Best Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings Recipe

There’s something magical about the scent of cinnamon and apples wafting through the kitchen—especially when it means a batch of warm, gooey apple dumplings is on the way. I first fell in love with Ree Drummond’s Pioneer Woman Apple Dumplings years ago, and to this day, they remain one of my favorite comfort desserts. Whether you’re hosting a cozy autumn gathering or just craving a little homemade sweetness, this recipe never fails to delight. The buttery pastry, tender apples, and that irresistible caramel-like sauce? Pure heaven.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe is wonderfully simple, but each component plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• 2 large Granny Smith apples – Tart and firm, they hold up beautifully during baking.
• 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough – The shortcut that makes these dumplings so easy!
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter – Because everything’s better with butter, right?
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – For sweetness and that luscious syrup.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A warm, aromatic touch.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The cozy spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
• 12 oz Mountain Dew or lemon-lime soda – Yes, really! It adds a surprising lightness to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps, and soon enough, you’ll have golden, bubbling apple dumplings ready to enjoy.

1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this will be home to your dumplings.
2. Peel and Core the Apples: Peel your apples and slice each one into 8 wedges. Remove the cores so you have perfect little apple slices ready to wrap.
3. Wrap the Apples: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Place an apple wedge at the wide end of each triangle, then roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Arrange the wrapped apples in your baking dish.
4. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined. Let it simmer for just a minute—it should smell amazing already! Pour this mixture evenly over the dumplings.
5. The Secret Ingredient: Slowly pour the Mountain Dew around the edges of the dish (not directly over the dumplings). This will create a light, bubbly sauce as it bakes.
6. Bake to Perfection: Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the dumplings are golden brown and the sauce is thick and bubbly.

Tip: Don’t skip the soda! It might sound unusual, but it keeps the dumplings tender and adds a subtle brightness to the sauce. Trust me on this one.

There’s something downright magical about pulling a pan of bubbling, golden-brown Pioneer Woman apple dumplings from the oven. The scent of cinnamon and baked apples fills the kitchen, promising a dessert that’s equal parts comforting and impressive. While Ree Drummond’s recipe is already perfection, I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years to make it even more foolproof—and adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Dumplings

• Apple Selection: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape beautifully, but don’t hesitate to use Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a sweeter twist.
• Rolling Trick: If your dough sticks when rolling, place it between two sheets of parchment paper dusted with flour.
• Even Baking: Rotate your baking dish halfway through cooking to ensure those gorgeous caramelized edges on every dumpling.
• Sauce Control: For a thicker sauce, simmer the syrup mixture for 2-3 extra minutes before pouring over the dumplings.

Delicious Variations to Try

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! For a fun twist, try these variations:

• Spiced: Add 1/4 teaspoon cardamom or nutmeg to the sugar mixture
• Nutty: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the dumplings before baking
• Boozy: Replace 1/4 cup of the Mountain Dew with bourbon or spiced rum
• Savory-Sweet: Add a pinch of flaky sea salt to the finished dumplings

What to Serve with Apple Dumplings

While these dumplings shine on their own, they’re even better with:

• A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream slowly melting into the warm syrup
• Freshly whipped cream with a hint of cinnamon
• A sharp cheddar cheese slice for that classic apple-pie pairing
• Hot coffee or spiced chai tea to balance the sweetness

Storing and Reheating Your Dumplings

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The syrup will thicken as it cools—this is normal!

Reheating: For best results, warm individual portions in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. The microwave works in a pinch (about 45 seconds), but the pastry won’t stay as crisp.

Freezing: Assemble the dumplings (without baking) and freeze before adding the syrup. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add syrup, and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade pie crust instead of crescent rolls?
Absolutely! Use your favorite double-crust pie dough recipe for a more traditional dumpling. Roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness before wrapping the apples.

Why Mountain Dew in the syrup?
The citrusy soda adds brightness and helps create that signature gooey caramel sauce. If you prefer, substitute with Sprite, ginger ale, or even orange juice mixed with sparkling water.

How do I prevent the bottoms from getting soggy?
Place your baking dish on a preheated baking sheet to ensure even heat distribution. Some bakers swear by sprinkling a tablespoon of breadcrumbs in the dish before adding the dumplings.

Can I make these ahead for a dinner party?
Yes! Assemble the dumplings up to 8 hours in advance and refrigerate. Pour the hot syrup over just before baking—this keeps the pastry flaky.

There’s a reason this Pioneer Woman recipe has become a legend—it transforms simple ingredients into a dessert that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re serving it after Sunday supper or bringing it to a potluck, these apple dumplings have a way of creating sweet memories around the table. The syrup will bubble, the apples will soften into perfection, and before you know it, you’ll be scraping the baking dish clean with satisfied smiles all around. Now go preheat that oven—your new favorite dessert awaits!