Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings are the ultimate cozy dessert that brings buttery pastry, spiced apples, and a caramel-like sauce together in one irresistible bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday feast or craving something warm and sweet on a cool evening, this recipe delivers comfort in every forkful. The magic lies in the simple ingredients coming together for something that tastes like it took hours, but takes less than an hour from start to finish.
Each dumpling features a juicy apple wedge wrapped in flaky crescent dough, baked in a cinnamon-butter mixture and topped off with a fizzy secret: lemon-lime soda. It creates a golden, syrupy glaze that bubbles into every corner of the pan, making these dumplings sticky, gooey, and completely addictive.
What Kind of Crescent Rolls Should I Use?
Use refrigerated crescent roll dough (like Pillsbury) for the best texture and ease. The pre-cut triangle dough wraps perfectly around apple slices and puffs up beautifully in the oven. You can use original or butter-flavored versions depending on how rich you want the final flavor to be.
Ingredients for the Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings
- 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into 8 wedges each
- 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (12-ounce) can lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7UP)
- Pinch of salt

How To Make the Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Wrap the Apples
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Place one apple wedge at the wide end of each triangle and roll it up. Arrange the dumplings in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Heat until the sugar dissolves slightly but do not boil.
Step 4: Assemble and Pour
Pour the warm cinnamon-butter mixture over the rolled apple dumplings. Then slowly pour the lemon-lime soda around the edges and in between the dumplings (not directly on top).
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling and caramelized.
How to Serve and Store Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings
These dumplings are best served warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of hot and cold is absolutely dreamy. If you’re serving for a crowd, drizzle some of the extra syrup from the baking dish over each portion.
To store leftovers, allow them to cool completely. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. They may lose a bit of crispness but will still be delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the dumplings from getting soggy?
Avoid pouring the soda directly over the dumplings. Keep it to the sides and corners to prevent the tops from getting too wet.
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes! While Granny Smith is great for tartness and structure, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also work well if you prefer a sweeter bite.
Is the soda necessary?
Yes, it creates the bubbly, sticky sauce. You can use a natural soda brand or even a ginger ale for a twist.
Can I make them ahead of time?
You can prep the dumplings and sauce in advance, but don’t pour the soda until just before baking.
Do these freeze well?
Not ideal. The texture of the crescent rolls and sauce is best fresh. However, leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated.
Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?
If you love these Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings, you might want to try these comforting creations too:
- Nutella French Toast Casserole for a gooey breakfast-meets-dessert treat.
- Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites for mini mouthfuls of fall flavor.
- Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake if you want a rich, tangy indulgence.
- Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars that bring flaky pastry and creamy filling together.
- Cinnamon Donut Bread for a sliceable twist on a fair favorite.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And when you bake a batch, I’d love to see how yours turned out! Did you try ginger ale instead of lemon-lime soda? Add extra cinnamon?
Comment below or tag me on Pinterest where I share daily kitchen inspiration. Let’s bake and learn from each other!

Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery crescent rolls wrap around tart apple slices, all baked in a spiced brown sugar and soda sauce that turns into a caramelized dream. These Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings are easy, cozy, and the perfect dessert to share warm with a scoop of ice cream.
Ingredients
2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into 8 wedges each
16 ounces refrigerated crescent roll dough (2 cans, 8 oz each)
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 ounces lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7UP)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Separate crescent dough into triangles. Place one apple wedge at the wide end and roll up.
3. Place rolled dumplings in the dish.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Stir until just combined, but don’t boil.
5. Pour the cinnamon-butter sauce over the dumplings.
6. Pour the soda around the edges and in between dumplings (not over the top).
7. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Let the dumplings cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
Don’t pour soda directly on top of the dumplings—this helps keep the tops golden.
Using tart apples like Granny Smith gives a perfect sweet-tart balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dumpling
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: crescent roll apple dumplings, easy fall dessert, apple crescent dessert
