Description
This Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Crescent Ring is a delightful, sweet pastry perfect for fall or any cozy occasion. Featuring a buttery crescent roll dough layered with a creamy, lightly sweetened cream cheese filling and topped with tender cinnamon-spiced apples, all baked to golden perfection and drizzled with luscious caramel sauce. It’s an easy yet impressive dessert or brunch treat that combines warm, comforting flavors with a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Crescent Ring
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough (Pillsbury or any brand)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Apple Filling
- 1 medium apple, peeled and diced small (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Cream Cheese Filling
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (full-fat preferred)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
- Cook the Apples: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and become fragrant.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly with a spoon until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Arrange the Crescent Dough: Lay out the crescent roll triangles on the prepared baking sheet in a circle with the wide ends overlapping toward the center, forming a sun shape with points around.
- Layer Fillings: Spoon the cream cheese mixture in a ring around the center of the dough. Then evenly spread the cooked apple mixture on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Fold the Dough: Gently fold the pointed ends of the crescent dough over the filling and tuck them under the center to seal. Don’t worry about a rustic look; it will bake nicely.
- Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. You’ll notice a warm cinnamon aroma and a nicely browned crust.
- Decorate and Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then drizzle generously with caramel sauce and sprinkle with optional chopped nuts if desired. Slice and serve warm for best enjoyment.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
- If the crescent dough tears while shaping, simply pinch it back together—it is forgiving.
- For quicker prep, substitute cooked diced apples with canned apple pie filling (dice smaller for better fit).
- Add a pinch of salt to the apple mixture while cooking to balance sweetness.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days when tightly wrapped.
- Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften and warm the filling again.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside coffee or mulled cider for a delightful treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel apple crescent ring, cream cheese crescent dessert, apple cinnamon pastry, easy fall dessert, caramel apple crescent bake
