Imagine yourself sitting in a cozy Cracker Barrel restaurant, surrounded by the comforting aroma of freshly baked apple dumplin’. The warm, flaky pastry filled with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with caramel sauce. It’s a dessert that brings back memories of childhood and family gatherings.
Tastes Just Like the Original
This homemade version of Cracker Barrel’s baked apple dumplin’ tastes just like the original, with a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. You can enjoy this delicious dessert in the comfort of your own home, any time you crave a taste of nostalgia.
Reasons to Make This Dish
- It’s a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings and potlucks.
- The combination of warm apples, cinnamon, and flaky pastry is irresistible.
- It’s a comforting dessert that brings back memories of simpler times.
Why My Family Loves This Meal
My family loves this meal because it reminds us of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house. The smell of apples baking in the oven fills the kitchen, and we gather around the table to enjoy this sweet treat together. It’s a tradition that we cherish and pass down from generation to generation.
Ingredients
- 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced – The tartness of Granny Smith apples pairs perfectly with the sweet cinnamon sugar mixture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the apple filling.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Enhances the flavor of the apples.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds a warm, spicy flavor to the filling.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Creates a rich, buttery sauce for the dumplin’.
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough – Provides a flaky pastry crust for the dumplin’.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – Adds a caramelized sweetness to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup Mountain Dew soda – Helps create a sticky, sweet sauce for the dumplin’.
Preparing the Ingredients
Peel and slice the Granny Smith apples, then toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Melt the butter and set it aside. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
Cutting Techniques
When slicing the apples, make sure to cut them into even, thin slices to ensure they cook evenly in the dumplin’. When unrolling the crescent roll dough, be gentle to avoid tearing the dough.
Kitchen Tools Required
- Baking dish – To bake the apple dumplin’ in.
- Pastry brush – To brush the melted butter on the dough.
- Knife – For slicing the apples and cutting the dough.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To measure out the ingredients accurately.
Temperature and Timing Guide
Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the apple dumplin’ for 35-40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Pastry is not browning evenly: Rotate the baking dish halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
- Sauce is too thin: Cook the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes to thicken it before pouring it over the dumplin’.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the apple filling by tossing sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
- Fill each triangle with apple filling and roll it up, tucking in the edges.
- Place the rolled dumplins in a baking dish.
- Melt the butter and pour it over the dumplins.
- Sprinkle brown sugar over the dumplins.
- Pour Mountain Dew soda around the edges of the dish.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
Tips for Perfect Results
For extra flavor, sprinkle some additional cinnamon sugar on top of the dumplins before baking. Serve the apple dumplin’ warm for the best taste and texture.
Alternative Ways to Change the Recipe
- Use different types of apples: Experiment with different apple varieties for a unique flavor profile.
- Swap out the soda: Try using apple cider or orange juice instead of Mountain Dew for a different twist.
- Add nuts or raisins: Mix in chopped nuts or raisins to the apple filling for added texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Cracker Barrel’s baked apple dumplin’ is a classic dessert that never fails to delight. By following this recipe, you can recreate the same delicious flavors at home and enjoy a taste of nostalgia with your loved ones. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor every bite of this comforting treat. Enjoy!
