If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then you absolutely have to try this Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Sauce Recipe. I promise, it’s one of those magical sweets where the simple ingredients come together in the most unexpected, delicious way. The fizzy Mountain Dew sauce is a total game-changer, adding a sweet, almost candy-like glaze that makes every bite pure comfort. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through everything to get this fan-freaking-tastic treat on your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your kitchen, making prep a breeze.
- Mountain Dew Magic: The soda creates a unique, irresistible sauce that’s bright and sweet without being overpowering.
- Perfect For Any Season: Whether it’s fall or a cozy weekend dessert, this recipe hits the spot every time.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for these dumplings, and they’re always first to disappear on the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You want to use fresh, crisp Granny Smith apples because their tartness balances the sweet Mountain Dew sauce perfectly. Plus, using canned crescent rolls keeps things quick and fuss-free without losing any of the flakiness you’d expect.
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness cuts through the sweetness and holds up nicely when baked.
- Crescent rolls: Easy to unroll and shape, these create the perfect flaky wrapper for the apples.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps brown the dumplings.
- Sugar: Balances the tart apples and enhances the syrupy sauce.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor of the sauce.
- Mountain Dew soda: The secret ingredient that gives this dessert its unique, zesty sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Sprinkled on top for that classic apple spice aroma and taste.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to make your own tweaks. Whether you like it a little more cinnamony or want to swap out the apples for pears, there’s room to make it yours.
- Use different apples: I’ve tried Fuji and Honeycrisp instead of Granny Smith, and they add a sweeter twist that’s delicious if you prefer less tartness.
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the cinnamon sprinkle gives the sauce more fall flair.
- Diet-friendly swap: Use a sugar substitute and a lighter crescent roll dough for a lower-sugar version that still satisfies.
How to Make Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and buttering a 13-by-9-inch baking dish—trust me, this keeps the dumplings from sticking and helps with browning. Then peel and core your apples, cutting each one into 8 wedges. Pro tip: Using a sharp knife here makes all the difference—those wedges need to be uniform so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Wrap the Apples in Crescent Dough
Unroll your crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface and separate it into 16 triangles. This part has always been a bit of a race for me because the dough warms up fast and gets sticky—which makes wrapping those apple wedges trickier. Place one wedge at the wide end of each triangle and roll it toward the tip, letting the dough overlap the apple snugly. Arrange the wrapped dumplings seam-side down in your buttered dish.
Step 3: Make the Mountain Dew Sauce and Bake
In a small saucepan, melt your butter and gently stir in the sugar—don’t expect it to fully dissolve; a grainy texture is exactly what you want. Add vanilla, then pour this luscious mixture evenly over your dumplings. Next, pour the Mountain Dew soda carefully around the edges of the pan—this keeps the sugary sauce flowing as it bakes. Sprinkle cinnamon on top, slide it into the oven, and bake for 30 to 45 minutes until golden brown and irresistible.
Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy
I always serve these dumplings warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a generous spoonful of the bubbly Mountain Dew sauce from the pan. The contrast between the warm, buttery dumpling and cold ice cream is exactly why I fell in love with this recipe.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Sauce Recipe
- Keep Dough Cool: I discovered keeping the dough cold until just before wrapping helps prevent stickiness and tearing.
- Cut Apples Evenly: Uniform wedges ensure they bake at the same rate, keeping texture balanced.
- Watch Baking Time: After 30 minutes, start checking often—the dumplings should be golden brown and the sauce bubbly but not burnt.
- Use a Sharp Knife: When slicing apples, sharpness matters to avoid mushy edges from crushing.
How to Serve Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I keep it simple: a sprinkling of powdered sugar or a touch of ground cinnamon on top really ties the dish together visually. Sometimes I toss on chopped toasted pecans for crunch, which adds such a lovely contrast to the soft dumplings.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving this at a small gathering, I like pairing it with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream and maybe a cup of hot coffee or spiced tea to balance that sweetness. It also works beautifully alongside whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, for a fall party, I baked these dumplings in individual ramekins instead of a baking dish. It made for a cute presentation and perfect portions—everyone loved the personal touch. You can also serve the dumplings over a bed of crushed graham crackers to give an extra texture surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover apple dumplings store great in the fridge, covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. I usually get a day or two out of them before they start to lose their fresh-baked charm but they’re still tasty reheated!
Freezing
I’ve frozen unbaked wrapped apple dumplings on a parchment-lined sheet tray, then transferred them to a freezer bag. When I want a treat, I bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. It’s a fantastic way to prep ahead—no compromise on flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispness. Microwaving is quicker, but you’ll lose some of the crunchy dough magic. I always recommend the oven for the best results.
FAQs
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Can I use other sodas instead of Mountain Dew for the sauce?
Yes! While Mountain Dew adds a unique citrusy sweetness, you can experiment with other lemon-lime sodas or even ginger ale. Keep in mind that each soda will slightly change the flavor profile and sweetness level, so adjust the sugar amount if needed.
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Do I need to peel the apples for this recipe?
Peeling is recommended because it helps the dumplings wrap more neatly and provides a smoother texture to the dish. If you prefer more rustic desserts, you can leave the skin on, but the dumplings may be slightly chewier.
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How do I know when the dumplings are done baking?
Look for golden brown, flaky crusts and bubbling Mountain Dew sauce around the edges. The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork. Baking for 30 to 45 minutes typically hits the sweet spot.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the crescent rolls for your favorite gluten-free dough alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this dessert can easily fit gluten-free diets with the right dough.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Sauce Recipe turns out every time—there’s a nostalgic quality to it that feels like a special occasion but it’s easy enough for a weeknight dessert. When I first tried it, I wasn’t sure how soda would work as a sauce base, but now it’s hands down one of my family’s favorites. You’ll find that it’s a fun conversation starter too—everyone asks what makes it so delicious! I hope you enjoy it just as much as we do; bake some up soon, and let me know how you like to customize it.
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Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these classic Apple Dumplings featuring tender Granny Smith apples wrapped in buttery crescent dough, baked to golden perfection and soaked in a sweet, cinnamon-spiked Mountain Dew sauce. This comforting autumn dessert is easy to prepare, requiring just a few pantry staples, and is best served warm with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of its luscious syrup.
Ingredients
Apple Dumplings
- 2 Granny Smith apples
- 2 (8-oz.) cans crescent rolls
Sauce
- 1 cup butter, plus more for greasing
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (12-oz.) can Mountain Dew soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 13-by-9-inch baking dish to ensure the dumplings don’t stick and to add flavor.
- Prepare Apples: Peel and core the Granny Smith apples. Cut each apple in half vertically, then cut each half into 4 equal wedges, resulting in 16 apple wedges in total.
- Wrap Apples with Dough: Working quickly while the crescent dough is cold, unroll the dough sheets onto a lightly floured surface. Separate the perforated dough into 16 individual triangles. Place one apple wedge on the wide base of each triangle. Roll the dough from the wide base toward the pointed end, wrapping the dough snugly around the apple wedge. Repeat with all apples and dough triangles. Arrange the wrapped apples seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Sauce and Assemble: In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over low heat. Add 1 1/2 cups sugar to the melted butter and stir just enough to create a lumpy, grainy mixture—do not fully dissolve the sugar. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract gently. Pour this butter-sugar mixture evenly over the wrapped apples in the baking dish. Carefully pour the entire 12-oz. can of Mountain Dew soda around the edges of the dish, avoiding pouring directly on the dumplings to keep dough crisp. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon cinnamon evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and crispy on top. The sauce will bubble and thicken around them as they bake.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve the apple dumplings warm with a scoop of ice cream, spooning some of the luscious sauce from the pan over the top for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Apple dumplings are a quintessential autumn dessert perfect for cozy nights and holiday gatherings.
- This recipe uses Mountain Dew soda to create a sweet and slightly tangy sauce that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
- Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firmness, which hold well in baking.
- For best results, ensure the dough is cold when wrapping apples to prevent sticking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 744
- Sugar: 64 g
- Sodium: 817 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 93 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 81 mg
