Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings

Description: These apple dumplings are a delightfully simple and comforting dessert, reminiscent of grandma’s baking, but made easier with the help of refrigerated crescent dough. Each dumpling features a tender apple slice nestled within flaky pastry, bathed in a sweet, buttery, and slightly tangy sauce. It’s a classic American treat that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a potluck gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Effortless Elegance: Using pre-made crescent dough cuts down on preparation time significantly, making this recipe ideal for when you crave a homemade dessert but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, rich butter, and a hint of citrus from the Mountain Dew creates a flavor profile that everyone will adore.
Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your preferences by using different apple varieties, adding nuts to the sauce, or experimenting with different spices.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. A quick trip to the grocery store for apples and crescent dough is all you need.
The Perfect Warm Dessert: Serve these dumplings warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an unforgettable treat. The contrast of warm, sweet dumplings and cold, creamy topping is simply divine.

Introduction

Apple dumplings have been a staple dessert in American households for generations. Their comforting aroma filling the kitchen as they bake, the warm, sweet taste melting in your mouth – it’s pure nostalgia in every bite. This recipe pays homage to those traditional flavors but simplifies the process for modern-day cooks. Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, has shared her version of this recipe, and it’s become a beloved favorite for its simplicity and deliciousness.

This adaptation uses the genius shortcut of crescent roll dough. This recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s dive into how to make these delightful apple dumplings!

Ingredients:

1 large apple (Fuji, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or any tart apple): The type of apple you use will impact the overall flavor of the dumplings. Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the sauce. Sweeter apples, such as Fuji or Honeycrisp, will result in a richer, more intensely sweet dessert. I typically use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp to create a complex flavor profile.
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury Crescent dough sheets or rolls: The crescent dough forms the pastry around the apples. Make sure your dough is cold, as this will make it easier to handle and prevent it from becoming sticky. If using crescent roll sheets, simply cut them into triangles. If using crescent rolls, separate the rolls and gently flatten each one into a triangle shape.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the sauce. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe. The nutty flavor it brings as it browns in the oven is also key.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sugar sweetens the sauce and helps to create a syrupy consistency. You can also use brown sugar for a caramel flavor.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the sauce, complementing the apples beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the other flavors in the sauce, adding a touch of complexity.
3/4 cup Mountain Dew (or any lemon-lime soda, such as Sprite or 7-Up): The lemon-lime soda adds a subtle tanginess to the sauce and helps to keep the dumplings moist as they bake. The acidity is the key.

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Greasing the dish prevents the dumplings from sticking and ensures that they release easily when serving. Make sure to spread the grease evenly, paying attention to the corners and edges.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples.

Peel and core the apple. A sharp vegetable peeler will make quick work of the peeling process. Use an apple corer or carefully cut around the core with a knife. Cut the apple into 8 equal slices. Aim for slices that are about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures that the apples cook evenly and become tender during baking.

Step 3: Assemble the Dumplings.

Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles (or cut the crescent dough sheet into triangles). Wrap each apple slice with a crescent triangle, starting from the wide end. Gently stretch the dough as needed to completely encase the apple slice. Press the seams together to seal the dumplings.

Step 4: Arrange and Prepare the Sauce.

Place the wrapped apples in the prepared baking dish. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the sugar and cinnamon until well combined. Whisk the mixture continuously to prevent the sugar from burning. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Bake and Serve.

Pour the butter-sugar mixture over the wrapped apples, ensuring that each dumpling is evenly coated. Pour the Mountain Dew (or lemon-lime soda) around the edges of the dish, avoiding the dumplings as much as possible. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

COOKING Rating:

Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Super Easy)
Taste: 5/5 (Absolutely Delicious)
Complexity: 1/5 (Very Simple)
Kid-Friendly: 5/5 (Kids Love It)

Serving Suggestions:

Classic: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts into the warm sauce, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
Whipped Cream: Top with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a touch of elegance.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.
Nuts: Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Breakfast Treat: Enjoy a dumpling (or two!) with a cup of coffee for a decadent breakfast treat.

Tips:

Use Cold Ingredients: Make sure your crescent dough is cold before unrolling it. This will make it easier to handle and prevent it from becoming sticky.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the dumplings while they are baking to prevent them from burning. If the tops start to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Experiment with Spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cloves to the sauce for a unique flavor.
Add a Pinch of Salt: A small pinch of salt will enhance the sweetness of the sauce.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

35-40 minutes

Total Time:

50-55 minutes

Nutritional Information:

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
Protein: Approximately 5-7 grams per serving
Sodium: Approximately 250-300 mg per serving

Conclusion

These Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a comforting and satisfying dessert that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight treat or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, these apple dumplings are sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

Questions and Answers About This Recipe:

Q1: Can I use a different type of soda besides Mountain Dew?

A: Absolutely! While Mountain Dew is a popular choice for this recipe, any lemon-lime soda such as Sprite or 7-Up will work perfectly. The key is to use a soda with a bit of citrus tang to balance the sweetness of the sauce. You can even use ginger ale for a slightly different flavor profile, but it will be less tangy. Some people have experimented with apple cider or apple juice, but you may need to reduce the sugar slightly, as these are already quite sweet.

Q2: What can I substitute for crescent roll dough?

A: If you’re feeling ambitious or don’t have access to crescent roll dough, you can make your own pastry dough. A simple pie crust recipe will work well. You could also use puff pastry, but be aware that it will create a flakier, more layered dumpling. You could also use canned biscuits, cut into quarters and flattened. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!

Q3: Can I add nuts to this recipe?

A: Definitely! Adding chopped nuts can enhance the flavor and texture of the dumplings. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds would all be excellent choices. Simply sprinkle the nuts over the dumplings before baking, or add them to the melted butter-sugar mixture. About 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chopped nuts should be sufficient.

Q4: How do I store leftover apple dumplings?

A: Leftover apple dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for 30-60 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. The microwave will make them a bit softer, while the oven will help retain some of the crispness. Be mindful not to over heat, or the crust may become tough.

Q5: Can I prepare the apple dumplings ahead of time?

A: You can assemble the apple dumplings a few hours ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. However, it’s best to pour the Mountain Dew over them just before baking, as it can make the dough soggy if left for too long. Alternatively, you could pre-mix the butter-sugar sauce and keep it refrigerated separately, then pour it over the dumplings along with the soda just before baking.