Name: Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 whole Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and cut into 8 wedges each); 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough; 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 (12 oz) can lemon-lime soda (like Mountain Dew)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers comfort and nostalgia in every bite, look no further than Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings. This iconic dish wraps tart apple wedges in buttery crescent dough, then bathes them in a luscious, caramel-like sauce with a surprising splash of lemon-lime soda. The result? A bubbling, golden masterpiece that’s both irresistibly crisp and decadently juicy. Whether you’re making it to welcome in apple season or just craving an easy, soul-warming treat, Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are bound to become a family favorite—especially when served warm and topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings is how each ingredient brings its own special touch to the recipe. With just a handful of household staples, you’ll create flavors and textures that feel straight out of Grandma’s kitchen, while still being wonderfully easy to put together. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness of the sauce and keeps the dumplings from being too rich.
Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Makes for buttery, flaky dumplings with zero fuss—your shortcut to homemade pastry.
Unsalted butter: Melds with sugar to create a rich, glossy caramel sauce as the dumplings bake.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens every bite and contributes to the dumplings’ signature sticky topping.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and gives the dessert a cozy aromatic note.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, making every bite scream “classic apple dessert.”
Lemon-lime soda (like Mountain Dew): The secret ingredient! It helps create that deep, bubbling caramel sauce and adds subtle zing.

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Baking Dish

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your Granny Smith apples into neat wedges—eight per apple is perfect. The tart flavor of Granny Smiths really makes Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings sing! Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep everything from sticking and ensure an easy clean-up after your delicious creation.

Step 2: Wrap Apples in Crescent Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough, and separate it into triangles, keeping them as intact as possible. Place an apple wedge at the wide end of each triangle, then gently roll it up so the apple is snug and cozy inside the dough. Arrange your dumplings seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, packing them in but giving each just a little breathing room.

Step 3: Make the Buttery Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add in the granulated sugar and gently stir until the mixture combines—you want it thick and grainy, not fully dissolved, for the perfect caramel texture later! Remove the saucepan from the heat, then stir in the fragrant vanilla extract for that homey, classic aroma.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Soda

Pour the buttery vanilla-sugar mixture evenly over the wrapped apple dumplings in your dish. Next comes the magic: gently pour the lemon-lime soda around the edges of the pan and in between the dumplings. Try to avoid pouring directly over the tops to help them crisp up beautifully in the oven—this will give you those irresistible golden crowns.

Step 5: Sprinkle and Bake

Sprinkle ground cinnamon evenly over the entire baking dish. Not only does it make your kitchen smell amazing, but it also marries perfectly with the apples and buttery sauce. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the tops are gorgeously golden and the sauce is bubbly around the sides. The scent wafting through your kitchen will make it tough to wait!

Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once baked, let your Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings cool just briefly so the sauce thickens a bit. They’re at their absolute best when served warm and gooey, ideally with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cloud of whipped cream. The mix of crisp and tender, hot and cold, sweet and tart is nothing short of magic.

How to Serve Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, dust your dumplings with a little extra cinnamon or even a sprinkling of powdered sugar. If you want to lean into autumn flavors, a handful of toasted chopped pecans on top can add wonderful crunch and a lovely nutty note. And, let’s be honest: a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the warm dumplings is non-negotiable!

Side Dishes

While these apple dumplings are undeniably the star of any dessert table, they pair beautifully with lighter accompaniments. Try serving them with a simple fruit salad for refreshing balance, or a dollop of tangy yogurt if you want a creamy, not-too-sweet contrast. A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai on the side is all you need for the perfect cozy finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Make a showstopper by plating each dumpling in its own mini cast iron skillet or ramekin for individual servings. Hosting a party? Arrange the dumplings on a wooden board with little jars of caramel sauce, chopped nuts, and whipped cream so guests can build their own. You can even create a “deconstructed” version by serving the apples and sauce over crumbled crescent dough, almost like an apple cobbler.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have leftover Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings, just let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days while maintaining much of their tender, syrupy goodness. Store the sauce right along with the dumplings to keep everything moist.

Freezing

You can freeze these dumplings after baking—just wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight for a dessert that’s ready when you are.

Reheating

To bring leftover Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings back to their warm, gooey glory, reheat them in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also warm individual servings in the microwave for a quick treat, though the oven helps recapture that magical crispiness on top.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are the classic choice for Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings due to their tartness, you can try Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji apples if you prefer a sweeter filling. Just be aware that texture and sweetness may vary a bit, so adjust to your taste.

Is it possible to make this recipe without Mountain Dew?

Yes, you can use another lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-Up in place of Mountain Dew. If you’d rather skip soda altogether, try a mix of apple juice and a splash of lemon, though the syrup may be a bit less bubbly and sticky.

Can I prepare Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings ahead of time?

You can assemble the dumplings in advance (without pouring on the soda or baking) and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add the buttery sauce, pour on the soda, sprinkle the cinnamon, and bake as usual.

What can I do if my crescent roll dough tears?

No worries! Gently pinch the dough back together or patch any holes with extra dough from another triangle. Once baked, the gooey sauce and crisp top have a way of forgiving any imperfections.

Are Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe as written is vegetarian. Just double-check your brand of crescent roll dough and soda to ensure no hidden animal-derived ingredients if you want to be extra sure.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hoping to capture the spirit of homey, old-fashioned baking without the fuss, you really can’t beat Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings. Every bite is a celebration of autumn comfort and effortless deliciousness—you’ll be amazed by how easy it is to share a taste of nostalgia with everyone at your table. Give it a try, and get ready for big smiles and happy hearts!

Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are a delicious and comforting dessert that features warm, tender apples wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, baked to golden perfection, and drenched in a sweet, buttery sauce. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

2 whole Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and cut into 8 wedges each)
2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (12 oz) can lemon-lime soda (like Mountain Dew)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Wrap the Apples: Wrap each apple wedge in a triangle of crescent roll dough and place seam-side down in the prepared dish.
Prepare the Butter Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir gently until combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
Assemble the Dumplings: Pour the butter mixture evenly over the apple dumplings. Carefully pour the lemon-lime soda around the edges and between the dumplings. Sprinkle the cinnamon evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve: Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.