Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are a warm, comforting dessert featuring tender apples wrapped in crescent roll dough, baked in a rich buttery sauce with a surprising splash of citrus soda. These dumplings are crispy on the outside, soft and sweet inside, and loaded with cinnamon flavor—perfect for cozy nights, holiday tables, or potluck gatherings.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Granny Smith apples
refrigerated crescent roll dough
unsalted butter
granulated sugar
vanilla extract
ground cinnamon
lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7UP)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Peel and core the apples, then cut them into 8 equal wedges.

Unroll the crescent dough and wrap each apple wedge in a triangle of dough, sealing the edges.

Place the dumplings in the prepared baking dish.

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar and vanilla, mixing just until combined (do not boil).

Pour the butter-sugar mixture evenly over the dumplings.

Pour lemon-lime soda around (not over) the dumplings in the pan.

Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden and the sauce is bubbling.

Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8 dumplings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra spice.
Use pears instead of apples for a softer twist.
Swap crescent dough for puff pastry for a flakier texture.
Top with caramel sauce for added decadence.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 30–45 seconds until warm.
Best enjoyed fresh, as the dough softens over time.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of apple?
Yes, Fuji or Honeycrisp work well, but Granny Smith provides the best tart contrast.

Why add soda?
The soda helps create a caramel-like sauce as it bakes with the butter and sugar.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare and refrigerate unbaked dumplings for a few hours in advance, then bake before serving.

Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, peeling ensures a smooth, tender texture once baked.

Can I freeze them?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the dough may suffer when thawed.

Conclusion

Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are a crowd-pleasing dessert that brings together simple ingredients for extraordinary flavor. With minimal effort and maximum reward, this recipe is ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions. Once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation.

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