Freshly Baked Flaky Apple Dumplings
Made with granny smith apples that hold their shape beautifully, these Freshly Baked Flaky Apple Dumplings are a true treat! Warm, golden-brown crescent rolls get baked along with tender apple wedges, creating a comforting dessert that pairs perfectly with ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of vanilla glaze!
Need a quick, easy, comforting dessert for a crowd? These flaky apple dumplings are the perfect thing to make!
Apple dumplings are wedges of sliced apples wrapped in dough, then baked in a pan covered in a sweet brown sugar sauce. This is a warm and comforting dish that is sweet and sticky and has hints of cinnamon.
To make this recipe really easy- just like my 5 star rated apple pie bars– were going to use store bought, refrigerated dough. Even though I am a trained pastry chef, I know a good shortcut when I see one! This time you’ll be using ready made crescent dough. There’s no need to make your own dough for this.
Because of this swap, they are super easy to make and only have a few steps involved. You’ll make a sauce, then peel and slice apples. Unwrap the crescent dough and place an apple inside. Roll them back up, put them in a pan and pour the sweet sauce all over and bake. That’s it!
You can serve these freshly baked dumplings by themselves with the sauce, or you can add a dollop of whipped cream or even ice cream.
If you have leftover apples you can always make this apple coffee cake, caramel apple pie or you can try out this cinnamon roll apple pie that uses pre made cinnamon buns!
The Best Apples to use
When it comes to choosing the right apples for baking, certain varieties are best.
Granny Smith apples are my favorite to use because they hold their shape and offset the sweetness of the sauce perfectly. Their crisp texture and sourness adds a contrast to the soft, tender pastry beautifully.
Honey crisp, Jonathan, or Braeburn apples are also excellent choices, as their natural sweetness complements the pastry while keeping their flavor and texture.
WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE THIS RECIPE
- With the help of canned crescent rolls, you can easily make this impressive dessert!
- The entire recipe is made with just six easy to find ingredients.
- This is a quick recipe that is perfect for company.
- A great way to use freshly picked apples when they’re in season.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED
- Water – Used to create a sauce by combining it with the brown sugar, butter, and vanilla extract, adding moisture and helping to dissolve the sugar.
- Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness and a rich caramel flavor to the sauce, enhancing the overall taste.
- Butter – Adds richness and a velvety texture to the sauce.
- Vanilla Extract – Infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall sweetness and adding a subtle hint of vanilla.
- Crescent Rolls – You’ll need 2 cans. This is the buttery flaky dough that you’ll wrap around the apples.
- Granny Smith Apples – The tartness and firmness of Granny Smith apples make them ideal for baking as they hold their shape well during the cooking process.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE DUMPLINGS WITH CRESCENT ROLLS
Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 350° F and spray a 9×13 pan with baking spray. Set aside.
Make the sauce: Add the water, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla extract to a medium-sized pot. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook until the butter is melted and the sugar dissolves into the mixture. Bring to a boil for one minute, then remove from heat, stir, and set aside to thicken.
Prepare the crescent dough: Remove the crescent rolls from the can and roll out on a lightly floured surface or on parchment paper.
Assemble the dumplings: Add one apple wedge to the widest part of the dough, then wrap the rest of the dough around the apple. Place each dumpling in the prepared baking pan.
Bake and cool: Once all of the dumplings are in the pan, pour the brown sugar sauce over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the dough is golden brown and puffy.
TIPS FOR RECIPE SUCCESS
- Using a floured surface or parchment paper will make the crescent rolls easier to work with and prevent them from tearing or sticking to the surface.
- When wrapping the apple wedges in the crescent rolls, make sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent any leakage during baking. This will help maintain the shape of the dumplings.
- Arrange the wrapped apple dumplings evenly in the baking pan, leaving a little space between each one. This allows for even baking and ensures that the dumplings cook uniformly.
- While the apple dumplings are baking, keep an eye on their color. If you notice them browning too quickly, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Let the apple dumplings cool for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to serve.
- These are best served warm, but you can reheat them in a 325 degree oven for 8-10 mins.
STORAGE AND FREEZING
Storing: Allow to cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 4-5 days. Reheating them in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes will help restore their warmth and freshness.
Freezing: If you want to freeze the apple dumplings, it’s best to do so before baking. After wrapping the apple wedges with the crescent rolls, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place the sheet in the freezer until the dumplings are firm.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, make sure they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, add the sauce, then place the frozen dumplings in a preheated oven and extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes. Keep in mind that the texture may be different than fresh.
FAQ
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before pouring it over the crescent-wrapped apples.
Can I substitute homemade pastry dough for the crescent rolls?
If you prefer to use homemade pastry dough, roll it out into thin sheets. Cut the dough into triangles and proceed with wrapping the apple wedges as instructed in the recipe. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
WAYS TO ENJOY
- Pair these apple dumplings with a cold glass of Vanilla Iced Coffee for a pick-me-up.
- Place a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top for a creamy twist.
- Drizzle with Bourbon Caramel Sauce for a touch of rich and sweet flavor.
- Enhance the warming sweetness by drizzling on a Brown Sugar Glaze.
Freshly Baked Flaky Apple Dumplings
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, (1 stick)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cans refrigerated Crescent rolls, (8 each)
- 2 Granny smith apples, peeled and cut into 8 wedges each
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F and spray a 9×13 pan with baking spray.
In a medium size pot over medium high heat, add the 1 cup water, 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Cook and stir until the butter and the sugar is melted, about 2 minutes.- Bring to a boil for 1 minute, then take off the heat to cool. Stir and set aside.
- Unwrap each crescent roll on a lightly floured surface or on parchment paper.
- Add an apple wedge to the widest part. Wrap the rest of the dough around the apple. Place in the prepared pan. Repeat with all remaining crescent rolls. There should be 16.
- Pour the sauce over the crescent rolls.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and puffy.
