumplings crispy.
- Microwave Method: For a quicker option, you can reheat dumplings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. However, the microwave can cause the dough to become soft, so it’s best to use the oven when possible for the best results.

Nutritional Breakdown of Apple Dumplings

Apple dumplings are a rich and indulgent dessert. The calorie content will vary slightly depending on the size of the dumplings and the specific ingredients used, but here’s a rough estimate for a typical serving of one dumpling:

Calories per Serving: Approximately 300-350 calories per dumpling.
Fats: About 15-20 grams of fat, primarily from the butter and crescent dough.
Sugars: Around 20-25 grams of sugar, coming from the added sugar, soda, and natural sugars in the apple.
Carbohydrates: Each dumpling contains roughly 35-40 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from the dough and sugar.

The crescent dough and soda significantly contribute to the calorie count. Crescent dough is buttery and rich in fat, adding to the overall caloric content, while soda brings in extra sugars. The 7-Up or equivalent soda, which contains high levels of sugar, contributes to the caramel-like sauce but also adds a significant amount of empty calories to the dessert.

Healthier Substitutions

Low-Sugar Options
To reduce the sugar content, you can:
- Replace the sugar in the cinnamon-sugar mixture with a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
- Reduce the sugar in the recipe by half and rely more on the natural sweetness of the apples.
Alternative Doughs
Consider using:
- Whole-wheat crescent dough for added fiber and a more wholesome option.
- Gluten-free dough: For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free crescent doughs are available and can be used as a direct substitute.
Soda Alternatives
Instead of using 7-Up or another sugary soda, try:
- Sparkling water for a zero-calorie option. It will still provide the carbonation without adding extra sugars.
- Naturally sweetened sodas, which use less processed sugars or no sugar at all, to reduce the sugar content of the recipe.

FAQs About Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings

Can I use other types of fruit?
Yes, you can substitute apples with other fruits like pears or peaches. Both options will work well, though you may need to slightly adjust the baking time. Pears can soften more quickly, so check for doneness a little earlier. Peaches, being juicier, may also release more liquid, which could require additional baking time to achieve a thickened sauce.
What can I substitute for crescent dough?
If you don’t have crescent dough, you can use puff pastry or homemade pie dough as substitutes. Puff pastry will give you a flakier, more delicate texture, while pie dough will yield a more rustic, traditional feel. Both options work well in wrapping the fruit and baking up golden and crisp.
What other sodas can I use besides 7-Up?
You can substitute 7-Up with Mountain Dew, Sprite, or Ginger Ale. Each of these sodas adds a slightly different flavor. Mountain Dew offers a bold citrus flavor, Sprite is lighter but still sweet, and Ginger Ale adds a hint of spice, which pairs nicely with the cinnamon in the recipe.
How long do these apple dumplings last?
Once baked, apple dumplings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven or microwave for the best texture.
Can I make these apple dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, these dumplings can be made in advance. You can assemble the dumplings and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes them a perfect dessert to prepare ahead for busy days or special occasions.

Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings

Author: Christine

Print Recipe

Description

This recipe for Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings is a delicious twist on a classic comfort dessert, featuring soft, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in flaky crescent dough and baked in a bubbly, sweet sauce. The use of 7-Up soda creates a caramel-like syrup that adds a unique depth of flavor, making this dish a family favorite. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a cozy dessert to enjoy at home.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large apple (Fuji or any tart variety), peeled and cut into 8-10 wedges
1 can Pillsbury Crescent dough
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup 7-Up or equivalent soda

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Prepare the Apples: Peel and cut the apple into 8-10 wedges. Pat the wedges dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which ensures that the dough bakes to a crispy texture.
Assemble the Dumplings:
- Separate the crescent dough into triangles.
- Wrap each apple wedge in a dough triangle, starting at the wide end. Pinch the edges of the dough to seal it tightly around the apple wedge.
- Place the wrapped apple wedges into the greased baking dish, ensuring they are spaced evenly for proper baking.
Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture:
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the sugar and cinnamon, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract.
Pour the Mixtures:
- Pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the assembled dumplings, ensuring each one is coated.
- Carefully pour the 7-Up around the edges of the dish, avoiding pouring directly over the dumplings. The soda will create a rich, caramel-like sauce during baking.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. The dumplings should be crisp on top while soft and tender inside.
Cool and Serve: Allow the dumplings to cool for about 5 minutes. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

Notes

Apple Choice: While Fuji apples are recommended for their tartness and firm texture, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples work just as well. Ensure the apples are firm enough to hold their shape during baking.
Soda Substitutes: If you don’t have 7-Up, other lemon-lime sodas like Sprite or Ginger Ale can be used. The carbonation helps lift the dough while baking, keeping the dumplings light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions: These dumplings are best enjoyed warm and make an excellent pairing with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. You can also drizzle some caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness.