Nestled in the cozy corners of my kitchen one crisp autumn afternoon, I found myself yearning for something sweet and soul-soothing. Memories of a family trip to an orchard last fall danced in my mind as the scent of ripe apples filled the air. That’s when it struck me: why not recreate the magic of those moments with some warm, comforting apple dumplings? Inspired by the Pioneer Woman, a go-to for hearty and delightful recipes, I decided to whip up her version of this classic dessert.
There’s something undeniably charming about transforming a simple apple into a decadent treat. The recipe I’m sharing today uses the humble ingredients of crescent dough and Fuji apples, though any tart variety will do wonderfully, playing into the natural sweetness and spice that this dessert boasts. Adding an unconventional twist, the recipe calls for a splash of 7-Up, creating a light, airy texture that elevates the dumplings to new heights.
In the process, I made a few tweaks to suit my taste and perhaps, you might find them tempting too. I slightly increased the cinnamon for a bolder flavor and opted for real vanilla bean instead of extract, enriching the overall aroma and taste. Every bite of these dumplings sends you straight to autumnal bliss, with the buttery, flaky dough and the spiced, tender apples melting together perfectly.
This delightful recipe is not just about indulging in a sweet treat; it’s about bringing warmth and joy into your kitchen. Whether you’re making these for a family dinner, a friendly gathering, or just a quiet evening by yourself, they promise to be a hit. As you read on, imagine the golden crust of these dumplings breaking just right, revealing the soft, cinnamon-scented apple tucked lovingly within. Let’s dive into how these little bundles of joy are made, and maybe inspire you to start your own fall tradition!
How to Make The Apple Dumplings
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Ingredients:
- 1 can Pillsbury Crescent dough
- 1 large apple (Fuji recommended, tart varieties work well)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 3/4 cup 7-Up or similar soda
Directions:
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees F and greasing an 8×8 inch baking dish.
Peel your apple and cut it into 8-10 slices. Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles.
Dry the apple slices with a towel, wrap them with the dough starting from the wider end, and seal them by pinching the dough around the apple. Place each wrapped slice in the prepared dish. In a small saucepan, melt the butter.
Add sugar and cinnamon and stir until the mixture thickens.
Once thickened, take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla.
Drizzle this sweet sauce over the wrapped apples in the dish.
Then, evenly pour the soda around the dumplings.
Bake them for 40-45 minutes or until they turn golden brown and puff up.
FAQs:
What kind of apples work best for this Apple Dumplings?
While any type of apple can be used for the Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings, tart apples are generally better. Fuji apples, as used in the recipe, are a great choice due to their crisp texture and balanced sweetness. However, tart varieties like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast with the sweet, rich ingredients used in the dumplings.
Can I use something other than 7-Up in the dumplings?
Yes, you can substitute the 7-Up with any similar carbonated beverage, such as Sprite or ginger ale. These alternatives will also help to create the light, fluffy texture in the dumpling dough during baking. Furthermore, using a different soda can slightly alter the flavor profile, adding a unique twist to the traditional recipe.
Is there a dietary alternative for the butter in the recipe?
Indeed, for those looking to reduce butter intake, coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute can be used. These alternatives not only provide a healthier option but also maintain the richness required for the sauce. Additionally, they are excellent for accommodating vegan dietary preferences.
How should the apple dumplings be stored if there are leftovers?
Any leftovers should be covered and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through. Consequently, this will help retain the texture and flavor of the dumplings better than reheating in a microwave.
What are some serving suggestions for the apple dumplings?
Serving the apple dumplings with vanilla ice cream is highly recommended as it complements the warm, cinnamon-flavored dessert beautifully. Additionally, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can enhance the flavors further, making it an irresistible treat.
Pioneer Womans Apple Dumplings
Ingredients
- 1 large apple {I used a Fuji- any apple will do tart is better}
- 1 can Pillsbury Crescent dough
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2/3 cups sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 3/4 cup or 6 oz. 7-Up or equivalent {half the can}
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8×8 baking dish.
- Cut each apple into 8-10 wedges.
- Slice the apple skin off as well and set aside.
- Separate the crescent roll dough into triangles.
- Roll each apple wedge in crescent roll dough starting at the wide end.
- Pinch to seal and cover apple and place in the baking dish. {This is easier if you first pat the apple wedge dry, then wrap dough around it.}
- Melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in the sugar and cinnamon. Heat, whisking to combine.
- The mixture will slowly combine and thicken. When it’s thickened, remove from heat and add vanilla.
- Pour cinnamon mixture over the apple dumplings. Pour soda over the dumplings. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown!!!
