These deliciously easy Apple Dumplings are made with fresh apples and crescent roll dough, and are baked to perfection with cinnamon, butter, and a splash of soda for the ultimate fall dessert recipe.
Apple dumplings are one of those desserts that take me straight back to my mom’s kitchen, watching her carefully wrap up those apples in crescent roll dough like she was creating little gifts of buttery, cinnamony magic. And there was something so comforting about the smell of them baking—almost like a warm hug straight from the oven. They’re warm, gooey, and wrapped up in flakey pastry goodness.
Now, if you’ve made apple dumplings before, you might notice my recipe has a bit of a different ingredient — Sprite! That’s right, I use Sprite instead of the Mountain Dew you’ll find in many other apple dumpling recipes. But why soda in the first place? And what if you’re not in the mood for apples? I’ve got y’all covered.
Why Add Soda to Apple Dumplings?
You might be thinking, “Soda in a dessert? What’s the deal?” I promise there’s a method to the madness!
The soda helps create a magical sauce as it combines with the butter and sugar. It thickens up and coats the dumplings, giving them that irresistible sweet and syrupy finish we all love. The carbonation helps to lighten the texture a bit, so the dumplings don’t get too dense. And using Sprite gives the recipe that same bubbly magic without adding an overwhelming flavor like some folks feel Mountain Dew does. Plus, let’s be honest, Sprite’s just more my speed!
Some folks like to experiment with other sodas, but I find Sprite has that perfect balance of sweetness without stealing the show from the real stars: those warm, cinnamon-kissed apples.
Sprite Swap
Apple Juice or Apple Cider: These are excellent options that bring even more apple flavor to the dish. Apple cider, in particular, adds a little tang and richness. You won’t get the bubbly action like you do with soda, but the flavor boost more than makes up for it.
Ginger Ale: If you still want the carbonation but with a different flavor profile, ginger ale is a good option. It has a bit of spice from the ginger, which plays really nicely with the cinnamon and apples.
Club Soda or Seltzer Water: These are great if you want to keep the carbonation but don’t want any added sweetness or flavor. You’ll still get the light texture and bubbly effect, but without changing the taste of the dumplings.
Lemon-Lime Soda (Different Brand): If you’re just not into Sprite but still want that lemon-lime zing, you can go with any other lemon-lime soda brand like 7-UP, Mountain Dew, Squirt, or even Fresca. The effect will be pretty similar, but sometimes it’s fun to try a different flavor.
Orange Soda: For something a little more adventurous, try orange soda. It’ll give the sauce a citrusy twist and pair surprisingly well with the apples and cinnamon. It’s a bit more of a flavor bomb, but it’s a fun change!
Best Apples for Apple Dumplings
The best apples for dumplings are ones that hold their shape and aren’t too sweet. Granny Smith apples are a go-to because their tartness pairs perfectly with the sweet syrup, and they don’t turn into mush during baking. But if you prefer something sweeter, Honeycrisp or Braeburn can work, too!
In general, I’d steer clear of super-soft apples like Red Delicious or McIntosh for dumplings because they can get mushy and lose their shape when baked.
Want to Switch It Up? Try These Fruits Instead of Apples!
Feeling a little adventurous? You don’t have to stick to apples! While classic apple dumplings are a crowd-pleaser, sometimes you just want to mix things up. Here are a few fruits you can try in place of apples:
- Pears: These are an easy swap for apples. They bake up nice and soft, and that subtle flavor pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and sugar. Just make sure they’re firm, not overripe, so they hold up in the baking process.
- Peaches: Oh yes, peach dumplings are a real thing! They add a sweet, summery twist to the recipe. Just be ready for a softer texture since peaches break down more than apples do.
- Plums: These little guys can give your dumplings a fun, slightly tart twist. They’re also gorgeous when baked!
- Berries: Want something even bolder? Go for mixed berries! Raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries will add a burst of color and flavor. Just be aware, they may make the filling a bit juicier, so you might need to cut back on the soda to avoid a soupy situation.
- Combinations: Why stop at one fruit? Mixing apples with any of these can create a unique combo that’s all your own. Apple and pear dumplings? Yes, please!
What’s the best way to serve these?
You really can’t go wrong here. A big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is a favorite for many. The contrast of the cold ice cream with the warm dumplings is a dessert dream come true.
How do I store leftover apple dumplings?
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), just pop them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They should be good for 2-3 days. To reheat, you can toss them in the microwave. But for the best results, rewarm them in the oven so the crescent rolls don’t get too soggy.
Wrapping it Up (Pun Intended)
No matter how you slice it (literally), this apple dumpling recipe is a keeper. Whether you stick with apples or try something new, and whether you’re a Sprite devotee like me or prefer another soda, the end result is a warm, comforting dessert that’s just begging to be shared.
Recipe Card
Apple Dumplings
Ingredients
- 1 firm, tart apple (like Granny Smith)
- 1 (8-ounce) refrigerated crescent roll dough (8-count)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3/4 cups sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 oz Sprite
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Core and peel apple into eight slices. (I used one of these handy little apple slicers and got the job done in one whack.)
- Open can of crescent rolls and unroll. Place one apple slice on the wide end of one crescent and roll it up in the crescent.
- Place into the prepared dish. Continue with other rolls.
- In a small bowl combine melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and flour and mix until just combined.
- Spoon over each crescent.
- Pour Sprite into the empty space in the middle of pan between the dumplings.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until dumplings are golden brown.
- Serve warm with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
* If nutritional values are provided, they are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used. The values do not include optional ingredients or when ingredients are added to taste. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, I recommend grabbing your favorite brands and plugging those ingredients into an online nutritional calculator.
Allyson
Have you ever doubled or tripled this recipe? Cooking for a crowd. Just wondering about the amount of sprite.
Bryan Coates
I have been making these as per your recipe, and we always enjoy them, but now you have given me so many more options. A BIG THANK YOU, from Calgary in western Canada!
Glad to hear you’ve enjoyed this one and are feeling inspired to try other fruit! Hope you enjoy those, too, Bryan!
Melinda Schwieter
I haven’t made this yet, but it looks delicious!! Can I substitute diet sprite? I love your recipes and the stories that go along with each recipe !
Diet sprite should work just fine. You might find the sauce a little thinner, but still delicious, I’m sure. Enjoy!
JANE SMITH
Stacey, this recipe has become a tradition with the grandkids. We have a book we’ve read for years, kind of a fable like stone soup, but you wind up making a pie after each person added an ingredient. We used to have Apple Pie Day and read our book. Well, after trying your apple dumpling recipe it has officially become Apple Dumpling Day. It’s a great one to get the kids involved and they just devoured them! Thanks for everything you do for us, Stacey.
This put a HUGE smile on my face! Thank you for including me in your family tradition!
Kimlyn Jean Jackson
I tried this recipe . It was too sweet and lacked a little flavor, next time I’ll add vanilla, more cinnamon and nutmeg. Oh, and cut back on some of the sugar
Ann Marie
I love, love, love this recipe! Quick, easy and oh so tasty!!!! Perfect breakfast with coffee and excellent desert with vanilla ice cream! Warning! If you plan on having them for desert, don’t make them early. They smell and look so delightful that you’ll end up empty handed with a scoop of ice cream and pan drippings if you’re lucky. It is pan scraping good!!!
Ha! Thanks so much, Ann Marie!
Saundra Finley
This turned out even better than I expected. It was so fast and easy to make and everyone wanted seconds. Loved that it was warm and gooey but crispy on top. This is now one of my favorite apple desserts.
Thanks, Saundra! I’m glad this one impressed you!
Georgia
Just ordered cookbook!
I appreciate it!
Georgia
I try to make everything Stacey posts. I just made the Apple Dumplings for a church social tomorrow. Dare I say they turned out HEAVENLY! Not but one problem and that is how do I resist eating some of them until the members at church have at least a fighting chance to get to them first? Oh Stacey! My YUM factor just went up five notches!
I LOVE this!
Robbin S
I have made these many times and my hubby loves them! He wanted me to make them for when his folks came to visit and I forgot to get some apples but, I did have local grown Asian Pears and decided to use those. OMGOSH! They were phenomenal.
My father in law always likes my cooking but my mother in law never makes a comment. This time she asked how to make them. The hubby told her it was an old secret family recipe and that I could not share it. 🙂
So wonderful.
I did make the day before and stored it in the fridge covered and then added the Sprite right before putting in the oven.
Awesome! So glad to hear y’all enjoyed them and thanks for sharing your tips!
Chelsey
Let me just start out by saying that I rarely leave reviews on recipe pages. But this recipe…y’all. Perfection. I believe I found it four years ago, and it has 100% become a staple in our house every fall. It is DELICIOUS. I have made it for so many friends and family, and everyone always raves over it. Thanks so much for sharing this magical deliciousness! 🙂
Nothing makes me happier than reading posts like this. Thanks so much, Chelsey! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed these so much!
Ruth Ann
Why the flour?
It helps to thicken the sauce. Enjoy!
Darlene
This was so simple to make. Family loved them YUM!
SO glad ya’ll enjoyed it, Darlene!
Barbra
You have a great website. Beautiful recipes.
Thanks, Barbra!
CB
I wonder how many calories each one of these has? Oh well, they sure look good! I’ll make them just to see how they turn out.
Enjoy!!
Paulette
Oh my goodness, I tried this recipe with Apples, peaches, strawberries and Sweet potatoes my family enjoy them very much, which one the best I cannot answer .Thanks for sharing .
Wonderful!!! So glad you enjoyed them all!!
Beverly
ihave made these dumplings twice in the last two weeks. I’m also making them this Sunday for a church dinner,I have to double the recipe.thanks so much for sharing.
So glad you’ve enjoyed these so much!!
Mary
any thoughts on a substitute for the Sprite? I can’t use anything with high fructose corn syrup. Would apple cider work, or is the carbonation important? Thanks!!
Cider should work. I wonder if you used the new 7-UP made with cane sugar…
Emmy
Hey all, they sound so fab and easy and I really want to try them but sorry; what is a crescent?? Is it ready puff pastry?.. Many thanks everyone :).
Crescents are a packaged roll dough, like this: https://www.pillsbury.com/products/crescents
Ginger
My son made these once and Everyone liked them so much he has to make them now every time he Comes home to visit!!! Delish!!!!
Wonderful! Thanks, Ginger!
gigi
hi…i’m drolling just to see this fabulous recipe, and im tempted to make it….but i wonder about the sprite….what do u mean sprite? the beberage??and also…where i live i dont have the crescent rolled dough…can i make my own pie dough and use it instead??
robin
thanks for sharing!..they look delicious and i just happen to have crescent rolls and apples i need to do something with…we dont do dessert much anymore but we have to try these..i’m a little worried about the crescent rolls being gooey but i’m gonna trust y’all
I hope you’ll enjoy them!!
DIANE
I have made these several times but switched them up to make sugar free for my diabetic parents. I use diet soda and coconut oil and coconut sugar. also have made them using peaches and pears. great recipe!!!
So glad you’ve enjoyed them! Great variations!
Morgan Hazelton
Just made these for a potluck tonight! They are in the oven and they smell so good! I added a touch of vanilla to the sugar mix, so I hope it still tastes as wonderful as everyone says, and I used apple pie spice instead of just cinnamon! Thanks for the recipe!
Sounds delish! I sure hope y’all enjoyed them!
Bonnie
Making these for work in the morning…would it be okay to make up the apple crescents tonight then pour liquid on in the morning and bake?
I think it might work!
Bird
Great! Got all the fixins now:) Going to bake them up this afternoon, Yum can’t wait^^; Thanks Stacey!
Enjoy! They are one of my favs!
Bird
These are Quick, Easy and Fun!! Baked a second batch today and yes the 7Up worked great:) I also cut the sugar by a quarter cup and it turned out just as good as the first batch.
Wonderful! So glad they turned out well for you!
ZONIE
I CANT WAIT TO TRY THIS FOR MY FAMILY BUT DONT HAVE MUCH TIME TO DO IT SUNDAY SINCE I HAVE CHURCH AND WORK, SO I WAS WONDERING IS THERE A WAY I CAN PREPARE THESE THE NIGHT BEFORE?
These are just one of those things that are best fresh.
Glenda Jones
Been making these for years but I use orange juice instead of sprite and sometimes add walnuts or pecans on top.
Sounds like a great way to change them up!
Susan
My dumplings were left out on the counter covered after baking and by accident were not put in the refrigerator……would they still be ok?
I think they will probably be okay. I might suggest reheating them just in case.
Bird
Has anyone tried this with 7 Up ? I don’t have Sprite….
7-Up will work just fine!
Debbie
Made these for a party last night. What a big hit!! I was going to double it so I did double the butter, etc. But then used tree apples and three pkges cresents. Still wonderful and from what people said not too sweet. Will definitely make these again and again.
Awesome! So glad y’all enjoyed them!
Evelyn
Can these be made a day ahead, refrigerated and eat the next day cold? Or is this a warm dessert only? Thanks.
These are really better warm, but they do warm up well after being refrigerated.
Kristina
Salted or butter? Real butter or margarine?
Either salted to unsalted will work, but normally when I don’t specify I mean unsalted. And it should be real butter.
Amber
These are seriously the best ever. I made some caramel to put on top and oh man, so good.
YUM! So glad they turned out well for you!
Danys Milian
can I make these a day ahead?
Do you mean you want to prepare them ahead of time and bake them later?
Jill
Delicious! Do the leftovers need to be refrigerated?
Zoe Spruston
When I made these I did not have sprite so i substituted it with Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider and it tastes just as good, if not better!
Jane
They look delicious! But in Australia we don’t have crescent roll in a tube! What kind of pastry is it? What is a crescent roll? We have different frozen pastry sheets ie puff, short, phillo.
This is something like a croissant but more dense and not as flaky. I’m not sure there’s a good substitute for it unfortunately.
Kathleen
Which kind of Apple do you favor for this? Thanks for sharing!
Any kind really. I prefer honeycrisp.
julie
Just pulled from one..can hardly wait to cool off so I can dig in!
Hope you enjoyed them!
Kelly Satterly
THIS WAS SO EASY AND DELICIOUS AND AMAZING, I AM SO GLAD I CAME UPON THIS RECIPE I WILL BE MAKING THIS AGAIN!
So glad they turned out well for you!
Tammi
I made these many times. This time I tried something different. I added a slice of brie to the top when they came out of the oven. They we anazing.
YUM!!
Donna
Made these this weekend and they were wonderful. The best apple dumplings I have made. So easy and sooooo good…you can’t beat that combo!!
I’d say that’s a great combo! Glad y’all enjoyed them!
Meg
I just made these tonight with our apples from the orchard!! Everyone loved them! Great recipe and so quick and easy! Thank You!
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed them, Meg!
Linda
Would it work to cut and roll the apples the night before, use press n seal and add liquid the next morning and bake?
Yep, I think it would work just fine.
Abby lady
Can you make and bake the nite before, and warm up for breakfast?
Absolutely! They aren’t quite as good warmed up, but we do it all the time.
Susan
These sound amazing and simple to make. I have a apple crisp recipe that my family loves, but this would be much quicker to make in a pinch. Do you prefer the Great Value crescent rolls over Pillsbury? I’ve only ever used Pillsbury, out of habit, but I would have no issue switching if the GV brand is flakier/tastier. They appear to be flakier based on how they look in your pictures. Is there a noticeable difference between the two brands, in your opinion?
Pink Lady apples are my absolute favorite apples to bake with! They provide the perfect flavor and texture in the end product, in my opinion. 😀
Honestly, I usually just buy whatever is cheapest. I’ve not seen a big difference between them.
Susan
Okay, thanks. I made these last night and they were delicious! I saw someone mention that they cut the apples in fourths. I’m going to try that next time to see if I like it better with more apple in each dumpling.
So glad you enjoyed them!
Susan
Had to share. My husband came home from work yesterday and asked if there were any more of those “apple things” left over. I said, “You mean the apple dumplings?” He said, “Yeah…..those things….hubba hubba!” Oh my gosh, I was laughing so hard! He REALLY likes them.
I also made the stuffed mushrooms from your cookbook. OH MY GOSH! I tried to find them here in order to leave feed back for those, but didn’t see them. So, I’m assuming they are only in your cookbook. Well, we’ve tried several stuffed mushroom recipes over the years trying to find one that could be our go-to stuffed mushroom recipe, and every recipe we’ve tried over the years fell short in one way or another – just didn’t quite hit the spot. We were all drooling over these, and the recipe was immediately requested. My husband shouted out a claim for the last mushroom before they disappeared because we all kept reaching for “just one more”. Our taste buds were dancing while eating these amazing morsels of food! I am so happy to have found ‘our’ go-to stuffed mushroom recipe…finally. Thank you.
Ha! That’s hilarious! It just makes me grin to know you made him such a happy man with my recipe!
As for the mushrooms, you’re right. That recipe is only in the book. Aren’t they delicious!?!? I love being anyone’s go-to for stuff like this so I’m just tickled y’all have found a recipe that you love – and that it’s my recipe! Ha! Y’all enjoy!
Tammy
I am wondering if you can use like cherry pie filling and replace sprite with cherry coke or pepsi……just a thought.
I love just about anything with dumplings. So I will be trying this soon.
Tammy
I’m not sure, but if you try it, please come back and let me know how it turns out!
Lisa
This is really awesome!! Thanks for sharing this recipe:) My husband loved it! I have to say this is one of the best and easiest apple recipes I’ve found. Now,I didn’t have any sprite around so I used Vanilla Coke but it still tasted amazing. I will use sprite next time. Thank you again!!
SO glad y’all enjoyed them!!
Jenny Taylor
I made this recipe this afternoon for my little brother who was craving apple dumplings. The only difference was that I made 4 packs of crescent rolls but only doubled the wet mixture. I n addition, I used half brown sugar/half white sugar. Here’s the big kicker. I didnt have any mountain dew or sprite in the house, but I found a bottle of Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Apple Beer and I used that instead…OMG, super delicious!!
So glad you enjoyed them!
B everly Shaffer
I MADE THESE DUMPLINGS HIS WEKK AND THEY ARE DELICIOUS! THANKS STACEY,FOR YOUR AWESOME WEBSITE AND RECIPES! BLESISNGS!
So glad you enjoyed them!!
Valorie D
I’ve made this recipe using Mt. Dew and it is wonderful. However last night I needed something a bit less gooey so I just rolled the apple slices in cinnamon/sugar and placed it on the dough with a little pat of butter and rolled them up. Baked them for about 15 min. They were just right and didn’t require silverware. These could go in a lunch box.
Kathy
I’ve been making these for years. My sauce calls for Mountain Dew, but does not have flour in it. These are the easiest and most requested fall recipe I make …besides my pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting.
Hannah hardin
Can I have your pumpkin bar recipe with cream cheese frosting please!!!! My hubby loves pumpkin anything!!!!! Lol
Hi Hannah! I don’t have a recipe quite like that.
Susaan
can I substitue lt br sugar in sauce?
Sure!
Susan
I have made these numerous times but your way is easier. I was putting “squeeze” Parkay inside the crescent, rolling each apple piece in sugar/cinnamon before rolling up then putting the Parkay on top of each roll and sprinkling sugar & cinnamon over top. Also, I use Mello Yello but I have also seen other recipes with OJ. I have made them with peaches as well and my husband is asking me to try blueberry pie filling and other trials. I’m sure they will all be delicious, just a little messier than the apples. I’m with you, I had just about written off apple recipes other than fried pies but this is really good!!
We’ve done apple, peaches, pears, and they all turn out good! Good luck with the blueberry pie filling. 🙂
Skrappy
How about fresh blueberries. Might be too much sugar in the filling…
I think fresh blueberries would be fine, but I wouldn’t use a blueberry pie filling. Let me know how they turn out. 🙂
Wendy
These are different than my mother made, but seem to be more appropriately portioned. Mom used whole peeled and cored apples wrapped in pie crust while these are apple slices wrapped in crescent rolls. Otherwise, the concept is the same. Well, and she used a spiced sugar-water syrup and this uses Sprite to create that.
What exactly does the sprite do that a water syrup won’t?
If this posts twice, I apologize. It said my request had timed out.
I’m not sure that it would make a whole lot of difference, Wendy. The carbonation may yield a lighter texture, but that’s all I can imagine that it would change.
Janice
The sprite also just makes one less step, you do not have to make the simple syrup. That increases the appeal to many people that just want the recipe to be as simple as possible. This one is simple and yummy.
Yep! Simple and yummy… my favorite!
Chandra
I made these dumplings last night and they were awesome! I love your website and want to thank you for sharing your recipes.
Thanks, Chandra! You are so sweet! I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
Samantha
I finally got the opportunity to make these today. All I can say is “amazing!” this is such a simple and delicious recipe. Thanks for sharing this.
I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
Pam
These we awesome! Must admit i was apprehensive when they went the oven, but boy did that change when they came out! Thanks for another keeper recipe & Merry Christmas!
I know what you mean! They are kinda scary going in, but coming out, they are fabulous! So glad you enjoyed them!
Margarette
These apple dumplings look heavenly and I’d like to make them. I’m Canadian so please tell me how much is 1 stick of butter? Thank you for your great food site.
Linda G.
A stick of butter is a quarter of a pound or a half cup.
Thanks for helping out, Linda!
Winnie Mom
These are so easy and I too get rave reviews. Mine have a little twist by using Mt. Dew Code Red instead of Sprite. I quarter the apples for more apple in each bite so I’d use 2 apples instead of one. Any way you do it makes a quick and simple but elegant tasting dessert.
Greg
Oh cool, I haven’t seen them done quite like this. (The smaller portions.) Very nice recipe.
Emma Johnston
Greg, how did you see these done? I have never even heard of these, so I want to try them. If you have another way, I would also like to try your way too.
Thanks Emma
Kathy Brown-Lowery
I have made this 4 times in the past and everytime I make it, everyone wants the recipe. They are beyond yummilicious!!!!!!! LOVE them