If you’re anything like me and have a sweet tooth that loves cozy, warm desserts, then you’re going to be obsessed with this Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Sugar and Sprite Drizzle Recipe. Trust me, it’s one of those simple comfort-food recipes that tastes like it took hours, but really, it’s quick and easy to pull together—perfect for when you want something special without too much fuss. The magic here? Those tender apple slices wrapped in flaky crescent dough, soaked in a buttery cinnamon sugar sauce, and that final Sprite drizzle that adds this subtle effervescence and sweetness that just makes these dumplings sing. If you haven’t tried these before, read on—you’re in for a fan-freaking-tastic treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples and a crisp apple to create this dessert.
- Unique Sprite Drizzle: Using Sprite adds a delightful, sweet fizz that enhances the flavors wonderfully.
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy evenings when you want something comforting without hours in the kitchen.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for these, and I bet yours will too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients all work beautifully together to make a sweet, tender, and flaky treat. Grab a good tart apple and some refrigerated crescent roll dough for convenience, and you’re halfway there. A quick tip: use Granny Smith apples for that perfect balance of tartness which complements the cinnamon sugar sauce perfectly.
- Firm, tart apple: Granny Smith is my go-to because it holds its shape well and adds just the right tang.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Convenient and flaky, this makes wrapping the apple slices effortless.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to mix with cinnamon sugar for that luscious drizzle.
- Sugar: Balances the tart apple and brings out the cinnamon’s warmth.
- Ground cinnamon: This spice is the heart of the flavor; don’t skimp on it.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cinnamon sugar drizzle for that perfect consistency.
- Sprite: The secret ingredient that adds a subtle fizz and light sweetness.
Variations
I love that this recipe feels super customizable. I often experiment by adding nuts or swapping out the soda for something different. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Apple Variety Swap: Sometimes I use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter, softer result—just adjust the sugar accordingly.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crescent rolls and gluten-free flour for the drizzle, and it still tastes amazing.
- Sugar-Free Variation: Try a sugar substitute and diet lemon-lime soda if you’re cutting back on sugar.
- Extra Warmth: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice with the cinnamon for a cozy twist.
How to Make Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Sugar and Sprite Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray—that way your dumplings come out cleanly without sticking. Then core and peel your apple and slice it into eight even pieces. I love using one of those apple slicer gadgets here—it’s a serious time saver and makes uniform slices so the dumplings bake evenly.
Step 2: Wrap Apple Slices in Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently place one apple slice on the wide end of a crescent triangle. Then carefully roll it up, sealing the ends as best you can. Place each wrapped apple slice seam side down in your prepared baking dish, spacing them nicely. Repeat until all your apple slices are wrapped and arranged.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Drizzle
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and flour until just combined. This mixture will coat your dumplings with buttery, sugary goodness as they bake. Spoon this mixture evenly over each wrapped apple crescent—it might look like a lot, but trust me, it all melts into a dreamy glaze.
Step 4: Add the Sprite and Bake
Pour Sprite into the spaces around the dumplings in the baking dish—you’ll notice it kind of bubbles up and creates a light, fizzy syrup as it bakes, which is what makes this recipe stand out. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crescent dough is beautifully golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on it after 30 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let your apple dumplings cool for a few minutes (if you can wait!). I love serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The combination of warm, flaky pastry, tender spiced apples, and that fizzy cinnamon-sweet drizzle can’t be beaten.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Sugar and Sprite Drizzle Recipe
- Apple Slicer Hack: Using an apple slicer not only saves time, but it guarantees evenly-sized pieces that bake consistently.
- Don’t Overfill the Dumplings: When wrapping the apple slices, avoid adding extra filling to keep the crescent dough from bursting open while baking.
- Watch the Bake Time: Oven temperatures vary, so check at 35 minutes to avoid burning the sugar glaze on top.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving: Let the dumplings rest a bit after baking so the sauce thickens and you don’t burn your mouth!
How to Serve Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Sugar and Sprite Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
I always garnish with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream because it melts into the warm dumpling so beautifully, but whipped cream is just as delicious. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon can also add a nice finishing touch if you want to impress guests.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving this for a brunch or dessert party, I like pairing these dumplings with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. For a fuller meal, a simple vanilla yogurt or light fruit salad balances out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try serving individual dumplings in small ramekins with a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. I’ve even layered them with crushed graham crackers and whipped cream for a fun layered dessert parfait that’s always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover apple dumplings keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating them covered with foil to prevent the pastry from drying out.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these before either unbaked or baked. If unbaked, roll and wrap them, then freeze on a sheet tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. If baked, freeze cooled dumplings in a single layer with parchment to avoid sticking, then thaw and reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the dumplings in a 325°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of soda instead of Sprite in this recipe?
Yes! While Sprite is recommended for its light citrus flavor and sweetness, you can experiment with other lemon-lime sodas or even ginger ale. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, so pick a soda you like to drink on its own for best results.
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What’s the best type of apple to use for these dumplings?
Firm and tart apples like Granny Smith work best because they hold up during baking and bring a pleasant tang that balances the sweetness. However, you can use sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp if you prefer a softer texture and sweeter taste—just reduce added sugar slightly.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, with a few substitutions! Look for vegan crescent roll dough (or make your own), replace butter with a plant-based alternative, and use a vegan-friendly sugar. Check the soda ingredients to ensure it’s vegan-friendly, as some brands may use animal-derived additives.
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Why do you add flour to the cinnamon sugar drizzle?
The flour helps thicken the butter, sugar, and cinnamon mixture as it bakes, creating a luscious glaze that clings to the dumplings rather than running off. It gives the sauce a nice body and consistency that’s just right.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Sugar and Sprite Drizzle Recipe is one of those gems I’ve come back to time and time again because it’s so quick, comforting, and downright delicious. When I serve this to friends or family, everyone always asks for seconds—and I don’t blame them. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, tart, buttery, and bubbly, all wrapped into one cozy dessert. Give it a try the next time you’re craving something warm and homemade that doesn’t demand a full afternoon in the kitchen. Once you taste it, I have a feeling it’ll become a staple in your dessert lineup too!
Print
Apple Dumplings with Cinnamon Sugar and Sprite Drizzle Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 dumplings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Apple Dumplings are a classic, comforting dessert featuring tart apple slices wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, baked to golden perfection, and drizzled with a cinnamon-sugar butter sauce. Served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, these easy-to-make dumplings combine sweet and spicy flavors in a simple yet indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Dumplings
- 1 firm, tart apple (like Granny Smith)
- 1 (8-ounce) refrigerated crescent roll dough (8-count)
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 oz Sprite (or lemon-lime soda)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Apple: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Core and peel the apple, then cut it into eight even slices. Using an apple slicer can speed up this process.
- Wrap Apple Slices: Open the can of crescent rolls and unroll the dough. Place one apple slice on the wide end of each crescent triangle and roll it up snugly, forming a dumpling. Place each wrapped apple slice into the prepared baking dish evenly.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, ground cinnamon, and flour. Mix gently until all ingredients are just incorporated.
- Assemble and Add Sauce: Spoon the butter-sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly over each crescent-wrapped apple slice in the baking dish. Then, carefully pour the 6 ounces of Sprite around the dumplings into the empty spaces of the baking dish. This will help create a syrupy sauce as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and puffy.
- Serve: Carefully remove the dumplings from the oven and serve warm. These apple dumplings are delicious on their own or enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Notes
- For best results, use tart apple varieties such as Granny Smith that hold their shape well during baking.
- If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, feel free to increase the ground cinnamon by an additional 1/4 teaspoon.
- The Sprite soda adds a light sweetness and moisture to the dish; if unavailable, you can substitute with any lemon-lime soda or sparkling water with a hint of lemon.
- To add texture, consider sprinkling chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans over the sauce before baking.
- These dumplings are best served fresh but can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dumpling
- Calories: 299 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 227 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 31 mg
