Introduction
5-Ingredient Apple Dumplings are a quick and simple dessert that packs all the warmth and sweetness of a traditional apple dumpling, but with minimal effort. These dumplings consist of tender apples wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry dough and baked to perfection with a simple syrup that creates a caramelized finish. They are the perfect treat for when you’re craving something comforting and delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and cored
1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough (8 pieces)
1/4 cup (60 g) butter, melted
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (120 ml) lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7-Up)
Instructions
Prepare the Apples:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Peel, core, and cut each apple into 4 wedges, creating 8 apple pieces.
Wrap the Apples:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate the 8 pieces. Place one apple wedge in the center of each piece of dough.
Roll up the dough around the apple slices, pinching the edges to seal them. Ensure the apples are completely covered.
Prepare the Syrup:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and sugar.
Pour the butter-sugar mixture evenly over the wrapped dumplings.
Add Soda:
Pour the lemon-lime soda around the dumplings in the baking dish (not over the top). The soda will create a syrupy base as it bakes.
Bake the Dumplings:
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the apples are tender. The syrup should be bubbly and caramelized.
Serve:
Let the dumplings cool slightly before serving. For an extra treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Description
These 5-Ingredient Apple Dumplings are a fantastic combination of sweet, tender apples, flaky crescent roll dough, and a simple syrup that creates a golden, caramelized finish. The apples inside stay juicy and soft, while the dough bakes into a crisp, buttery crust. The lemon-lime soda adds a fizzy sweetness that enhances the caramelization of the butter and sugar, making each bite irresistible. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent yet requires little time to make, making it a perfect go-to when you’re craving a homemade treat.
Tips
Apple Variety: For a balanced sweet-tart flavor, use a combination of sweet apples like Honeycrisp and tart ones like Granny Smith.
Serve with Ice Cream: These dumplings are especially delicious when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Use Apple Pie Spice: If you have apple pie spice on hand, sprinkle a little on the apples before wrapping them to add an extra layer of flavor.
Seal Well: Be sure to pinch the dough well around the apples to avoid any filling leaking out while baking.
Variations
Cinnamon Apple Dumplings: Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the apples before wrapping them in dough for a classic apple pie flavor.
Caramel Apple Dumplings: Drizzle caramel sauce over the dumplings before baking or once they’re out of the oven for a rich caramel twist.
Nutty Apple Dumplings: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough with the apples for a little crunch.
Corrections
Dough Not Cooking Through: If the dough seems undercooked, make sure you roll the apples up tightly and bake them long enough until golden. If needed, you can tent them with foil to prevent over-browning while ensuring the dough bakes thoroughly.
Too Sweet: If the dumplings are too sweet for your taste, reduce the sugar slightly or use a less sweet soda like club soda or seltzer.
Enjoy!
These 5-Ingredient Apple Dumplings are an incredibly easy yet satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, they’re sure to delight everyone who tries them. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of homemade apple dumplings with minimal effort!