Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon and Mountain Dew Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, nostalgic dessert that’s a little different yet incredibly comforting, you’re going to adore this Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon and Mountain Dew Recipe. I absolutely love how the fizzy sweetness of Mountain Dew creates this delightful sauce that soaks into flaky crescent rolls wrapped around tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. Stick with me, and you’ll be wowed by how easy it is to whip up this fan-freaking-tastic treat that your whole family will go crazy for!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon and Mountain Dew Recipe are straightforward and come together beautifully to create that perfect balance of tart, sweet, and spicy. When shopping, pick Granny Smith apples—they hold up well during baking and bring just the right amount of tartness.

• Granny Smith apples: Their firm texture keeps the slices intact and adds a refreshing tartness.
• Crescent rolls: Convenient and flaky, they wrap the apples effortlessly.
• Butter: Melted butter lends richness and helps the sugar caramelize perfectly.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tart apples and the tangy soda.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings warmth and depth to the sauce.
• Cinnamon: The star spice here that pairs heavenly with apples.
• Mountain Dew soda: The secret ingredient for that unique twist—its citrus notes and fizz create a delightful glaze as it bakes.

Variations

I love playing around with this Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon and Mountain Dew Recipe to make it suit different moods or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to personalize it to your taste — that’s part of the fun!

• Use different apples: I’ve tried Fuji or Honeycrisp, which add sweetness but be mindful they soften faster, so reduce bake time slightly.
• Switch the soda: If Mountain Dew isn’t your thing, Sprite or 7-Up work well for a lighter sweetness.
• Dairy-free option: Swap melted butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free crescent rolls to keep it vegan-friendly.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves for extra warmth in the cinnamon mixture.

How to Make Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon and Mountain Dew Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Crescent Rolls

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray two 9×13 baking dishes with cooking spray. Peel and core two Granny Smith apples, then slice each apple into 8 evenly sized wedges. This uniform slicing ensures even baking and that gorgeous texture in every bite. Now, unwrap those crescent rolls. Each apple wedge gets wrapped tightly in one crescent triangle, making sure the seam is sealed underneath to keep all the juicy apple goodness inside.

Step 2: Mix Up the Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup melted butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the sugar starts to dissolve. This luscious sauce will soak into and caramelize around your apple dumplings while they bake. Don’t skip the vanilla—it adds a subtle, rich layer of flavor that pairs so well with the cinnamon.

Step 3: Bake Your Apple Dumplings

Place each wrapped apple slice snugly in your prepared pans. Pour the butter-sugar-vanilla mixture evenly over the top, making sure every dumpling gets a little love. Then carefully pour one 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew right around the edges of the pans—this helps the soda reduce slowly, coating the dumplings in a sweet glaze. Finally, sprinkle cinnamon generously over the top—it’s that cinnamon that seals the deal! Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes until the dumplings are golden brown and bubbling.

Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once your dumplings are out of the oven, let them cool just a touch so the sauce thickens. I love to serve these with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream and spoon that syrupy goodness from the pan right over the top. It’s pure comfort on a plate and always gets a round of applause from my guests.

How to Serve Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon and Mountain Dew Recipe

Garnishes

I keep garnishes simple because the dumplings shine on their own, but a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a light dusting of cinnamon on top adds a touch of elegance and extra comfort. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans for crunch—it’s such a nice surprise.

Side Dishes

Since this dessert is pretty rich, I like pairing it with light sides if I’m serving it after a meal, like a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or a fruit salad for something refreshing. But honestly, it also stands strong as the main event after dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these apple dumplings in individual ramekins for a charming, rustic vibe. Another fun trick is to drizzle a caramel or butterscotch sauce over top, adding extra flair and decadence that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover apple dumplings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave so you keep that flaky texture and warm sauce without turning mushy.

Freezing

Freeze leftovers individually wrapped in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming your apple dumplings in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the crescent roll regain its flakiness instead of turning soggy like it might in the microwave.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon and Mountain Dew Recipe has become one of those comfort desserts that I find myself making whenever I want something sweet, nostalgic, and just a little bit different. The way the Mountain Dew adds a bright citrusy glaze combined with spicy cinnamon and tart apples wrapped in buttery, flaky crescent rolls is downright magical. I hope you give it a try and that it brings as much joy and cozy vibes to your kitchen as it has to mine!

Print