Description

If you're craving a sweet, cozy dessert that’s both simple to prepare and absolutely delicious, look no further than these Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings. With tender, flaky pastry wrapped around tart apples and baked in a buttery, cinnamon-sugar syrup, this dessert is the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Served hot out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these dumplings are a treat that will bring comfort and smiles to everyone at the table. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make!

Ingredients

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

Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the apples
Start by peeling and coring 2 Granny Smith apples. Granny Smith apples are the perfect choice for this recipe due to their tartness, which balances beautifully with the sweet syrup. After peeling and coring, cut each apple into 8 equal slices. You will have a total of 16 slices, which will be wrapped individually in dough.

Step 2: Wrap the apples
Open the cans of crescent roll dough and separate the triangles. Take one apple slice and roll it up in a crescent roll triangle, starting from the wide end and rolling towards the narrow point. Repeat this process with each apple slice. Once rolled, place the apple dumplings in a buttered baking dish, leaving some space between each for even cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the syrup
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes a smooth, buttery syrup. Be careful not to let the mixture boil or brown, as you want a rich, golden syrup.

Step 4: Add the soda
Once the sugar has dissolved, slowly pour in the can of Mountain Dew (or your favorite lemon-lime soda). The soda adds a unique flavor and helps create a light, bubbly texture in the syrup. Stir to combine, and remove the mixture from heat.

Step 5: Pour the syrup over the dumplings
Carefully pour the buttery syrup evenly over the apple dumplings in the baking dish. The syrup will pool around the dumplings and help create that irresistible sauce as they bake.

Step 6: Sprinkle with cinnamon
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon evenly over the top of the dumplings. The cinnamon will add warmth and a hint of spice that pairs perfectly with the apples and syrup.

Step 7: Bake the dumplings
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the apple dumplings for 35-40 minutes. The dumplings should be golden brown, and the syrup will thicken into a sweet, gooey sauce. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to make sure the tops don’t get too dark.

Step 8: Serve
Once the dumplings are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the warm apple dumplings and the cold ice cream creates a dessert experience that’s simply unforgettable

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a small pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon before sprinkling it over the dumplings. These spices enhance the fall flavors and give the dessert a deeper warmth. You can also experiment with different types of apples, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, for a slightly sweeter variation.

Conclusion:
Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are the perfect dessert for cozy nights or special gatherings. With their flaky pastry, tender apples, and rich, buttery sauce, this recipe is a surefire hit that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're serving these as a weeknight treat or a holiday dessert, they’re guaranteed to bring comfort and joy to your table. Follow these simple steps and enjoy this delicious, classic dessert with your loved ones!