Name: Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings
Ingredients: 1 large apple (Fuji or tart): The star of the dish! Choose a firm apple that holds up well during baking. Fuji apples offer a balance of sweetness and tartness, while Granny Smith apples provide a more tangy flavor.; 1 can of Pillsbury Crescent dough: This flaky pastry wraps around the apple wedges, providing a delightful crust. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free crescent dough.; ½ cup butter: Butter contributes richness and flavor. For a healthier alternative, you could use coconut oil, though it will change the flavor slightly.; ¾ cup sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the dish, creating a pleasant contrast with the tart apple. Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for a more natural option.; 1 tsp cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile of the dish. If you want to experiment, nutmeg or apple pie spice can offer a unique twist.; 1 cup Mountain Dew (or lemon-lime soda): This adds a sweet, citrus flavor while helping the dumplings bake nicely. For a healthier option, you can replace it with a sparkling water with a splash of lemon juice.

Description

Savor Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings—deliciously wrapped in buttery dough and bursting with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples. A dessert classic.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large apple (Fuji or tart): The star of the dish! Choose a firm apple that holds up well during baking. Fuji apples offer a balance of sweetness and tartness, while Granny Smith apples provide a more tangy flavor.
1 can of Pillsbury Crescent dough: This flaky pastry wraps around the apple wedges, providing a delightful crust. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free crescent dough.
½ cup butter: Butter contributes richness and flavor. For a healthier alternative, you could use coconut oil, though it will change the flavor slightly.
¾ cup sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the dish, creating a pleasant contrast with the tart apple. Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for a more natural option.
1 tsp cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile of the dish. If you want to experiment, nutmeg or apple pie spice can offer a unique twist.
1 cup Mountain Dew (or lemon-lime soda): This adds a sweet, citrus flavor while helping the dumplings bake nicely. For a healthier option, you can replace it with a sparkling water with a splash of lemon juice.

Instructions

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dumplings bake evenly.
Prepare the apple: Peel and core 1 large apple, then cut it into 8 wedges. This size allows for easy wrapping and ensures the apple cooks thoroughly.
Wrap the apple: Take a wedge of apple and wrap it in a piece of the Pillsbury Crescent dough, pinching the seams to seal. Repeat this for all apple wedges.
Make the buttery sauce: In a saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in ¾ cup of sugar and 1 tsp of cinnamon. Mix until well combined, and then drizzle this mixture over the wrapped dumplings.
Add the soda: Carefully pour 1 cup of Mountain Dew around the dumplings in the baking dish. This soda will help create a wonderful sweet syrup that complements the dumplings.
Bake the dumplings: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the dumplings are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to gauge doneness; they should be beautifully puffed.
Serve warm: Once done, remove the dumplings from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm, topped with the buttery sauce for an irresistible dessert. Enjoy!