These Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings are not just easy to make; they’re a delightful surprise in every bite. The secret ingredient? A can of Mountain Dew soda! Don’t let that unusual addition fool you; it’s the key to creating an unbelievably delicious and syrupy sauce that perfectly complements the spiced apples and flaky crescent roll dough.
Overhead view of Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings on a white plate with vanilla ice cream, showcasing the golden-brown crust and syrupy sauce, a testament to Pioneer Woman's inspired recipe.
If you’re a fan of comforting, home-style desserts, this recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman herself, Ree Drummond, is about to become your new favorite. It takes the classic apple dumpling to a whole new level with a unique twist that everyone will love. And if you’re looking for more fruity dessert inspiration, don’t miss our equally tempting Peach Dumplings or the simple joy of Fried Apples, perfect over Homemade Waffles.
The Magic of Mountain Dew in Baking
You might raise an eyebrow at the thought of soda in a dessert, but trust us on this. Mountain Dew in baking is a game-changer. While it might seem unconventional, using soda in recipes isn’t entirely new. Think about the classic Coca Cola Cake, a testament to soda’s surprising baking prowess.
The sweetness and unique citrusy flavor of Mountain Dew enhance the overall taste profile of these apple dumplings. It’s similar to how Cherry 7 Up Pound Cake benefits from the lemon-lime soda. But in this recipe, Mountain Dew isn’t mixed into the dough. Instead, it’s poured around the dumplings as they bake, creating a luscious, sugary syrup that bathes each dumpling in golden goodness.
This technique, popularized in recipes like the Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings, results in a dessert where the soda doesn’t just add sweetness; it contributes to the texture and creates a delightful sauce that’s simply irresistible.
Easy Apple Dumplings: A Pioneer Woman Staple
Apple dumplings are a timeless dessert, reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen and cozy Sunday dinners. They’re a comforting classic, often passed down through generations. The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is known for her approachable and delicious home cooking, and this Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings recipe perfectly embodies that spirit.
Imagine biting into a warm, tender apple, encased in a buttery, flaky crust, with a hint of cinnamon, all swimming in a rich, caramel-like sauce. That’s the magic of apple dumplings. And this recipe makes it incredibly easy to achieve that comforting, homemade goodness.
What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its simplicity. Using pre-made crescent roll dough cuts down on prep time, making it a perfect dessert for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry, you can whip up a batch of these Pioneer Woman-inspired Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings and impress everyone with your baking skills.
The sauce, made from butter, sugar, and vanilla, is simplicity at its finest. It’s poured over the crescent-wrapped apples before baking, and as the dumplings bake, the Mountain Dew transforms this simple sauce into a glaze that’s pure liquid gold. You truly have to taste it to believe it!
Ingredient Spotlight: What You’ll Need
This Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings recipe, often attributed to the Pioneer Woman, is wonderfully simple, requiring just a few key ingredients:
- Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness of the sauce perfectly and they hold their shape well during baking.
- Crescent Roll Dough: The shortcut to flaky, buttery crusts, making this recipe quick and easy.
- Butter: Essential for richness in both the dumplings and the sauce.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the sauce and caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note to the sauce.
- Cinnamon: The perfect spice to complement apples, adding a touch of warmth and coziness.
- Mountain Dew: The star secret ingredient! It creates the unique and delicious syrupy sauce.
Baking Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings: Step-by-Step
Making these Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings is surprisingly easy. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prep and Preheat. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of butter. Set it aside. This butter prevents sticking and adds flavor to the bottom of the dumplings.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples. Peel and core your Granny Smith apples. Cut each apple into 8 slices. This size is ideal for wrapping in crescent roll dough.
Step 3: Assemble the Dumplings. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate the triangles. Place one apple slice on the wide end of each crescent roll and roll it up, enclosing the apple slice completely. Place each wrapped dumpling in the buttered baking dish.
Close-up shot of rolling apple slices in crescent roll dough, demonstrating the simple steps to assemble Pioneer Woman's Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings.
Step 4: Make the Sauce. In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter with the sugar over medium heat. Stir just until the butter is melted and the sugar is mostly dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Sauce and Soda. Pour the butter-sugar mixture evenly over the crescent rolls in the baking dish. Then, carefully pour the Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan, not directly over the dumplings. Sprinkle cinnamon over the top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the crescent rolls are fully cooked. The sauce will be bubbly and syrupy.
Step 7: Serve Warm. Let the dumplings cool slightly before serving. Spoon the delicious sauce from the pan over each dumpling. For an extra treat, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Mountain Dew Apple Dumpling Success
- Ice Cream is Key: While these dumplings are delicious on their own, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream elevates them to another level. The cold creaminess is the perfect contrast to the warm, sweet dumplings.
- Pour Dew Carefully: It’s crucial to pour the Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Pouring it directly over the dumplings can make the dough soggy and prevent it from browning properly. Soggy dough = mushy dumplings, and while still tasty, not ideal!
- Real Mountain Dew is Best: For the authentic flavor, use real Mountain Dew. In a pinch, Sprite might work, but avoid diet sodas as they won’t provide the same sweetness and caramelization.
- Pan Size Matters: Use a 9×13 inch pan or larger. Overcrowding the dumplings can prevent them from baking evenly and creating that perfect syrupy sauce.
More Apple Dessert Inspiration
Craving more apple goodness? Here are a few more apple dessert recipes you might enjoy:
- Classic Apple Pie: The quintessential apple dessert.
- Cozy Apple Cinnamon Bread: Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
- Warm and comforting Fried Apples: A simple and satisfying side or dessert.
Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings Recipe
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By: Aimee
These easy Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings, inspired by the Pioneer Woman, are incredibly delicious! The surprising secret ingredient is a can of soda, creating a unique and flavorful dessert.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 16 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large Granny Smith apples
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup Mountain Dew
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons butter. Set aside.
- Peel and core Granny Smith apples. Cut each apple into 8 slices. Roll one apple slice in one crescent roll. Place in the buttered baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup butter with sugar. Barely stirring, remove from heat when butter is melted. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
- Pour sauce over crescent rolls. Then pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan ONLY. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the rolls are completely cooked.
- Serve warm with ice cream and spoon pan sauce over the top!
Recipe Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
- Ensure Mountain Dew is poured around the edges to prevent soggy dumplings.
- Use real Mountain Dew for the best flavor. Avoid diet soda.
- Use a 9×13 inch pan or larger for optimal baking.
Enjoy this delightful and easy Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings recipe, a sweet treat that’s sure to impress!
