Cracker Barrel Apple Dumpling
Cracker Barrel Apple Dumplings are a warm, comforting dessert made with fresh apples wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough and baked in a sweet, caramelized Mountain Dew syrup. This easy-to-make recipe perfectly recreates the nostalgic flavors of Cracker Barrel’s beloved apple dumplings, making it a great choice for a cozy homemade treat. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Equipment
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 - Apple peeler/corer
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 - Mixing spoon
Ingredients
For the Apple Dumplings
- 2 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and cut into 8 wedges
- 1 8-ounce package crescent roll dough
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
For the Syrup
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter
- ¾ cup Mountain Dew soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into 8 wedges each.
Step 2: Wrap the Apples in Dough
- Open the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
- Place one apple wedge at the wide end of each triangle and sprinkle with a little cinnamon and sugar.
- Dot each apple wedge with a small piece of butter before rolling.
- Roll the dough tightly around the apple and pinch the edges to seal.
- Arrange the wrapped dumplings evenly in the greased baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Syrup
- In a medium saucepan, melt ½ cup butter over medium heat.
- Add brown sugar and stir until combined.
- Pour in the Mountain Dew and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in vanilla extract and remove from heat.
Step 4: Bake the Dumplings
- Pour the warm syrup evenly over the dumplings.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the dumplings cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Apple Variety: While Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter variation.
- Dough Alternative: If you prefer, you can use homemade pastry dough instead of crescent rolls for a richer texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes for the best texture.
- Freezing Option: Assemble the dumplings and freeze before baking. When ready to bake, place them in the oven directly from the freezer and increase baking time by 5-10 minutes.
- Syrup Variations: If you don't want to use Mountain Dew, you can substitute it with lemon-lime soda or apple cider for a different twist.