No-peach dumplings are the perfect solution for anyone who loves warm, syrupy fruit-filled pastry desserts but prefers a peach-free option. This version swaps in tart-sweet apples wrapped in crescent dough, baked to golden perfection in a spiced butter sauce. These dumplings are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver irresistible flavor in every bite.
Whether you are avoiding peaches due to allergies, preference, or seasonal availability, these no-peach apple dumplings offer the same cozy flavor and nostalgic comfort — with even better texture from crisp, juicy apples.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 8 (one dumpling per serving).
For the Dumplings
- Two medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into 8 wedges
- One 8-ounce can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- One tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent apple browning)
For the Sauce
- One stick (half cup) unsalted butter
- Three fourths cup granulated sugar
- One teaspoon cinnamon
- One teaspoon vanilla extract
- Three fourths cup lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7-Up)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Peel and core the apples, cutting each into 8 equal wedges.
- Toss with lemon juice in a bowl to keep them from browning. Set aside.
Step 2: Wrap the Dumplings
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles.
- Place one apple wedge at the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll up the dough around the apple, pinching the ends to seal slightly.
- Arrange the dumplings in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened (do not boil).
- Pour the warm mixture evenly over the dumplings in the baking dish.
- Pour the lemon-lime soda around the edges of the pan (not over the dumplings).
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm with a drizzle of the baking sauce spooned over the top.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a classic Southern-inspired dessert.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
- Serve as a brunch sweet alongside coffee or tea.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 dumpling) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 |
| Total Fat | 13 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 7 grams |
| Cholesterol | 30 milligrams |
| Sodium | 200 milligrams |
| Carbohydrates | 37 grams |
| Sugars | 23 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Protein | 2 grams |
Key Benefits:
- Apples provide fiber and antioxidants with natural sweetness
- Lemon-lime soda helps caramelize the sauce with a unique citrus tang
- Crescent dough adds a buttery, flaky contrast to the tender fruit
- Simple ingredients make this a low-effort, high-reward dessert
Variations to Try
- Use pears or plums instead of apples for a different seasonal twist
- Add chopped nuts or a sprinkle of oats over the top for texture
- Substitute the soda with apple cider for a deeper fall flavor
- Make it mini by slicing apples smaller and using half a dough triangle per piece
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not pour the soda over the dumplings — it will prevent browning
- Avoid overstuffing the dough — use one wedge per roll for best results
- Do not skip the lemon juice — it keeps the apples firm and bright
- Avoid underbaking — check that the bottom of the dumplings is golden and caramelized
These no-peach apple dumplings are proof that comforting, fruit-filled desserts don’t have to include peaches to be spectacular. With flaky dough, warm cinnamon notes, and a buttery sauce, this dish checks every box for a satisfying sweet — without the need for complicated preparation or rare ingredients.