Fall is the perfect time for cozy, comforting treats, and few desserts embody the season quite like Crescent Roll Pumpkin Pie Dumplings. This simple yet delicious recipe combines the flaky, buttery goodness of crescent rolls with the rich and spiced flavor of pumpkin pie. It’s an easy dessert that can be whipped up in no time, making it ideal for both special occasions and casual autumn nights.
If you love the idea of pumpkin desserts but don’t want the hassle of a traditional pumpkin pie, then Crescent Roll Pumpkin Pie Dumplings are the answer. Using store-bought crescent roll dough cuts down on preparation time, allowing you to focus on the fun part—creating a warm, comforting dessert that’s packed with fall flavors like pumpkin, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
Ingredients You’ll Need For
To create this indulgent dessert, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store:
- 1 can of crescent roll dough
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup soda (Sprite or Mountain Dew work well)
- Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Why Crescent Roll Dough?
Crescent roll dough is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of recipes, from savory dishes to sweet desserts. In the case of Crescent Roll Pumpkin Pie Dumplings, the dough provides a light and flaky texture that perfectly complements the rich and creamy pumpkin filling. Plus, using pre-made dough saves time, making this recipe even more convenient for busy cooks.
For more ideas on how to use crescent roll dough in creative ways, check out this Crescent Roll Dough Guide from Pillsbury.
How to make Crescent Roll Pumpkin Pie Dumplings?
Making Crescent Roll Pumpkin Pie Dumplings is quick and easy, and the results are always impressive. Follow these steps for a flawless fall dessert:
- Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent the dumplings from sticking. - Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, cream cheese, white sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Assemble the Dumplings
Roll out the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Place about 1 tablespoon of the pumpkin filling onto each triangle and carefully fold the dough over the filling, sealing the edges tightly to create a dumpling. - Arrange and Bake
Place the dumplings in the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the soda, then pour this mixture over the dumplings. This will help create a caramelized, sugary sauce as the dumplings bake. - Bake to Perfection
Bake the dumplings in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The soda mixture will have thickened into a sweet, syrupy sauce. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve the dumplings warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Variations and Substitutions
Crescent Roll Pumpkin Pie Dumplings are easily adaptable, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to suit your tastes:
- Add Nuts: For a crunchy texture, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the pumpkin filling.
- Spice it Up: Increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg and cloves for a more robust pumpkin spice flavor.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes to make the recipe vegan or lactose-free.
- Try Other Fillings: While pumpkin is a classic fall flavor, this recipe also works well with other fillings like apple pie or even sweet potatoes.
For more fall dessert ideas, explore this Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe on DianeRecipes.
Tips for Success your Crescent Roll Pumpkin Pie Dumplings
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Crescent Roll Pumpkin Pie Dumplings come out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overfill the Dumplings: While it’s tempting to add extra filling, overstuffed dumplings can burst open during baking. Stick to about 1 tablespoon of filling per crescent roll.
- Seal the Edges Tightly: Be sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the dumplings in the final few minutes of baking. You want them to be golden brown, not burnt.
- Use a Soda with Sweetness: A lightly flavored soda like Sprite or Mountain Dew works best to create the caramelized sauce.
Nutritional Information
While Crescent Roll Pumpkin Pie Dumplings are undeniably delicious, they are also quite indulgent. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content for a serving (assuming the recipe serves eight):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugars: 20g
If you’re looking to cut back on sugar or calories, you can reduce the amount of sugar used in the filling or substitute it with a sugar-free alternative.
For more insights on the benefits of pumpkin, check out this article on the Health Benefits of Pumpkin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of pumpkin should I use?
Use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which would make the filling too sweet.
Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dumplings up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator before baking and add the soda mixture just before popping them into the oven.
Can I freeze leftover dumplings?
Absolutely. Once baked and cooled, these dumplings can be frozen for up to two months. Reheat them in the oven for the best results.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you can substitute it with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Is soda necessary for this recipe?
While soda helps create a sweet, caramelized sauce, you can omit it if you’d like. Alternatively, you could use apple juice or another liquid sweetener.
Conclusion about Crescent Roll Pumpkin Pie Dumplings
Crescent Roll Pumpkin Pie Dumplings are the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor, making them a must-try dessert for the fall season. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat for your family or a crowd-pleasing dish for a holiday gathering, these dumplings are sure to satisfy. The flaky crescent rolls, combined with the rich, spiced pumpkin filling and caramelized sauce, create a dessert that is both comforting and indulgent.
Looking for more ways to use pumpkin this season? Be sure to try these Ultimate Pumpkin Muffins and discover even more fall-inspired treats!