Name: Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon and Lemon Soda Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (8 ounce) cans crescent rolls; 2 apples (Golden Delicious or Granny Smith); 2 sticks butter; 1 1/2 cups brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 1/2 cups lemon-lime soda (Sprite, 7 Up, or similar)

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Introduction

Apple dumplings are a comforting and nostalgic dessert, perfect for cozy evenings. Tender apple slices wrapped in buttery crescent rolls, baked with a sweet cinnamon glaze, make this treat irresistible and easy to prepare for a crowd.

The image shows a glass baking dish filled with golden-brown crescent rolls. Each crescent roll has a flaky, crispy outer layer with a slightly shiny surface, dusted lightly with a crumb-like topping. The rolls are placed in neat rows and appear soft and fluffy inside with a warm, buttery glow from the baked edges. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 (8 ounce) cans crescent rolls
2 sticks butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups Sprite (or 7 Up, or other lemon soda)
2 apples (Golden Delicious or Granny Smith)

Instructions

Step 1: Butter a 13 x 9 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 3: Peel and core the apples, then cut each apple into 8 slices.
Step 4: Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll dough and place them in the buttered baking dish.
Step 5: Melt the butter in a saucepan, then stir in the brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, then remove from heat and pour evenly over the wrapped apple slices.
Step 6: Pour the lemon soda into the baking dish, around the edges and in the middle, being careful not to pour it directly over the rolls.
Step 7: Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the dumplings turn golden brown.
Step 8: Serve warm for a comforting dessert experience.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top before baking adds a nice crunch.
For a richer taste, try using apple cider instead of lemon soda.
If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the brown sugar by 1/4 cup.

Storage

Store leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through. For best texture, avoid reheating in the microwave for too long to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows a glass baking dish filled with golden-brown crescent rolls. Each roll has a shiny, crispy crust with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or sugar on top. The crescent rolls are closely packed in three rows, with six rolls visible in total. The texture looks flaky and soft inside, with some buttery glaze visible around the edges. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh dough instead of canned crescent rolls?

Yes, fresh pastry dough like pie crust or puff pastry can be substituted, but baking times may vary slightly. Keep an eye on the dumplings to ensure they don’t overbrown.

What if I don’t have lemon soda; can I use another liquid?

If you don’t have lemon soda, apple cider, sparkling water with a splash of lemon juice, or even plain water can be used. The soda adds sweetness and fizz, so you might want to adjust the sugar slightly if using plain liquids.