Name: Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Crescent Ring Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough (Pillsbury or any brand); 1 tablespoon butter; 1 medium apple, peeled and diced small (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended); 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (full-fat preferred); 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Caramel sauce, for drizzling (store-bought or homemade); Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch

Introduction

This Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Crescent Ring is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. With tender sautéed apples, creamy sweetened filling, and a golden flaky crust, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a special breakfast treat. Drizzled with caramel and sprinkled with nuts, this ring is sure to impress.

A round braided pastry ring with a golden brown, shiny crust forms the outer layer, its surface smooth and slightly glossy with caramel sauce drizzled on top. Inside the ring, thin slices of pale yellow apple are tucked under sections of the braided dough, adding a textured contrast to the smooth pastry. The caramel sauce pools slightly at the base, highlighting the layers of the flaky, crisp dough and juicy apple slices arranged evenly around the ring. The entire pastry is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.

Step 2: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and fragrant.

Step 3: In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth using a spoon.

Step 4: On the prepared baking sheet, arrange crescent roll triangles in a circle with the wide ends toward the center, slightly overlapping to form a ring.

Step 5: Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly in a ring near the center of the dough.

Step 6: Spoon the cooked apple mixture on top of the cream cheese layer.

Step 7: Gently fold the pointed ends of the dough over the filling and tuck them under the center to seal. It can look rustic—that’s perfect.

Step 8: Bake for 15–18 minutes until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 9: Let cool slightly, then drizzle generously with caramel sauce. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.

Step 10: Slice and serve warm. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling.

If the crescent dough tears, simply pinch it back together—it bakes fine.

Replace fresh apples with canned apple pie filling (finely diced) for a time saver.

Add a pinch of salt to the apples during cooking to balance the sweetness.

Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, but you can use any apple you like. Just choose one that holds up well when cooked.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free spread and use a vegan crescent dough, if available. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty.