Description

This Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Crescent Ring is a delightful fall-inspired pastry that combines tender cinnamon-spiced apples sautéed in butter with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese filling, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough and finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this easy-to-make treat brings warmth and indulgence to any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Crescent Dough

1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough (Pillsbury or any brand)

Filling

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (full-fat preferred)
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apple Mixture

1 medium apple, peeled and diced small (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter

Topping

Caramel sauce, for drizzling (store-bought or homemade)
Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and 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 are tender and fragrant.
Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir well with a spoon until smooth and creamy.
Arrange Crescent Dough: On the prepared baking sheet, lay out the crescent roll triangles in a circle with the wide ends toward the center, slightly overlapping, to create a sun-like shape.
Layer Filling: Spoon the cream cheese mixture in a ring around the center of the dough circle.
Add Apple Mixture: Evenly distribute the cooked apple topping over the cream cheese layer.
Fold Dough Points: Gently fold the pointed ends of the dough over the filling and tuck them underneath the center, forming a ring. It can look rustic but will bake beautifully.
Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until the crescent ring is golden brown and cooked through, emitting warm cinnamon aromas.
Finish and Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then drizzle generously with caramel sauce. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling and to avoid lumps.
If crescent dough tears while shaping, simply pinch it back together; the dough is forgiving.
For quicker prep, canned apple pie filling can be used but dice it smaller for better layering.
Add a pinch of salt to the apples during cooking to balance the sweetness.
Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm filling and soften dough.
Serve with vanilla ice cream or alongside coffee or mulled cider for a delightful pairing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel apple crescent ring, cream cheese pastry, fall dessert, apple cinnamon pastry, caramel dessert ring, easy baked dessert