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How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and cutting the apples into slices. Each apple should yield about 8 slices.
- You want the apples to be firm enough to hold their shape during baking, so choose an apple variety that’s a bit tart and crisp, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Step 2: Wrap the Apples in Crescent Roll Dough
Open the cans of crescent roll dough and separate the triangles. Place one slice of apple at the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll the dough tightly around the apple slice, ensuring the apple is completely enclosed. Repeat until all the apple slices are wrapped.
Step 3: Make the Syrup
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves and everything is combined into a smooth syrup.
Step 4: Assemble the Apple Dumplings
Place the wrapped apple dumplings in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the syrup evenly over the dumplings, making sure each one is covered with the sweet, buttery mixture.
- Then, pour the lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7-Up) around the edges of the dumplings. The soda will bubble up and help create a syrupy glaze while baking, giving the dumplings that signature sweet, bubbly finish.
Step 5: Bake the Dumplings
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the dumplings for 30-40 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Keep an eye on them as they bake—the dough should become beautifully golden and crisp, and the syrup will bubble up around the dumplings.
Step 6: Make the Glaze (Optional)
If you’d like to add a little extra sweetness, make the glaze by whisking together the milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm apple dumplings just before serving for a beautiful, creamy finish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the dumplings warm, straight from the oven. They’re perfect on their own, or you can top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Why These Apple Dumplings Are a Must-Try
- Perfectly Sweet and Tart: The balance of cinnamon-spiced apples and sweet syrup creates a perfect dessert that’s not too rich or too sugary.
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses crescent roll dough, which simplifies the process of making dumplings, so even beginner bakers can enjoy making this treat.
- Impressive Presentation: Despite how easy it is to make, these dumplings look impressive when served, making them perfect for holidays or special family dinners.
- Great for Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (though unlikely!), they reheat wonderfully in the microwave or oven, making them a delicious treat the next day.
Serving Suggestions
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm apple dumplings and helps balance out the sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich, warm dumplings.
- Caramel Sauce: For an extra indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce over the top for a sweet, gooey finish.
Final Thoughts
Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a special treat for the holidays or just want a warm, comforting dessert to enjoy with family, these dumplings are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With their flaky dough, tender cinnamon apples, and syrupy glaze, every bite is pure bliss. Try this easy recipe today and bring a little bit of Pioneer Woman’s charm into your kitchen!
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