If you love old-school comfort desserts with a quirky twist, then you’re going to flip for my Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Soda Recipe. Seriously, this isn’t your grandma’s typical apple dumpling—adding Mountain Dew gives it this fascinating citrusy sparkle and sweetness that really sets it apart. I remember the first time I tried it, and wow, my family couldn’t stop raving! Stick around, because I’ll walk you through every single step for making these tender, flaky, and sweet dumplings that bake up with a caramelized, bubbly sauce you’ll want to dunk everything in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Boost: Mountain Dew adds a delightful citrusy fizz that enhances the sweetness of the apples and crust.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples and apples—no fancy baking skills required.
- Perfectly Portable: These dumplings are great for potlucks or family dinners because they travel well and taste amazing warm or at room temp.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The flaky crescent crust combined with tender apples and gooey sauce always wins over all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Soda Recipe is surprisingly easy thanks to using crescent roll dough which forms the perfect delicate crust. The apples bring natural tartness and you’ll appreciate how Mountain Dew soda adds a little caramelization magic, creating a syrupy and tangy glaze.
- Granny Smith apples: I love using Granny Smith because their tartness balances the sweetness and they hold their shape well when baked.
- Crescent rolls: Store-bought crescent roll dough makes this recipe effortless, giving you flaky layers without the fuss of homemade pastry.
- Butter: Use melted butter for that rich, golden crust and buttery glaze on top.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the sauce perfectly without overpowering the apples.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Cinnamon: This is the classic spice pairing for apples; sprinkle as much as you like for extra cozy flavor.
- Mountain Dew soda: The secret ingredient! The soda’s citrus flavor and carbonation help develop a shiny, bubbly sauce that caramelizes while baking.
Variations
I love making this Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Soda Recipe my own depending on the season or who I’m serving it to. Feel free to adjust the spices or try different apple varieties to suit your taste buds.
- Use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples: For a sweeter, less tart bite, switch up the Granny Smith with these crisp alternatives; they give a slightly different texture but remain delicious.
- Add nutmeg or allspice: I once sprinkled a pinch of nutmeg and it brought out a cozy autumn vibe that made the dish irresistible.
- Swap Mountain Dew for Sprite: If you want a milder citrus flavor, Sprite works just as well and still achieves that bubbly sauce.
- Make it vegan: Use vegan margarine or coconut oil instead of butter and check your crescent rolls; some brands offer dairy-free versions.
How to Make Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Soda Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Oven
First off, preheat your oven to 350°F and grab two 9×13 baking dishes—you’ll want to lightly spray those to keep your dumplings from sticking. Then peel and core your Granny Smith apples. I like slicing each apple into 8 even pieces so every dumpling has just the right portion of tender apple inside the crescent roll.
Step 2: Wrap Apples in Crescent Rolls
Take your crescent roll dough and wrap each apple slice individually, sealing it up nicely so the dough surrounds the apple completely. Place each wrapped apple slice snugly in your prepared baking dishes. You’ll find this is a fun, bitesize dessert that comes together quickly—the dough stays soft and flakey, which I’ve come to love about this method.
Step 3: Make the Butter-Sugar Mixture & Add Soda
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until combined. Pour this glorious mixture evenly over the dumplings. Now, here’s the magic: pour the Mountain Dew soda slowly around the edges of the pans. The soda will bubble up and make a luscious, golden sauce while baking. Don’t forget a light sprinkle of cinnamon over the top to finish it off.
Step 4: Bake and Enjoy
Bake your dumplings at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are beautifully golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. You’ll love the flaky exterior and that sweet, syrupy sauce that develops. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Believe me, it’s the ultimate cozy treat.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Soda Recipe
- Choose the Right Apple: I always go with Granny Smith for their ability to keep some crispness; softer apples can turn mushy.
- Seal Your Dough Well: Make sure you pinch the crescent dough seams so the sauce doesn’t leak inside during baking.
- Don’t Skip the Soda: I once tried it without Mountain Dew and it just wasn’t the same—this soda caramelizes beautifully and adds lift.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Every oven is different, so start checking around 40 minutes to avoid over-browning or drying out.
How to Serve Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Soda Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top because it melts into the sauce so perfectly. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a little crunch contrast—that extra texture kicks it up a notch!
Side Dishes
These dumplings shine best as a dessert after a homey meal. I usually pair them with something light for dinner, like roasted chicken or a simple leafy green salad, so the dessert really becomes the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I love arranging these apple dumplings on a rustic wooden board with ice cream scoops in little bowls around it. You could also dust them with powdered sugar and pop a few fresh mint leaves on top for a classy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling to room temperature, I cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce soaks into the crust while chilled, making it extra flavorful the next day.
Freezing
If I’m preparing in advance, I wrap each unbaked apple dumpling individually and freeze them on a tray before transferring to a zip-top bag. Then I bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks!
Reheating
To reheat, I pop dumplings in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the sauce bubbles again. Microwaving can work but tends to make the crust soggy, so I avoid that when I want to keep it flaky.
FAQs
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Can I use other sodas besides Mountain Dew in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Mountain Dew provides a unique citrus punch and caramelization, you can substitute with Sprite, 7-Up, or even ginger ale. Just keep in mind the flavor profile might be a bit different, but still delicious.
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Is it necessary to peel and core the apples?
Peeling and coring ensures the dumplings are tender and easy to eat without any surprises. It also helps the apple absorb the buttery soda sauce better. So yes, I highly recommend peeling and coring your apples first.
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Can I make these dumplings gluten-free?
Definitely! You would need to find a gluten-free crescent roll dough or make your own gluten-free pastry. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so just swapping that one ingredient will make it safe and tasty.
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How do I prevent the crescent dough from becoming soggy?
Make sure you wrap the apple slices tightly and seal all seams of dough to create a barrier that keeps the sauce from leaking in. Also, avoid overpouring soda directly over the dough, focusing instead on pouring it around the edges.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Soda Recipe quickly became one of my favorite comfort desserts because it’s so easy to make and always brings smiles around the table. The fizzy soda adds an unexpected twist that I just adore, and I love how simple ingredients combine to make something special. If you’re looking for a fun way to dress up apple season or just want a sweet treat to impress your family, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it. I promise it’ll become a new classic in your dessert rotation!
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Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Soda Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These classic Apple Dumplings are a delightful dessert featuring tender Granny Smith apple slices wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, baked to golden perfection and topped with a buttery, sweet cinnamon sauce made with Mountain Dew. Perfectly spiced and easy to make, they offer a nostalgic treat that pairs wonderfully with ice cream.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 Granny Smith apples
Dough
- 2 (8 ounce) cans crescent rolls
Sauce
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cinnamon, to taste
- 1 (12 ounce) can Mountain Dew soda (or Sprite)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray two 9×13 inch baking dishes with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare apples: Peel and core the Granny Smith apples. Cut each apple into 8 slices, resulting in approximately 16 slices total for the recipe. These slices will be the filling for the dumplings.
- Wrap apple slices: Take each apple slice and roll it carefully in a triangle from the crescent roll dough. Place each wrapped apple slice evenly in the prepared baking dishes.
- Make sauce and assemble: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract thoroughly. Pour this mixture evenly over the apple dumplings in the pans.
- Add soda and cinnamon: Pour the entire 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew soda (or Sprite as a substitute) around the edges of the pans, making sure not to pour directly over the dough to maintain its texture. Sprinkle cinnamon generously over the top for flavor.
- Bake the dumplings: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Once baked, serve the apple dumplings warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and spoon some of the delicious sauce from the pan over the top.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for the best balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Substitute Mountain Dew with Sprite or 7-Up if preferred for a different citrus flavor.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Make sure not to pour soda directly onto the dough to keep it from becoming soggy.
- Adjust cinnamon quantity to your preferred level of spice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 dumpling)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
