Ingredients
Scale
For the Dumplings:
- 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent rolls: These pre-made dough triangles provide the perfect flaky, buttery base for the dumplings. Their slightly sweet flavor complements the apple filling beautifully.
- 1 (20 oz) can apple pie filling: Using canned apple pie filling saves time while still delivering warm, spiced apple goodness in every bite. The soft apple chunks and rich syrup pair perfectly with the crescent dough.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature: Butter is the cornerstone of the luxurious caramel sauce. When combined with sugar, it creates a glossy, flavorful topping that’s hard to resist.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Brown sugar enhances the sauce with its deep molasses notes, adding richness and depth to the dish.
- 1 (12 oz) can lemon-lime soda: The secret ingredient that creates magic in the pan! As the dumplings bake, the soda combines with the butter and sugar to form a bubbling caramel sauce that soaks into the crescent rolls.
Optional Toppings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish generously to prevent the dumplings from sticking. A light coating of butter or nonstick spray works well. - Unroll the Dough
Open the cans of crescent rolls and carefully separate the dough into individual triangles. The pre-scored lines make this task simple. - Fill the Dumplings
Place a generous spoonful of apple pie filling on the wide end of each crescent triangle. Be sure to include both apple chunks and syrup for maximum flavor. - Roll and Seal
Starting at the wide end, roll up each crescent triangle tightly around the filling. Pinch the seams closed to ensure the filling stays securely inside during baking. This step is crucial for achieving a neat, uniform look. - Arrange in the Dish
Arrange the filled dumplings in the prepared baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each one to allow for expansion during baking. - Prepare the Caramel Mixture
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The mixture will have a light, airy texture that spreads easily over the dumplings. - Top the Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the butter-sugar mixture over each dumpling. Don’t worry about spreading it evenly; it will melt and distribute itself as the dumplings bake. - Add the Soda
Carefully pour the lemon-lime soda around the dumplings, avoiding pouring it directly on top. The soda should fill the spaces between the rolls, creating the base for the caramel sauce. - Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and bubbly. The caramel sauce will thicken and coat the dumplings as they bake, creating a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen. - Cool and Serve
Let the dumplings cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the caramel sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to plate.
Notes
- Ingredient Substitutions
- Crescent Rolls: Substitute puff pastry or homemade pie dough for a different texture.
- Apple Pie Filling: Try other fruit fillings such as cherry, peach, or blueberry for a fun twist.
- Lemon-Lime Soda: Use any clear soda like ginger ale or even sparkling water with a touch of vanilla extract.
- Add a Touch of Spice
Sprinkle ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice over the dumplings before baking to enhance the warm, spiced flavor profile. - Go Nuts
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling or sprinkle them over the butter-sugar topping for extra crunch and nutty flavor. - Make It Boozy
For a grown-up version, replace part of the soda with a splash of apple cider or bourbon. - Individual Servings
Bake the dumplings in ramekins for single-serving portions that are perfect for dinner parties or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes