Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings

Ingredients:

1 large apple {I used Fuji- any apple will do, tart is best}

1 box of Crescent Pillsbury dough

1/2 cup of butter

2/3 cup of sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup or 6 ounces 7-Up or equivalent {half of a can}

Instructions:

Dumplings:

Preheat oven 350 degrees F. Grease an 8″ x 8″ baking pan.

Cutting each apple into 8-10 wedges.

Cutting apple peel to slices as well and set apart.

Separate crescent dough to triangles.

Roll every apple slice to a crescent-roll dough, starting at the wide end.

Pinch it to close also covering apple and place it in the baking dish. {This is easiest if you dry the apple slice first and then roll the dough around it.}

Melting the butter in a small saucepan and add the sugar and cinnamon. Heat and whisk to blend.

The mix will combine also thicken. When it becomes thick, remove from heat and add vanilla.
Pour the cinnamon mixture over the apple muffins. Pour soda over dumplings. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes in a preheated oven, or until golden brown!

Enjoy!!

Notes:

Apple Selection: Fuji apples work well, but any tart apple like Granny Smith will enhance the sweet and tangy flavor. The tartness balances out the sweetness of the sugar and dough.

Crescent Dough: Pillsbury crescent rolls are easy to work with, and their buttery texture complements the apples perfectly.

Soda: The 7-Up or equivalent soda adds a unique flavor and helps in creating a slightly caramelized sauce. The carbonation also contributes to the dough’s lightness.

Preparing the Apples: Cut the apple into 8-10 wedges depending on the size of the apple. Ensure you dry the apple slices before rolling them in the dough to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.

Rolling the Dough: Start at the wide end of the crescent roll triangle and make sure to pinch the edges well to seal the apple slice inside. This helps in keeping the filling intact during baking.

Making the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture: When melting the butter and combining it with sugar and cinnamon, keep stirring until the mixture thickens slightly. It should be smooth and well blended before adding the vanilla.

Pouring Over Dumplings: Pour the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the wrapped apple slices. This will help in coating the dumplings and giving them a rich flavor.

Baking: Keep an eye on the dumplings during baking to ensure they turn a perfect golden brown. If needed, cover with foil towards the end to prevent over-browning.

Storing: These dumplings are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of apple for the dumplings?

Yes, you can use any apple variety you prefer. While the recipe recommends tart apples like Fuji, you can experiment with other types such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp based on your taste preferences.

Can I use a different soda instead of 7-Up?

Absolutely! The recipe mentions that Mountain Dew, Sierra Mist, or Sprite can be used as alternatives to 7-Up.

Feel free to use your favorite lemon-lime soda or even try different flavored sodas for a unique twist.

Can I make these dumplings in advance and reheat them?

While the dumplings are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can make them in advance and reheat them.

To reheat, place the dumplings in a preheated oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

However, keep in mind that the texture may not be as crispy as when freshly baked.

Can I freeze the Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings?

Yes, you can freeze the apple dumplings for later consumption. After baking and cooling, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag.

They can be kept frozen for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven.

What are some serving suggestions for the Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings?

These apple dumplings are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream.

They make a delightful dessert for any occasion!

Can I use other types of dough instead of Crescent Pillsbury dough?

While the recipe calls for Crescent Pillsbury dough, you can experiment with other types of dough, such as puff pastry or pie dough, if you prefer a different texture or taste.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences.

If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the cinnamon mixture and the apple filling.

Can I add additional spices to the cinnamon mixture for more flavor?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the spices and add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or ginger to the cinnamon mixture for added depth of flavor.

What can I do with the leftover soda?

If you have leftover soda from the recipe, you can refrigerate it and consume it later as a refreshing beverage.

Alternatively, you can use it in other recipes or as a mixer for cocktails.

Can I serve the Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings with ice cream?

Yes, serving the apple dumplings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a delicious idea.

The combination of warm, gooey dumplings with cold, creamy ice cream creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.