With all of the cooking and baking that comes with the holiday season, we’ve got a great shortcut to a homemade classic. And you won’t believe what makes these so delicious: a lemon-lime soda bath. These apple dumplings are beyond easy to prepare and are guaranteed to please. A few store-bought ingredients coupled with pantry staples and bada-bing-bada-boom, you’ve got an absolutely delicious dessert to serve to guests.

Truly, the secret ingredient to knocking this dessert out of the park is one can of lemon-lime soda; it adds sweetness and moisture to the dumplings, but we don’t need to appreciate the chemistry of it all in order to understand that it’s a formula for success. Serve this warm from the oven topped with a scoop of cool vanilla ice cream. But don’t assume this is only for dessert! These dumplings could easily be served with brunch, topped with fresh fruit and served alongside eggs. Whatever excuse you need to make these is a good one!

Ingredients

• 2 (8oz) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1 (20oz) can apple pie filling
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 can lemon-lime soda

Preparation

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 13″ x 9″ baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Assemble Dumplings: Unpack the crescent rolls and separate them into pre-cut triangles. Scoop a spoonful of apple pie filling into the widest part of the dough. Roll it up by taking the bottom end of the triangle and rolling it up and away from you to seal the pocket.
3. Arrange and Mix: Place each apple-stuffed roll in the greased baking dish and repeat until all of the dough is used. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Butter and Soda: Dollop a teaspoon of the butter mixture over each crescent roll. Then, pour the lemon-lime soda into the baking dish, filling the spaces between each roll. Be careful not to pour it over the top of the rolls.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Bonus Tip

For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg over the apple pie filling before rolling the dough. This simple addition can elevate the taste, giving it a warm and spicy note that complements the sweetness of the soda.

Conclusion

These apple dumplings are a delightful treat that marries convenience with classic flavors. The lemon-lime soda adds a unique twist that makes this dish both moist and flavorful. Whether you serve them as a dessert or a special brunch item, these dumplings are sure to impress. Don’t forget to enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish. Happy baking!