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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Peel and core the apples, removing the seeds and any tough parts. Cut them into 8 wedges per apple.
- Place a slice of butter at the center of each apple wedge (this will melt during baking, creating a rich, buttery filling).
Step 2: Roll the Apples
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into the individual triangles.
- Place one apple wedge on each dough triangle.
- Roll the dough around the apple wedge, starting from the wider edge, to form a dumpling. Repeat this step until all the apples are wrapped in dough.
Step 3: Make the Sweet Syrup
- In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Let the mixture come to a slight boil for a minute or two.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Dumplings
- Arrange the dumplings in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture over the dumplings, making sure they’re well-coated.
- Pour the lemon-lime soda into the dish around the dumplings. The soda will bubble up and create a sweet, syrupy sauce that bathes the dumplings as they bake.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the dumplings in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Serve warm. For an extra indulgence, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of whipped cream.
Tips for Perfect Apple Dumplings
✅ Use tart apples – Granny Smith apples are the most common choice for this recipe, but you can use any apple variety you like. Tart apples hold their shape well when baked and balance the sweetness of the syrup.
✅ Don’t skip the soda – The lemon-lime soda adds a unique, bubbly texture to the syrup, making it extra sweet and flavorful.
✅ Cinnamon sugar – Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top of the dumplings before baking for an added burst of flavor.
✅ Serve with ice cream – These apple dumplings are fantastic on their own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream takes them to the next level!
Why Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings Are a Fall Favorite
There’s something about the combination of warm apples, buttery dough, and a sweet cinnamon syrup that makes Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings the perfect fall dessert. Whether you’re making them for Thanksgiving dinner, a family gathering, or just a cozy evening at home, these dumplings offer the comfort and nostalgia that everyone craves when the weather cools down.
The dumplings bake into a golden, crisp crust with a warm, gooey apple center and are soaked in a syrupy mixture that forms as they bake. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and cinnamon-spiced goodness. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the indulgent taste, makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are best served fresh from the oven, but if you have leftovers, don’t worry! You can store them for later:
- In the Fridge: Cover and refrigerate the dumplings for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to warm through.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the dumplings before baking. Simply assemble them, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, just bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are a simple yet decadent dessert that will satisfy your cravings for something sweet, warm, and comforting. With a buttery, flaky crust, tender apples, and the perfect balance of cinnamon-sugar syrup, this dessert will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re celebrating the fall season or just craving something indulgent, these apple dumplings are sure to hit the spot every time.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor these golden, gooey, cinnamon-spiced apple dumplings. They’re guaranteed to be a delicious treat you’ll make again and again. 🍏🍂✨
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