Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings

Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings Recipe

Introduction

Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings are the ultimate comfort dessert—warm, buttery, and packed with cinnamon-spiced goodness. This semi-homemade recipe is beloved for its simplicity, requiring only seven ingredients and minimal prep time. The secret twist? A splash of soda, which creates a rich, caramel-like sauce as the dumplings bake. Whether you’re making these for a family gathering or a casual dessert night, they are sure to impress with their sweet and tender appeal.

Why Make This Recipe

• Easy to prepare – Requires only a few ingredients and simple steps.
• Deliciously indulgent – A perfect blend of buttery, cinnamony, and apple flavors.
• Minimal prep time – No need to make dough from scratch.
• Great for gatherings – A crowd-pleasing dessert that disappears fast.
• Customizable – Try different fruits or add-ins like cream cheese for variety.

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings

This dessert involves wrapping apple slices in crescent roll dough, covering them with a cinnamon-sugar butter mixture, pouring soda over them, and baking until golden brown. The result? A flaky, caramelized apple treat that’s absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients

• 1 large apple (Fuji, Granny Smith, or any tart variety)
• 1 can Pillsbury Crescent dough
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup (6 oz.) 7-Up or equivalent soda

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. Peel and core the apple, then cut it into 8-10 wedges.
3. Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles.
4. Wrap each apple wedge in a crescent roll triangle, starting at the wide end. Pinch the edges to seal and place in the prepared baking dish.
5. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in sugar and cinnamon, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
6. Pour the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture evenly over the wrapped apples.
7. Pour the soda around (not directly over) the dumplings in the baking dish.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
9. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the best experience!

How to Serve Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings

• With ice cream – A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream enhances the warm, buttery flavors.
• Drizzled with caramel – Add extra richness with a caramel drizzle.
• Sprinkled with powdered sugar – For a simple but elegant touch.
• With whipped cream – Light and airy topping to balance the sweetness.

How to Store Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
• Freezing – Not recommended, as the texture may become too soft after thawing.

Tips to Make Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
• Pat the apple slices dry before wrapping them in dough to prevent sogginess.
• Don’t pour soda directly over the dumplings—pour around them to maintain crispness.
• If making ahead, store the sauce separately and reheat before serving.

Variations

• Berry & Cream Cheese – Add a dollop of cream cheese and a few fresh berries inside each dumpling before wrapping.
• Peach Dumplings – Swap apples for peach slices for a summery twist.
• Spiced Version – Add nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the cinnamon mixture for extra warmth.
• Sugar-Free – Use a sugar substitute and diet soda for a lighter version.

FAQs

1. How long do apple dumplings last?
They stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

2. Can I substitute another soda for 7-Up?
Yes! You can use Mountain Dew, Sprite, or even ginger ale. The soda helps create a caramel-like sauce.

3. What can I serve with apple dumplings?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar all work great.

Enjoy these easy, decadent Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings with minimal effort and maximum flavor!