These easy-to-make peach dumplings combine juicy fruit with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar glaze. They are a fast dessert option that works well for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
List of ingredients
- 2 15 oz canned peaches, drained – ensure all syrup is removed for a thicker sauce.
- 2 8 ounce refrigerated crescent roll dough – separated into individual triangles.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter – melted and combined with sweeteners.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar – for a classic sweet base.
- 2/3 cup brown sugar – adds a rich, caramel-like depth.
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon – divided between the fruit and the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups Sprite or citrus soda – used to create the syrupy bottom.
- Vanilla ice cream – for serving as a cool contrast.
step-by-step instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and thoroughly grease a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dough: Open the crescent dough packages and separate the dough into individual triangles.
- Assemble Dumplings: Place one or two peach slices at the wide end of each dough triangle. Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the fruit and roll the dough tightly around the peach.
- Arrange in Dish: Once the dough is secure, move each dumpling into the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process for all the dough triangles.
- Create Butter Sauce: Melt the two sticks of butter in a large bowl. Stir in the white sugar, brown sugar, and the remaining cinnamon until the mixture is smooth.
- Glaze Dumplings: Using a large spoon, pour the butter mixture evenly over the top of the assembled dumplings.
- Add Soda: Carefully pour the Sprite around the sides of the dough, avoiding the tops to ensure a crispy crust.
- Bake: Place in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until the dough is just browning on top.
- Serve: Serve the dumplings while warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Preparation Secrets for Best Results
Ensure Peaches Are Well-Drained
Canned peaches often sit in a heavy syrup that can make the final sauce too sweet and the dough too wet. Use a colander to drain them thoroughly before slicing. Patting the slices dry with a paper towel further ensures the cinnamon sticks to the fruit.
Grease the Pan Thoroughly
A 9×13 inch baking dish is the standard size for this recipe. Use butter or a non-stick baking spray to coat the bottom and sides completely. This prevents the sugar in the sauce from bonding to the pan, making cleanup much easier.
Maintain Proper Dough Tension
When rolling the crescent dough, start at the wide end and wrap tightly around the peach slice. Ensure the edges overlap slightly to seal the fruit inside. This prevents the peach from leaking out and the dough from opening during the baking process.
Manage Oven Hot Spots
Place the baking dish on the center rack of the oven to ensure even heat distribution. If you notice the tops browning too quickly while the bottoms are still pale, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil. This protects the crust while allowing the sauce to thicken.
Alternative Ingredients and Substitutes
Using Fresh Peaches Instead of Canned
To use fresh peaches, select fruit that is ripe but still firm to the touch. Peel the skins and cut each peach into wedges similar in size to canned slices. Toss the slices in a small amount of sugar and let them sit for 10 minutes to release excess juice, then drain before rolling.
Replacing the Citrus Soda
If you do not have Sprite, 7-Up or ginger ale are excellent substitutes. For a lower-sugar option, combine sparkling water with a tablespoon of lemon juice and a pinch of sugar. The carbonation is key to creating the light, syrupy texture in the pan.
Alternative Sweeteners for Brown Sugar
Brown sugar provides a deep, molasses-like flavor that is essential for the caramel sauce. If you only have white sugar, you can substitute it, but the flavor will be lighter and less complex. For a deeper taste, add a tiny drop of molasses to the white sugar.
Butter Substitutes for a Different Flavor
While salted butter is traditional, unsalted butter works well if you prefer to control the salt level manually. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter stick with a high fat content. Avoid using liquid oil, as it will not emulsify with the sugar to create a thick glaze.
Custom Flavor Modifications
Adding a Hint of Nutmeg
Ground nutmeg or a pinch of allspice can be added to the cinnamon for a more complex, warm flavor profile. Mix these spices directly into the sugar mixture before pouring. A small amount goes a long way, so start with 1/4 teaspoon.
Incorporating Chopped Pecans
Chopped pecans or walnuts add a necessary crunch to the soft texture of the dumplings. Sprinkle the nuts over the dumplings before pouring the butter mixture. This allows the nuts to toast in the oven along with the dough and sauce.
Using Different Fruit Combinations
Peaches pair beautifully with other stone fruits like apricots or nectarines. You can use a mix of these fruits for a varied taste and color. Ensure all fruit pieces are sliced to a similar thickness to ensure even cooking across the pan.
Adding Zest for Extra Brightness
Fresh lemon or orange zest adds a bright, aromatic quality to the dessert. Stir the zest into the butter and sugar mixture before pouring it over the dumplings. This citrus note cuts through the richness of the butter and sugar.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
Traditional Vanilla Ice Cream Topping
Warm peach dumplings are traditionally served with a large scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream. The cold cream melts into the hot cinnamon sauce, creating a rich and creamy contrast. Place the scoop directly on top of the dumpling just before serving.
Fresh Whipped Cream Garnish
For a lighter alternative to ice cream, use freshly whipped cream. Fold in a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla extract for extra flavor. Pipe the cream onto the plate around the dumplings for a more professional, elegant look.
Adding a Mint Leaf for Color
A sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of green and a refreshing scent to the dish. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the entire plate also enhances the visual appeal. These small touches make the dessert feel more refined.
Plating for a Large Crowd
When serving a crowd, use a wide platter to avoid overcrowding the dumplings. Use a spoon to drizzle plenty of the pan sauce over each individual serving. This ensures every guest gets a portion of the caramel-like glaze from the bottom of the dish.
Preservation and Reheating Methods
Storing Leftover Dumplings
Store leftover dumplings in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the sauce is cooled completely before sealing the container to prevent condensation. Keep them in a single layer if possible to maintain structure.
Reheating in the Oven
To restore the crispy texture of the dough, reheat dumplings in the oven at 325 degrees F. Place them in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent the tops from drying out. Heat for 10-15 minutes until they are warmed through.
Microwave Reheating Tips
For a faster option, microwave a serving for 30-60 seconds on medium power. This method is quicker but will result in a softer, less crispy crust. Be careful not to overcook, as the sugar in the sauce can burn very quickly in a microwave.
Freezing Prepared Dumplings
You can freeze the assembled, unbaked dumplings on a tray before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the total cooking time. Do not freeze the sauce separately; prepare it fresh before baking.
Common Cooking Challenges and Fixes
What to Do if the Crust Is Too Soft
Soggy tops usually happen if the citrus soda is poured over the dough instead of around it. To fix this in the future, use a spoon to carefully direct the liquid to the edges of the pan. If they are already soggy, a quick broil for 1-2 minutes can crisp them up.
How to Fix a Burnt Sugar Sauce
If the butter and sugar sauce burns, it is usually due to the oven temperature being too high. Ensure your oven is calibrated correctly using a thermometer. If the sauce is too dark, you can whisk in a tablespoon of water or more soda to thin it out.
Preventing Dough from Unrolling
If the dough opens up during baking, it means it wasn’t rolled tightly enough. Use the overlap method, where the end of the triangle covers the start of the roll. You can also use a toothpick to pin the dough in place if the fruit is particularly large.
Managing Excess Liquid in the Pan
Too much liquid in the pan can lead to a soup-like consistency rather than a thick syrup. Ensure canned peaches are drained completely. If the sauce is too thin after baking, you can pour it into a saucepan and simmer it for a few minutes to reduce it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dumplings and pour the sauce over them several hours before baking. Keep the dish covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Let the dish sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before putting it in the oven for best results.
Do I need to peel fresh peaches?
While you can eat the skins, peeling them provides a smoother texture. You can peel them easily by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds and then moving them to an ice bath. The skins will slip off easily without removing too much fruit.
Which citrus soda works best?
Most lemon-lime sodas like Sprite or 7-Up work perfectly due to their balance of sweetness and acidity. Avoid using dark sodas like cola or root beer, as they will discolor the dough and change the flavor profile. Clear sodas maintain the golden color of the crust.
Can I use a different baking dish?
If you do not have a 9×13 dish, you can use two smaller 8×8 square pans. Divide the ingredients equally between the two dishes. Keep a close eye on the baking time, as smaller batches may cook slightly faster than a full pan.
Print
Quick and Simple Peach Dumplings
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 Dumplings, 8 Servings
- Diet: General
Description
The perfect sweet treat to whip up all year long!
Ingredients
- 2 15 oz canned peaches, drained
- 2 8 ounce refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups sprite or citrus soda
- vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and thoroughly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Step 2: Open crescent dough and separate into triangles.
- Step 3: Place one or two peach slices (depending on size) at the wide end of the dough triangle. Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon and roll dough around peach.
- Step 4: Once dough is secure, move dumpling to the baking dish. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
- Step 5: Melt the two sticks of butter in a large bowl and combine with the white sugar, brown sugar, and the remaining cinnamon until smooth.
- Step 6: Using a large spoon, pour the butter mixture over the dumplings.
- Step 7: Pour the Sprite around the dough avoiding the tops for a crispy crust to the dumplings.
- Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the dough is just browning on top.
- Step 9: Serve warm and top with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Fresh peaches can be used as a substitute for canned peaches when available. Other citrus sodas such as 7 Up or Mountain Dew can also be used.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 dumplings
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg