Easy Cracker Barrel Apple Dumpling Recipe – So Warm & Delicious!

Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings are one of those classic comfort foods that instantly evoke a sense of nostalgia.

If you’ve ever visited a Cracker Barrel restaurant, you may have experienced the sheer delight of sinking your fork into their warm, apple-filled dumplings, topped with a golden, sugary syrup.

These dumplings combine the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors, making them a standout dessert.

Whether you’re reminiscing about past visits or just craving a delicious homemade treat, this recipe brings the Cracker Barrel magic straight to your kitchen.

Making these apple dumplings at home is not only easier than you think, but it also lets you indulge in that same cozy, homemade goodness any time you like.

In this post, we’ll walk you through every step to recreate this irresistible dessert.

From the perfect apple filling to the syrup that gives it that signature flavor, you’ll learn how to make Cracker Barrel’s Apple Dumplings from scratch.

Let’s dive in and bring a piece of comfort food to your table.

What Makes Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings So Special?

Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings are beloved for a reason: their unique combination of tender dough, a juicy apple filling, and a rich, syrupy glaze.

What makes this dessert so special is not just the flavors, but the way it comes together in the most mouthwatering way.

The dumplings themselves are made with soft crescent roll dough that envelopes sweet apple wedges, spiced with cinnamon and sugar.

The dough becomes golden and crisp on the outside, while the apple filling stays tender and flavorful on the inside.

The secret to the irresistible taste lies in the syrup. Cracker Barrel’s version includes a surprise ingredient that truly sets it apart: Mountain Dew.

Yes, you read that right! The carbonated soda helps create a syrup that bubbles up around the dumplings as they bake, infusing them with a delightful caramelization that’s both sweet and slightly tangy.

The result is a perfectly glazed dumpling that’s warm, comforting, and completely indulgent.

Another reason these apple dumplings are so special is their versatility.

The dessert can be served on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.

The combination of hot and cold is simply irresistible.

Whether you’re enjoying them for a family dinner, a holiday treat, or a cozy dessert after a long day, these dumplings never fail to bring joy to the table.

It’s this blend of simplicity, nostalgia, and irresistible flavors that makes Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings a standout recipe.

They’re a reminder of why certain desserts hold a special place in our hearts—and why some recipes are worth recreating at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

For the Apple Dumplings:

To make the perfect Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings, you’ll need a few simple yet essential ingredients.

These come together to create the ultimate comfort dessert.

• Granny Smith Apples – These tart apples are ideal for this recipe. Their firm texture holds up well when baked, and their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the syrup.
• Crescent Roll Dough – The dough is key for wrapping the apples. It’s soft, buttery, and golden once baked, making it the perfect vessel for your apple filling.
• Cinnamon and Sugar – A classic combination that adds warmth and sweetness to the apples, elevating the overall flavor profile of the dumplings.
• Butter – A small amount of butter is used to dot the apples before wrapping them. It melts during baking, creating a luscious, rich texture.

For the Syrup:

The syrup is the crowning touch of this recipe, giving the dumplings that unmistakable golden glaze and indulgent flavor.

• Mountain Dew – Yes, you read that correctly! This soda is the secret ingredient that creates a bubbly syrup that caramelizes as the dumplings bake, contributing to their incredible texture and flavor.
• Brown Sugar – Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and richness to the syrup, enhancing the caramel-like taste.
• Butter – Additional butter is melted into the syrup, making it rich and velvety.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

The first step is preparing the apples, which form the core of this dessert. Start by peeling and coring your Granny Smith apples.

After peeling, slice the apples into wedges or chunks—about 8 wedges per apple works perfectly.

The firmness of the Granny Smith apples ensures that they won’t break down too much during baking, holding their shape and providing a satisfying bite in each dumpling.

Once your apples are cut, set them aside, ready to be wrapped in dough.

Step 2: Wrap the Apples in Crescent Roll Dough

Now it’s time to create the dumplings. Open your crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles.

Place one apple wedge at the wide end of each triangle of dough. Sprinkle a little cinnamon and sugar on top of the apple, then dot with a small bit of butter.

Carefully roll the dough around the apple, pinching the edges to seal it. Make sure each dumpling is tightly sealed to avoid any apple filling escaping during baking.

Repeat this process until all the apples are wrapped up in dough.

Step 3: Make the Syrup

This is where the magic happens! In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir until it begins to dissolve.

Then, pour in the Mountain Dew, mixing well.

Allow the syrup to come to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

The soda will help create a bubbly, sweet syrup that will soak into the dough as it bakes, making the dumplings wonderfully moist and giving them a beautiful golden glaze.

Once everything is combined and the syrup is bubbling slightly, remove it from the heat.

Step 4: Bake the Dumplings

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your wrapped apple dumplings in a baking dish, spacing them evenly. Pour the syrup over the dumplings, making sure each one is coated.

The syrup will bubble up around the dumplings during baking, so don’t worry if it looks like it’s pooling.

Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.

You’ll notice the syrup thickens and forms a gorgeous caramel-like glaze as the dumplings bake.

Keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they don’t burn, but don’t be afraid to let them get nice and golden!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your apple dumplings are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. The syrup will be hot, so be careful when serving.

These dumplings are best enjoyed warm, and they’re even better when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.

The contrast between the hot, syrupy dumplings and the cool ice cream creates the perfect balance of flavors and temperatures.

For an extra indulgent treat, you can drizzle the remaining syrup over the top of each dumpling before serving.

Enjoy this cozy, sweet dessert with family and friends—it’s bound to be a hit!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Apple Dumplings

Making the perfect Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings is all about getting the right balance of flavors and textures.

Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your dumplings turn out as delicious as possible:

1. Choose the Right Apples

The type of apple you use can make a big difference in the final result.

Granny Smith apples are highly recommended due to their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the syrup.

However, you can also use other apple varieties, like Honeycrisp or Gala, for a sweeter flavor.

Just make sure the apples are firm enough to hold their shape when baked.

2. Seal the Dumplings Tightly

When wrapping the apples in crescent roll dough, make sure the edges are tightly sealed.

If there are any gaps or openings, the apple filling and syrup may leak out during baking.

Pinching the dough edges securely helps keep everything inside, resulting in a perfectly wrapped dumpling with no mess.

3. Don’t Skip the Butter

Butter plays a crucial role in both the filling and the syrup.

Dotting the apples with butter before wrapping them ensures they stay juicy and tender as they bake.

The butter in the syrup also adds a rich, velvety texture that makes the glaze irresistible.

Don’t be tempted to cut corners on this ingredient!

4. Use Mountain Dew for the Best Syrup

While it might seem unconventional, Mountain Dew is a key ingredient in the syrup.

It helps create that bubbly, caramelized glaze that makes Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings so unique.

Don’t substitute it with another soda or liquid—Mountain Dew’s combination of sweetness and carbonation is essential for the signature texture.

5. Let the Dumplings Rest Before Serving

After baking, let the apple dumplings rest for a few minutes before serving.

This allows the syrup to thicken slightly and cool down, making it easier to serve without burning yourself.

The resting period also helps the flavors meld together for a richer taste.

Conclusion

Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings are an irresistibly comforting dessert that’s simple to make yet incredibly rewarding.

The combination of tart apples, buttery dough, and a syrup made with Mountain Dew results in a dessert that’s warm, gooey, and full of flavor.

With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can recreate this beloved dish in your own kitchen, enjoying the same comforting taste of Cracker Barrel from the comfort of your home.

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a family dinner, or just to treat yourself, these apple dumplings will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Pair them with a scoop of ice cream, and you’ve got a perfect dessert to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Now that you have the recipe and tips for making these delicious dumplings, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking. Your taste buds are in for a treat!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Yes! While Granny Smith apples are the traditional choice for their tartness and firmness, you can substitute them with other apple varieties such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji.

Keep in mind that sweeter apples will make the dumplings a bit sweeter, so you may want to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe if you’re using a sweeter apple.

2. Can I make this recipe without Mountain Dew?

Although Mountain Dew is a key ingredient in the syrup, if you prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with another carbonated beverage, like lemon-lime soda or ginger ale.

The soda helps create the bubbly, syrupy glaze, but Mountain Dew adds a unique flavor.

You can also make a more traditional syrup using just butter, sugar, and water, though it won’t have the same bubbly effect.

3. How can I store leftover Apple Dumplings?

To store leftover apple dumplings, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When ready to enjoy again, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

You can also microwave them for a quicker option, though the oven will help keep the dough crispy.

4. Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?

Yes, you can use homemade dough instead of store-bought crescent rolls.

If you prefer to make your dough from scratch, a simple pastry dough or a pie crust dough would work well.

Just keep in mind that crescent roll dough is buttery and flaky, so homemade dough may give a slightly different texture.

5. Can I freeze these dumplings for later?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled apple dumplings before baking.

Place the unbaked dumplings on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid.

Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for storage.

When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dumplings in the oven and bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through completely.