Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings: Buttery, Bubbly, and Irresistibly Cozy
Crescent roll-wrapped apples baked in cinnamon sugar and Mountain Dew—this retro dessert is sweet, gooey, and perfect for fall gatherings or weeknight indulgence
Introduction: A Classic with a Fizzy Twist
These Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings are a beloved Southern-inspired dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The combination of tart apples, buttery crescent rolls, cinnamon sugar, and fizzy Mountain Dew creates a bubbling, caramel-like sauce that soaks into the dumplings as they bake. The result? A golden, tender pastry with a gooey, sweet base and soft, spiced apples inside.
Whether you’re baking for a potluck, a holiday dinner, or just craving something warm and comforting, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s explore what makes this dessert so magical:
Pastry:
- Crescent rolls (2 cans)
Soft, flaky, and easy to work with—perfect for wrapping apples.
Tip: Use seamless crescent dough sheets if you prefer no perforations.
Filling:
- Tart apples (3–4, peeled, cored, sliced)
Granny Smiths work best for balance and texture.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cloves for extra spice.
Sweetness:
- Granulated sugar (1½ cups)
Sweetens the filling and creates a syrupy base. - Cinnamon (1 tsp)
Adds warmth and classic apple pie flavor.
Optional: Mix sugar and cinnamon in advance for even coating.
Butter & Soda:
- Butter (½ cup, melted)
Adds richness and helps create the caramel-like sauce. - Mountain Dew (1 can, 12 oz)
Adds sweetness, citrus notes, and helps the dumplings bubble and bake.
Optional: Use lemon-lime soda or Sprite as a substitute.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Peel, core, and slice apples into quarters or smaller pieces.
Tip: Keep slices uniform for even baking.
Step 2: Wrap the Dumplings
Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
Place one apple slice on each triangle.
Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Roll up each triangle around the apple, sealing edges.
Optional: Tuck ends under for a neater look.
Step 3: Arrange and Pour
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Place wrapped apples in the dish.
Melt butter and pour evenly over dumplings.
Pour Mountain Dew over the entire dish.
Tip: Pour gently to avoid washing off the sugar.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until:
- Crescent rolls are golden
- Sauce is bubbling
- Apples are tender
Let cool slightly before serving.
Optional: Spoon extra sauce over each serving.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect for:
- Fall gatherings
- Holiday dinners
- Weeknight desserts
- Potluck parties
Pair with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Caramel drizzle
Presentation Tip: Serve in rustic bowls with a scoop of ice cream and a cinnamon stick.
Variations to Try
Want to make them your own? Try these delicious twists:
Pear Dumplings
Swap apples for firm pears and add ginger.
Coconut Dew
Add shredded coconut and use coconut-flavored soda.
Vegan Version
Use plant-based butter and crescent dough.
Citrus Boost
Add orange zest to the sugar mixture.
Mini Dumplings
Cut dough smaller and use mini apple slices for bite-sized treats.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-Ahead: Assemble dumplings up to 1 day in advance.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze baked dumplings for up to 1 month. Reheat in oven.
Tip: Reheat with a splash of soda or butter to restore moisture.
Nutrition Notes (Per Serving, ~1 of 6)
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: ~3g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~18g
- Sugar: ~28g
- Sodium: ~300mg
- Fiber: ~2g
These dumplings are:
- Crowd-pleasing
- Kid-friendly
- Comfort food approved
- Perfect for gifting
Final Thoughts
These Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of simplicity, nostalgia, and indulgence. Whether you’re serving them at a festive gathering or sneaking one with your coffee, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles.