If you are looking for a cozy, nostalgic dessert with a twist, this Apple Dumplings Baked in Mountain Dew with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe is an absolute gem to add to your repertoire. The tender, flaky crescent roll pastry embraces juicy apple wedges bathed in a buttery, cinnamon-spiked sauce made irresistibly vibrant by the subtle citrus sparkle of Mountain Dew. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of warm spices, sweet tang, and creamy vanilla undertones, making this dessert a heartwarming treat that’s surprisingly easy to whip up for family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be delighted by how simple yet thoughtfully chosen these ingredients are, each playing its part from texture to flavor, ensuring a perfectly harmonious Apple Dumplings Baked in Mountain Dew with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe.
- 2 Granny Smith apples: Crisp and tart apples lend a refreshing contrast to the sweetness surrounding them.
- 2 (8-oz.) cans crescent rolls: These provide buttery, flaky dough that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- 1 cup butter, plus more for greasing: Adds richness and helps create that luscious sauce which coats the dumplings.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar: Sweetens the sauce just right, balancing the tartness of the apples and Mountain Dew.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a smooth, aromatic warmth to every bite.
- 1 (12-oz.) can Mountain Dew soda: The secret ingredient that adds light citrusy fizz and keeps the sauce bubbly and fresh.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Classic spice that infuses the dish with cozy, inviting fragrance and flavor.
How to Make Apple Dumplings Baked in Mountain Dew with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously buttering a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. This creates the perfect non-stick surface for the dumplings and adds extra buttery goodness.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peeling and coring the Granny Smith apples is the next task. Then cut each apple in half vertically and slice each half into 4 wedges. These crisp, juicy wedges will soften just right in the oven without losing their structure.
Step 3: Wrap the Apples in Crescent Dough
Roll out the crescent dough on a lightly floured surface while it’s still cold. Separate the dough into 16 triangles using the perforations. Place one apple wedge on the wide base of each triangle and roll toward the pointed end, fully enclosing the apple. This creates delightful little parcels that will bake into golden, flaky dumplings. Arrange them neatly in your prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Make the Sauce and Bake
In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add the sugar. Stir only briefly to keep the mixture lumpy and grainy, which will make the sauce texture perfect once baked. Blend in the vanilla extract, then pour this luscious butter-sugar mixture evenly over the wrapped apples. Pour the can of Mountain Dew carefully around the edges of the pan to avoid washing off the sugar mixture, then generously sprinkle cinnamon on top. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the dumplings turn a gorgeous golden brown with crispy edges.
Step 5: Serve with Love
Once baked, let the dumplings cool slightly. Serve them warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and don’t forget to spoon some of that fragrant Mountain Dew sauce over the top. It’s the perfect sticky, sweet finish!
How to Serve Apple Dumplings Baked in Mountain Dew with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe
Garnishes
To make your serving extra special, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for crunch. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce will elevate the dessert even further while complementing the deep vanilla and cinnamon notes.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides such as a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette if you want to balance out the sweetness, or a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee for a cozy finish to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving each dumpling in a small ramekin with extra sauce ladled on. Alternatively, use mini cast iron skillets to bake and serve individual portions, which makes the dessert both impressive and personal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is a good problem to have), cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after resting overnight, making for a delicious next-day treat.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked apple dumplings wrapped in foil or in an airtight container. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with the sauce and baking. This makes it a great make-ahead dessert for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes to restore the flaky crust and warm the filling, or you can microwave a portion for about a minute if you’re short on time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firmness, but other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady will also work well, though the flavor profile will be slightly sweeter.
Why use Mountain Dew in the recipe?
Mountain Dew adds a subtle citrusy sweetness and light fizz that keeps the sauce bubbly and refreshing, enhancing the flavor complexity beyond traditional fruit dumplings.
Can I make the dumplings vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based butter substitute and check crescent roll dough brands for vegan options. Also, ensure the Mountain Dew you use is free from animal-derived ingredients.
What can I substitute for crescent rolls?
If you prefer not to use crescent rolls, puff pastry dough is an excellent alternative that will produce a similarly flaky and golden crust.
How can I tell when the dumplings are done?
Look for a golden brown, crispy surface on the dough and bubbling sauce along the edges of the pan. The apples inside should be tender but not mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Dumplings Baked in Mountain Dew with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe is a delightful discovery that’s both comforting and exciting. Its combination of familiar ingredients with a playful twist is sure to win hearts at any table. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dessert that brings warm smiles and happy memories.
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Apple Dumplings Baked in Mountain Dew with Cinnamon and Vanilla Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously soft apple dumplings wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough, baked with a sweet vanilla-sugar sauce and a fizzy Mountain Dew soda glaze, finished with a hint of cinnamon. A perfect cozy dessert served warm, ideal with ice cream on the side.
Ingredients
Apples
- 2 Granny Smith apples
Dough
- 2 (8-oz.) cans crescent rolls
Sauce & Topping
- 1 cup butter, plus more for greasing
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (12-oz.) can Mountain Dew soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 13-by-9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add richness.
- Prepare Apples: Peel and core the Granny Smith apples. Cut each apple in half vertically, then slice each half into 4 wedges, resulting in 16 apple wedges total.
- Wrap Apples in Dough: On a lightly floured surface, quickly unroll the crescent roll dough and separate the perforated dough into 16 triangles. Place one apple wedge on the wide base of each triangle and roll the dough tightly around the apple, wrapping so it overlaps completely. Arrange the wrapped apples seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Sauce: Melt 1 cup of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the sugar and gently stir just enough to combine, keeping the mixture somewhat lumpy and grainy. Stir in the vanilla extract carefully, again barely mixing to maintain texture. Pour this buttery sugar sauce evenly over the dough-wrapped apples in the baking dish.
- Add Soda and Cinnamon: Pour the Mountain Dew soda evenly around the edges of the baking dish (avoiding pouring directly on the dumplings to keep the dough from getting soggy). Sprinkle the entire dish with cinnamon for a warm, fragrant finishing touch.
- Bake the Dumplings: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown, bubbly, and crispy on top. The soda will caramelize and create a delightful syrup at the bottom of the dish.
- Serve: Let the apple dumplings cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream, and spoon some of the luscious syrup from the pan over the top for extra sweetness and moisture.
Notes
- For best results, work quickly when handling the crescent roll dough to keep it cold and easy to roll.
- Using Granny Smith apples provides a tart contrast to the sweet sauce; you can substitute with other baking apples but adjust sugar to taste.
- If Mountain Dew is unavailable, a similar lemon-lime soda can be used, though it may alter the flavor profile slightly.
- The sauce may bubble aggressively while baking due to the soda; place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any overflow.
- Serve the dumplings warm to enjoy the full contrast of flaky dough, tender apple, and syrupy sauce.
