Strawberry Dumplings
Strawberry Dumplings are a sweet, fruity dessert made with fresh strawberries wrapped in crescent roll dough, then baked in a buttery brown sugar sauce with a splash of lemon-lime soda.
The result? Golden, syrupy dumplings with a crisp top and a tender, jammy center.
Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream for a nostalgic and comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Incredibly easy to make with store-bought crescent rolls
Fresh strawberries give it a naturally sweet, summery flavor
Buttery cinnamon-sugar sauce bakes into a rich syrup
The soda adds a magical lift and gooey texture
Perfect served warm with ice cream or whipped cream
Key Ingredients
Crescent Roll Dough – Soft, flaky pastry perfect for wrapping fruit
Fresh Strawberries – Sweet, juicy, and full of vibrant flavor
Butter – Adds richness and helps form the sauce
Brown Sugar & Cinnamon – For that cozy, caramel-like depth
Vanilla & Lemon Juice – Boosts the fruity brightness
7Up or Sprite – Poured around the dumplings for extra moisture and syrupy texture
Strawberry Dumplings
Ingredients:
2 ( 8 oz) cans crescent roll dough
1 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries, divided
¾ cup butter
1 ¼ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 cup 7Up or Sprite soda
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Unroll the crescent dough and separate into individual triangles. Set aside ½ cup of sliced strawberries for the sauce.
Place a spoonful of the remaining strawberries near the wide end of each dough triangle. Gently roll up the dough, enclosing the fruit, and pinch the edges to seal. Arrange the dumplings evenly in the prepared dish.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and the reserved ½ cup of strawberries. Microwave until the butter is melted. Mash the strawberries with a fork until soft and jammy.
Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Pour this strawberry-butter mixture evenly over the dumplings.
Carefully pour the 7Up or Sprite around the dumplings, avoiding the tops to keep them crispy.
Bake for 33–36 minutes, or until the dumplings are puffed and golden brown.
Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutrition Information
(Per Serving — based on 8 servings):
Calories: ~340 | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Sugar: 28g | Protein: 2g | Sodium: 300mg
Kitchen Equipment Needed
9×13-inch baking dish
Small microwave-safe bowl
Fork or potato masher
Measuring spoons and cups
Oven
Spoon or spatula
Recipe Swaps and Variations
Fruit Swap: Use raspberries, blueberries, or chopped peaches
Dough Option: Puff pastry or biscuit dough can be used instead of crescent rolls
Soda Alternative: Use ginger ale, cream soda, or apple juice
Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a few drops of almond extract to the sauce
Topping Ideas: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce, chopped nuts, or lemon zest
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat: Microwave in 20–30 second intervals until warmed through
Freezing: Not recommended — the texture of the dough changes significantly when frozen and thawed
Food and Drink Pairings
Drink: Pairs beautifully with black tea, a vanilla latte, or sparkling water with lemon
Ice Cream: Vanilla, strawberry, or cinnamon ice cream works best
Fruit Pairing: Serve with fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad for a lighter contrast
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, just thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid in the dumplings.
Do I have to use soda?
Soda helps create a syrupy base, but you can substitute it with sweetened fruit juice like apple or pineapple juice.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, try reducing the brown sugar to ¾ cup. It will be less syrupy but still delicious.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! It’s a fun dessert for kids to help assemble and enjoy.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep and fill the dumplings in advance. Just add the sauce and bake right before serving.
How do I keep the tops of the dumplings crispy?
Pour the soda around the dumplings—not over the top—and avoid overloading them with sauce.
What if the sauce is too runny?
Let the dumplings sit after baking. The sauce thickens as it cools slightly.
How finely should I mash the strawberries for the sauce?
Mash them until soft and jammy, but leave some small chunks if you prefer more texture.
What should I do if the dumplings start browning too quickly?
Tent the dish with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Can I make this in a smaller pan?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the number of dumplings or bake in batches to avoid overcrowding.