Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings

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Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings – Buttery, Bubbly & Irresistibly Good

These Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings are a beloved Southern classic—tender apple wedges wrapped in crescent roll dough, bathed in a buttery cinnamon-sugar sauce, and baked to golden perfection with a surprising twist: Mountain Dew. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of the sweet, bubbling sauce for a dessert that’s pure comfort.

Introduction: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

There’s something magical about the combination of apples, cinnamon, and butter—especially when it’s wrapped in flaky pastry and baked until golden and bubbling. These Apple Dumplings are a signature recipe from the Pioneer Woman herself, and they’ve become a viral favorite for good reason.

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and unexpected ingredients. Crescent roll dough makes the prep a breeze, while Mountain Dew adds a citrusy sweetness and helps create a caramel-like sauce that soaks into every bite. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like home—warm, gooey, and made to be shared.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what makes these dumplings so special:

For the Dumplings:

  • Granny Smith apples (2)
    Tart and firm—perfect for baking and balancing the sweetness of the sauce.
  • Crescent rolls (2 cans, 8 oz each)
    Buttery, flaky, and easy to work with—each can makes 8 dumplings.
  • Butter (1 cup)
    Melted and mixed with sugar to create a rich, golden sauce.
  • Granulated sugar (1½ cups)
    Sweetens the sauce and caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
  • Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
    Adds warmth and depth to the sauce.
  • Cinnamon (dash)
    A hint of spice that enhances the apple flavor.
  • Mountain Dew (1 can, 12 oz)
    The secret ingredient—adds moisture, sweetness, and a subtle citrusy zing.

Equipment Needed

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Peeler and apple corer
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Small saucepan
  • Mixing spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Apples

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Peel and core 2 Granny Smith apples.
  • Cut each apple into 8 wedges, for a total of 16 slices.

Step 2: Wrap the Apples

  • Open 2 cans of crescent rolls and separate the dough into 16 triangles.
  • Roll each apple slice in a triangle of dough, starting at the wide end and rolling toward the point.
  • Place each wrapped apple slice in a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan:

  • Melt 1 cup butter over medium heat.
  • Add 1½ cups sugar and stir gently—just enough to combine.
  • Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Tip: Don’t overmix the sugar—it should remain slightly grainy for the best texture.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

  • Pour the butter-sugar-vanilla mixture evenly over the dumplings.
  • Pour 1 can (12 oz) Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan—avoid pouring directly over the dumplings.
  • Sprinkle the top with a dash of cinnamon.

Bake for 40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.

Step 5: Serve

Let the dumplings cool slightly before serving.

Spoon some of the sweet sauce from the pan over each dumpling.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Presentation Tip: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel for an extra-special touch.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for:

  • Fall gatherings
  • Holiday dessert tables
  • Sunday suppers
  • Potlucks and bake sales

Pair with:

  • A hot cup of coffee or spiced cider
  • A scoop of cinnamon or butter pecan ice cream
  • A drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce

Variations to Try

Want to make them your own? Try these delicious twists:

Pear Dumplings

Swap apples for firm pears for a mellow, floral flavor.

Citrus Twist

Add orange zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy note.

Pie Crust Version

Use homemade pie dough instead of crescent rolls for a rustic touch.

🌱 Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free crescent dough and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.
  • Freeze: Freeze baked dumplings for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

Tip: Reheat in the oven for a crispier texture.

Nutrition Notes (Per Dumpling, ~1 of 16)

  • Calories: ~280
  • Protein: ~2g
  • Carbohydrates: ~35g
  • Fat: ~15g
  • Sugar: ~22g
  • Sodium: ~180mg
  • Fiber: ~1g

These dumplings are:

  • Buttery and flaky
  • Sweet and spiced
  • Perfectly portioned
  • Great for sharing

Final Thoughts

These Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings are more than just a dessert—they’re a warm, gooey, cinnamon-kissed hug in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or a cozy night at home, they’re guaranteed to become a family favorite.

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