If you crave a dessert that’s sweet, buttery, and comforting, Trisha Yearwood Apple Dumplings are a must-try. Tender apple quarters wrapped in crescent roll dough, smothered in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, melted butter, and a splash of Mountain Dew (as Trisha does), bake into a bubbly, golden delight. This homemade delight is perfect for showcasing your favorite celebrity chef’s signature recipe.
With just 50 minutes total (15 min prep + 35 min bake) and yielding 8 indulgent dumplings at ~320 calories each, this recipe is perfect for busy bakers.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- Ingredient essentials and why they work
- A step-by-step baking process
- Expert tips, variations, and storage advice
- Nutrition facts and serving ideas
- FAQs to ensure perfect results
Let’s recreate Trisha Yearwood Apple Dumplings and bring a taste of Southern charm to your kitchen!
What Are Trisha Yearwood Apple Dumplings?
Trisha Yearwood Apple Dumplings combine classic Southern baking with a few surprise twists. Apple quarters are wrapped in crescent roll dough, then topped with cinnamon-sugar, butter, and Trisha’s unique touch—Mountain Dew, which bubbles into a sweet syrup during baking.
This cherished dessert is known for:
- A flaky, buttery crescent crust enveloping each apple
- A soft, spiced apple center that melts in your mouth
- A golden, fizzy glaze made from cinnamon, sugar, butter, and soda
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Trisha’s or new to this recipe, these dumplings offer a luscious, nostalgic dessert experience.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you need to make Trisha Yearwood Apple Dumplings:
- 8 apple quarters – Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady for the best texture.
- 1 can crescent roll dough – Forms a tender, flaky shell.
- 1 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon – Classic combo that bakes into a caramelized topping.
- ½ cup butter, melted – Adds richness and helps create that gooey glaze.
- 1 cup Mountain Dew – Trisha’s signature ingredient for that fizzy, citrus sweetness.
These ingredients combine to create a dessert that’s both down-home comforting and subtly elevated.
Step‑by‑Step Recipe Instructions
1. Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8×8 baking dish with butter or baking spray.
2. Wrap Apples
- Separate crescent dough into triangles.
- Wrap each apple quarter with one triangle, sealing the tip underneath to prevent leaks.
3. Add Sugar & Butter
- Arrange dumplings in the prepared dish.
- Stir together 1 cup sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the dumplings.
- Drizzle with ½ cup melted butter, ensuring even coverage for that rich, glossy finish.
4. Pour Mountain Dew
- Pour 1 cup Mountain Dew over the apple dumplings; this creates the signature bubbly sauce.
5. Bake
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until dumplings are golden-brown and the syrup is bubbling.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes in the pan to allow the glaze to thicken.
6. Serve
- Serve warm, spooning extra syrup over the top.
- Pair with scoops of vanilla ice cream, dollops of whipped cream, or drizzles of caramel sauce for added indulgence.
Tips, Variations & Storage
Top Tips
- Use room-temperature apples to ease wrapping and ensure even cooking.
- Don’t crowd the pan—give the soda space to bubble up around each dumpling.
- Consider adding a dash of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon mix for extra warmth.
Delicious Variations
- Soda swaps: Use orange or lemon-lime soda for a vibrant twist.
- Fruit substitutions: Swap apples for pears or canned peaches.
- Crunch upgrade: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Topping twist: Add a streusel crumble on top for extra texture.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes to revive crispness and warmth.
Nutritional Info & Serving Ideas
Each Trisha Yearwood Apple Dumpling is approximately 320 calories, offering a rich but satisfying treat.
Great for:
- Afternoon tea or coffee
- Comforting dessert after dinner
- Potluck or party contribution
Serve with:
- Vanilla ice cream for a warm-and-cold contrast
- Caramel sauce drizzle for extra decadence
- Powdered sugar dusting or whipped cream dollop for an elegant touch
These dumplings make every occasion feel special with minimal effort.
FAQs about Trisha Yearwood Apple Dumplings
Can I use fresh apple slices instead of quarters?
Absolutely. Just adjust the baking time (around 25–30 minutes) to ensure the apples cook through.
Can I freeze them ahead of time?
Yes—freeze unbaked dumplings, then bake from frozen and add about 10 extra minutes to the bake time.
Is Mountain Dew essential, or can I use something else?
Mountain Dew adds a unique fizzy citrus flavor. Substituting with regular soda or juice works, but the taste will differ.
Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes—use gluten-free crescent roll dough and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Best reheating method?
Reheat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to restore that fresh-baked texture and warmth.
Conclusion
Trisha Yearwood Apple Dumplings are a nostalgic, buttery dessert that bring comfort and flavor to any occasion. With flaky pastry, tender apples, and a fizzy glaze, they deliver a touch of Southern charm and homemade warmth.
Try your own twist—add nut toppings or swap in citrus sodas—and don’t forget to visit our site for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes. Share your feedback and beloved variations to inspire other home bakers!