Apple Dumplings are a classic comfort food dessert that combines tender apples with a buttery, sweet, and slightly spiced sauce, all wrapped in crescent roll dough. This recipe, inspired by Trisha Yearwood, is perfect for a cozy family gathering or a special treat. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making these delicious Apple Dumplings, provide helpful cooking notes, and offer variations to suit different tastes.
Ingredients
- 2 Granny Smith apples
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent rolls
- 1 cup butter
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Sprite or 7UP
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Peel and Core Apples:
- Peel and core the Granny Smith apples. Cut each apple into 8 wedges.
Step 2: Wrap the Apples
- Wrap in Crescent Rolls:
- Open the can of crescent rolls and separate the dough into triangles. Wrap each apple wedge in a crescent roll triangle, starting at the wide end and rolling to the point. Place the wrapped apples in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Melt Butter:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla:
- Stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Pour Sauce Over Apples:
- Pour the butter and sugar mixture evenly over the wrapped apples in the baking dish.
- Add Soda:
- Pour the Sprite or 7UP around the edges of the baking dish, not over the dumplings.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Cool Slightly:
- Allow the apple dumplings to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve Warm:
- Serve the Apple Dumplings warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations
Cook Notes:
- Apples: Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firm texture, but you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- Soda: Sprite or 7UP adds a unique flavor and helps to create a delicious, caramel-like sauce. You can substitute with other lemon-lime sodas if needed.
Variations:
- Caramel Apple Dumplings:
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked dumplings for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Nutty Apple Dumplings:
- Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the butter and sugar mixture for added crunch and flavor.
- Spiced Apple Dumplings:
- Increase the amount of ground cinnamon and nutmeg, and add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a more spiced version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other types of dough?
Yes, you can use puff pastry or pie dough instead of crescent rolls. Adjust the baking time as needed.
2. How do I store leftover apple dumplings?
Store any leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
3. Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?
You can prepare the dumplings and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best results.
4. What can I serve with Apple Dumplings?
Apple Dumplings pair well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
5. Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like Splenda or Stevia. Adjust the amount to taste, as some substitutes may be sweeter than sugar.
Trisha Yearwood’s Apple Dumplings are a sweet and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their tender apples, buttery sauce, and flaky crescent roll crust, these dumplings are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making them for a special treat or a cozy family gathering, this recipe is easy to follow and full of delicious flavors. Give these Apple Dumplings a try and enjoy a comforting and delightful dessert. Happy baking!
