If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s both charmingly nostalgic and bursting with flavor, the Easy Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Caramel Sauce Recipe might just become your new favorite. These tender apple slices wrapped in buttery dough with a luscious caramel sauce made from Mountain Dew bring magic to every bite. It’s a comforting, sweet treat that’s surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to impress!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Unforgettable Flavor Combo: The tartness of Granny Smith apples pairs perfectly with the sweet, fizzy Mountain Dew caramel sauce, creating a unique and irresistible twist.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: You probably have most of what you need already, and the straightforward method makes it easy to whip up anytime.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Warm, gooey, and crispy, these apple dumplings feel like a cozy hug on a plate.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dessert or a show-stopping dish for guests, this recipe fits right in.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Each ingredient in this Easy Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Caramel Sauce Recipe plays a vital role. From the crisp apples to the buttery dough and the fizzy soda turning into caramel, it’s a simple lineup that delivers maximum flavor and texture harmoniously.
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness holds up well in baking and balances sweetness beautifully.
- Crescent dough: Sweet, flaky, and buttery – this dough wraps the apples into perfect little pockets.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that golden crust everyone loves.
- Brown sugar: Gives the sauce a deep, molasses-like sweetness and color.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor, giving warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Cinnamon: A classic spice that brings a cozy, comforting aroma and subtle heat.
- Mountain Dew (or lemon-lime soda): Transforms into a fizzy caramel sauce that’s uniquely bright and sweet.
How to Make Easy Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Caramel Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roll Your Apples
Start by peeling and coring your Granny Smith apples, then slice them into eighths. Each slice gets lovingly wrapped in a crescent roll, starting from the wide end, creating little bundles of deliciousness. Arrange these wrapped apples snugly in your greased baking dish — the anticipation is already building!
Step 2: Whip Up the Magical Butter and Sugar Mixture
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, then stir in the brown sugar until it melts and combines beautifully. Add in vanilla extract, cinnamon, and just a pinch of salt, stirring it all together before removing from heat. This ooey-gooey topping is what elevates your dumplings to the next level — and smells like heaven.
Step 3: Assemble and Pour the Secret Ingredient
Pour the buttery sugar mixture lovingly over the wrapped apples, making sure each dumpling gets a generous coating. Then, carefully pour the Mountain Dew around the edges of your baking dish — not directly on top! This keeps your tops crisp while the soda simmers down into that dreamy, caramel-like sauce.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the dish into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the crescent dough is golden brown and crispy, and that incredible sauce is bubbling away. You’ll know it’s done when the apples are tender at their core and the aroma fills your kitchen with cozy goodness.
How to Serve Easy Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Caramel Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Top your warm apple dumplings with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to contrast the warm, sticky sauce with cool richness. A light sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon adds delightful texture and aroma, making your dessert even more inviting.
Side Dishes
These dumplings shine best as a solo star, but if you want to serve alongside something, a dollop of whipped cream or a small plate of spiced chai or coffee enhances the experience beautifully. They also make a sweet ending to a savory fall dinner featuring roasted pork or turkey.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve each dumpling in a shallow bowl drizzled with extra Mountain Dew caramel sauce and garnish with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves. You can also layer individual servings in clear glass jars for a rustic yet elegant presentation that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover apple dumplings are best kept covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, so give it a gentle warm-up before serving to bring back that luscious texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, wrap each dumpling tightly and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes to keep the pastry crisp and revive that gooey caramel sauce. Microwaving works too, but the crust might lose some texture.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
While Granny Smith apples are recommended because they hold their shape and provide a nice tartness, you can try other firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may make the dessert sweeter overall, balancing less with the caramel sauce.
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Why do you pour Mountain Dew around the edges instead of directly on top?
Pouring Mountain Dew around the edges keeps the tops of the dumplings crispy instead of soggy while still allowing the soda to simmer and transform into that amazing caramel-like sauce underneath. It’s a simple trick for perfect texture contrast.
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Can I make this recipe with homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust or puff pastry would work wonderfully, just make sure the dough is thin enough to wrap easily around the apple slices. The crescent dough just provides convenience and a nice buttery flavor.
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How do I know when the apple dumplings are fully cooked?
The best way is to check that the pastry is golden brown and the sauce bubbles vigorously around the edges. Additionally, a fork should pierce the apples tenderly without much resistance, confirming they are baked through.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Caramel Sauce Recipe is a must-try if you love warm, comforting desserts with a fun twist. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to wow company. Grab your apples and crescent dough, and get ready for a delicious, memorable dessert that’s sure to become a household favorite!
Print
Easy Apple Dumplings with Mountain Dew Caramel Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 apple dumplings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Apple Dumplings are a delightful dessert featuring tender Granny Smith apple slices wrapped in flaky crescent dough, baked to golden perfection in a rich caramel-like sauce made from butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon-lime soda. This simple recipe is perfect for cozy gatherings and pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Apple and Dough
- 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
- 2 cans crescent dough
Sauce
- 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 can Mountain Dew (or lemon-lime soda)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Slice and Wrap Apples: Cut each peeled and cored Granny Smith apple into eight slices. Roll each apple slice tightly into crescent roll dough starting from the wide end. Place the wrapped apple slices seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, then add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until combined and then remove from heat.
- Apply Sauce: Pour the warm butter and sugar sauce evenly over the apple dumplings, ensuring they are well coated.
- Add Soda: Carefully pour the can of Mountain Dew or lemon-lime soda around the edges of the baking dish to keep the tops of the dumplings crisp and create a bubbling caramel sauce in the pan.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown, the pastry is crispy, and the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
- Serve: Let the apple dumplings cool slightly to allow the sauce to thicken. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and spoon some of the delicious sauce over the top for an extra indulgent experience.
Notes
- Use tart apples: Granny Smith apples hold their shape and provide a perfect balance to the sweetness of the sauce.
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking makes the caramel sauce hard to remove; the dumplings are done when apples are tender and the pastry is golden.
- Pour soda around the edges: This technique keeps the top of the dumplings crisp while allowing the sauce to bubble and caramelize below.
- Keep the dough sealed: Pinch the crescent roll edges tightly around the apples to prevent unwrapping during baking.
- Let them cool slightly: Cooling thickens the sauce and intensifies the flavors, plus it prevents burns.
