These Easy Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings are a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert made with fresh Granny Smith apples wrapped in buttery crescent rolls, baked in a cinnamon-sugar syrup, and topped with fizzy lemon-lime soda for that magical caramelized finish. The result? Buttery, golden perfection with soft, spiced apples inside — the perfect treat for any season, but especially fall!
Ingredients
- 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 can (12 oz) Mountain Dew (or any lemon-lime soda)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples into 8 wedges each (16 total slices).
3. Wrap the Apples
Open the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles. Wrap each apple slice with one piece of dough, starting at the wide end and rolling toward the tip. Place each wrapped apple in the prepared baking dish.
4. Make the Syrup
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined (the mixture will be slightly grainy).
5. Assemble and Bake
Pour the buttery mixture evenly over the apple dumplings. Then, gently pour the Mountain Dew around (not on top of) the dumplings — this helps create that caramelized sauce.
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
6. Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an irresistible dessert.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is for anyone who loves simple, cozy desserts that taste like they took hours to make — but really don’t. Whether you’re a beginner baker, a busy parent, or someone craving a nostalgic fall treat, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.
Why It’s Great
- Only a handful of ingredients needed.
- Ready in under an hour from start to finish.
- Perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and spiced flavors.
- The Mountain Dew creates a delicious, caramel-like sauce that’s pure magic.
- Great for holidays, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Small saucepan
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Knife and peeler
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30 seconds.
- Freezer: Freeze baked dumplings (fully cooled) for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen until warm.
FAQ
Q: Can I use other apples instead of Granny Smith?
Yes! Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples also work well — just make sure they’re firm enough to hold their shape while baking.
Q: Can I use diet soda instead of regular Mountain Dew?
You can, but the flavor and caramelization will be slightly different since regular soda contains more sugar.
Q: Do I have to use crescent roll dough?
No — puff pastry or biscuit dough can also be used for a flakier or heartier version.
Q: How do I make it less sweet?
Use half the sugar or replace some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter dessert.
Conclusion
These Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings are everything you love about homemade desserts — buttery, sweet, and unbelievably easy to make. Whether it’s for a fall gathering, a cozy weekend bake, or a quick family treat, this recipe delivers pure comfort in every bite. Serve it warm with ice cream and watch everyone ask for seconds!
