Description: This recipe, inspired by Trisha Yearwood’s version, offers a delightfully simple and comforting dessert featuring tender apple wedges nestled in flaky crescent roll dough, drenched in a buttery, cinnamon-spiced sauce. The addition of Sprite or 7UP creates a uniquely moist and flavorful baking experience. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, bringing warmth and sweetness to your table with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 2 Granny Smith apples: Known for their tartness and firm texture, Granny Smith apples hold their shape beautifully during baking and provide a pleasing contrast to the sweetness of the sauce.
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent rolls: The pre-made crescent roll dough makes this recipe incredibly easy and quick. It creates a flaky and buttery crust around the apples.
- 1 cup butter: Unsalted butter provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor and texture of the dumplings.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the sauce and helps to caramelize during baking, creating a golden-brown crust.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds a classic warm and spicy flavor that complements the apples and buttery sauce perfectly.
- 1/2 cup Sprite or 7UP: The lemon-lime soda adds moisture and a subtle tang to the baking dish, preventing the dumplings from drying out and infusing them with a unique flavor.
- A pinch of ground nutmeg: A small amount of ground nutmeg adds a warm, nutty aroma and flavor that complements the cinnamon and apples.
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your oven is properly preheated for even baking. Accurate temperature is key to the crescent rolls puffing up nicely and the apples cooking through.
Step 2: Peel and core the apples, then cut each apple into 4 wedges. Peeling the apples ensures a tender bite. Coring removes the tough center. Cutting them into wedges allows them to cook evenly and fit perfectly inside the crescent rolls. Consider cutting the wedges a consistent size for even baking.
Step 3: Separate the crescent roll dough into triangles and place an apple wedge on the wide end of each triangle. Roll up starting at the wide end, and pinch to seal. Rolling the dough snugly around the apple ensures the filling stays in place during baking. Pinching the seams prevents the sauce from seeping inside the rolls and making them soggy. Place the rolled dumplings in a 9×13 inch baking dish, arranging them neatly for even baking and presentation.
Step 4: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Melting the butter slowly prevents it from browning or burning. Stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the sugar is dissolved. Dissolving the sugar completely ensures a smooth, uniform sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the rolled-up dough and apples in the baking dish. The sauce will soak into the dough during baking, creating a moist and flavorful treat.
Step 5: Pour the Sprite or 7UP around the edges of the pan, being careful not to wash the sugar mixture off the dumplings. Pouring the soda around the edges creates steam during baking, keeping the dumplings moist and tender. Avoiding direct contact with the sugar mixture prevents it from being diluted or washed away.
Step 6: Sprinkle the top with a pinch of nutmeg. A light dusting of nutmeg adds a fragrant and flavorful finishing touch to the dumplings.
Step 7: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until golden brown and apples are tender. The baking time may vary depending on your oven. The dumplings are ready when the crescent rolls are golden brown and puffed up, and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Check for doneness after 35 minutes to avoid over-baking.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Trisha Yearwood-inspired Apple Dumplings recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for numerous reasons. Its simplicity is a major draw; the recipe utilizes pre-made crescent roll dough, significantly cutting down on preparation time and making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. The ingredient list is short and sweet, consisting of pantry staples like butter, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, alongside refreshing Sprite or 7UP for a unique twist.
The resulting dessert is a symphony of textures and flavors. The flaky, buttery crescent roll dough encases tender, tart apple wedges, all bathed in a luscious, cinnamon-spiced sauce. The addition of Sprite or 7UP not only provides moisture but also introduces a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully. This recipe is a perfect blend of comforting classics and innovative touches.
Beyond its ease and deliciousness, these apple dumplings are versatile and adaptable. They can be enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature. They are also delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or a potluck – it’s a guaranteed hit, no matter the occasion.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm directly from the oven for the ultimate comfort dessert.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Pair with a warm beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few fresh apple slices.
Tips:
- Use cold butter: Cold butter that is cut into cubes is what will help make the dough flaky when it bakes.
- For extra flavor, try adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the apple mixture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the butter and sugar mixture on the stovetop for a few minutes longer before pouring it over the dumplings.
- To prevent the crescent rolls from browning too quickly, tent the baking dish with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Experiment with different apple varieties, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, for a unique flavor profile.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
35-45 minutes
Total Time:
50-60 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 450-550 (depending on serving size)
- Protein: 3-5 grams
- Sodium: 250-350 mg
Conclusion:
Trisha Yearwood’s Apple Dumplings recipe is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create a comforting and delicious treat. The combination of flaky crescent rolls, tender apples, and a buttery, cinnamon-spiced sauce is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dessert or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a winner. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake up a batch of these delectable apple dumplings – you won’t be disappointed! It’s a taste of Southern charm that will leave you wanting more.
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firm texture, you can certainly experiment with other varieties. Honeycrisp apples would provide a sweeter, slightly more floral flavor, while Fuji apples would offer a balanced sweetness and crispness. Braeburn or Gala apples are also good options. Just be sure to choose apples that hold their shape well during baking and don’t become overly mushy. Adjust the amount of sugar in the sauce if using a sweeter apple variety.
Q2: Can I substitute the Sprite or 7UP with something else?
A: Yes, if you prefer not to use Sprite or 7UP, you can substitute it with other clear carbonated beverages, such as ginger ale or sparkling apple cider. In a pinch, you could even use regular apple cider mixed with a splash of lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor. The carbonation helps to create steam during baking, which keeps the dumplings moist, so try to find a carbonated alternative if possible. Using water alone might result in a slightly drier dumpling.
Q3: How do I prevent the bottom of the dumplings from getting soggy?
A: Ensuring the crescent rolls are properly sealed around the apple wedges is key. Pinch the seams tightly to prevent the sauce from seeping inside. Also, avoid pouring the Sprite or 7UP directly onto the dumplings; instead, pour it around the edges of the baking dish. This will create steam and help to cook the dumplings evenly without making them soggy. Using a baking dish that conducts heat well can also help.
Q4: Can I make these apple dumplings ahead of time?
A: While these apple dumplings are best served fresh and warm, you can certainly prepare them ahead of time. Assemble the dumplings in the baking dish, but do not bake them. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary. Note that the crescent rolls may not rise quite as much if they’ve been refrigerated.
Q5: Can I add nuts or other spices to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking. Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunchy texture and nutty flavor. You could also add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a more complex spice profile. A sprinkle of brown sugar in addition to the granulated sugar would add a hint of molasses flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make the recipe your own!
