If you’ve never tried Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings, get ready for a dessert that’s as easy as it is unforgettable! This recipe has been passed around potlucks and family reunions for years—it’s one of those “old-fashioned magic” desserts that never fails to impress. The first time I made these, I couldn’t believe how such simple ingredients—canned crescent rolls, fresh apples, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of Mountain Dew—could create something so divine.
As the dumplings bake, the soda caramelizes with the butter and sugar, forming a golden, bubbly syrup that coats each apple-filled pastry with sweet, buttery perfection. They’re warm, comforting, and absolutely irresistible served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings are the ultimate fall or anytime treat that tastes like a hug from grandma’s kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings
- Ridiculously easy: No fancy equipment or dough-making—just roll, pour, and bake!
- Rich and buttery: The soda and butter form a sweet caramel-like sauce while baking.
- Quick prep: Only 15 minutes to assemble—perfect for weeknight desserts or last-minute guests.
- Incredible flavor: Tart apples wrapped in buttery crescent rolls with a warm cinnamon glaze—heavenly!
- Perfect for fall: Great for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or cozy weekends.
- Family favorite: Kids love helping roll the apples, and everyone loves eating them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cans crescent rolls – Any brand works; just be sure they’re the refrigerated, ready-to-bake kind.
- 3 to 4 tart apples – Granny Smiths are ideal for their firm texture and tangy flavor.
- 1 ½ cups sugar – You can use white granulated sugar or a mix of white and brown sugar for deeper flavor.
- ½ cup butter – Unsalted preferred; it helps control sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds cozy warmth and balances the sweetness.
- 1 can (12 ounces) Mountain Dew soda – The secret ingredient that creates the syrupy magic.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. - Prep the apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples into quarters or smaller wedges—enough to fit neatly into each crescent roll triangle. - Prepare the dough
Unroll both cans of crescent rolls and separate them into triangles. Lay them flat on a clean surface or parchment paper. - Wrap the apples
Place one apple slice on the wide end of each crescent roll triangle. Sprinkle a bit of sugar and cinnamon over the apple before rolling. Then, gently roll up the dough, tucking the ends so the apple is sealed inside. - Arrange in the dish
Place all the wrapped dumplings in the prepared baking dish, seam-side down. - Add the butter and sugar mixture
Melt ½ cup of butter and mix with any remaining sugar-cinnamon mixture (if desired). Pour it evenly over the dumplings. - Pour the Mountain Dew
Gently pour one 12-ounce can of Mountain Dew around (not directly on top of) the dumplings. The soda will bubble and blend with the butter and sugar, creating that irresistible caramelized syrup. - Bake to perfection
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the sauce is thick and bubbling. - Cool slightly before serving
Let the dumplings rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving. The syrup will thicken as it cools slightly.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving:
Serve your Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warm cinnamon-sugar sauce melts into the ice cream for a dessert that tastes like apple pie à la mode—but even easier!
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
- Freezer: You can freeze baked dumplings for up to 1 month. Reheat in a 350°F oven until bubbly again.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble the dumplings up to 4 hours in advance (keep covered in the fridge) and bake just before serving.
Helpful Notes
- Apple choice: Granny Smith apples are classic, but Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonagold also work beautifully.
- Don’t skip the soda! The Mountain Dew creates a unique caramelized syrup that’s both sweet and slightly citrusy—it’s what makes this dessert special.
- Add a twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking for a little crunch.
- Brown sugar variation: Replace half the white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Make it extra festive: Add a dash of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the butter mixture for even more flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use diet Mountain Dew or another soda?
You can, but regular Mountain Dew gives the best flavor and caramelization. Lemon-lime sodas like Sprite or 7UP also work in a pinch.
2. What if I don’t have crescent rolls?
You can substitute with puff pastry or biscuit dough, but crescent rolls create the perfect soft, flaky texture.
3. Can I prep this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dumplings, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Add the Mountain Dew just before putting them in the oven.
4. How do I know when they’re done?
The tops should be golden brown and crisp, and the syrup should be bubbling around the edges.
5. Can I make this without butter?
Butter is key for richness and caramelization, but you can use margarine or plant-based butter if needed.
Final Thoughts
These Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings are proof that simple ingredients can create truly spectacular desserts. The bubbling buttery sauce, tender apples, and flaky crescent crust come together in a comforting, sweet masterpiece that’s impossible to resist.
I’ve made these for family dinners, church gatherings, and holiday parties, and they always steal the show. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is pure comfort and nostalgia in every bite. Serve them warm, watch the smiles appear, and enjoy that sweet, cinnamon-spiced magic!
Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings
Ingredients
- 2 cans crescent rolls
- 3 to 4 tart apples such as Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and sliced into quarters
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup butter melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 can 12 ounces Mountain Dew soda
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Prep apples: Peel, core, and slice apples into quarters or smaller pieces.
- Prepare dough: Unroll crescent rolls and separate into triangles.
- Assemble dumplings: Place one apple slice on each triangle, sprinkle with a little sugar and cinnamon, and roll up to seal the apple inside.
- Arrange: Place wrapped apples in the prepared baking dish, seam side down.
- Add butter and sugar: Melt butter and pour evenly over the dumplings. Sprinkle remaining sugar and cinnamon on top.
- Add soda: Pour the can of Mountain Dew around the dumplings (not directly on top).
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let cool slightly before serving warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Best apples: Granny Smith apples are perfect for tartness, but Honeycrisp or Jonagold work too.
- Add texture: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for a nutty crunch.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble up to 4 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
- Soda swap: You can use Sprite or 7UP if you don’t have Mountain Dew.
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