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); 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended); 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 medium apple, peeled and diced small (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith); 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon butter; Caramel sauce, for drizzling (store-bought or homemade); Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch

Introduction

The Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Crescent Ring is a delightful fall-inspired treat that combines tender cinnamon-spiced apples with creamy sweet filling wrapped in golden crescent dough. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s a show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly easy to make and even harder to resist.

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

Ingredients

1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 medium apple, peeled and diced small

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon butter

Caramel sauce, for drizzling

Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for topping

Instructions

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

Step 2: 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 soft and fragrant.

Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.

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

Step 5: Spread the cream cheese mixture in a ring around the center of the dough circle.

Step 6: Spoon the cooked apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Step 7: Carefully fold the pointed ends of the crescent dough over the filling, tucking the ends under the center to secure.

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

Step 9: Let the ring cool slightly, then drizzle generously with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped nuts if using.

Step 10: Slice and serve warm. Enjoy as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Tips & Variations

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

If the crescent dough tears while assembling, simply pinch it back together; the dough is very forgiving.

For a shortcut, substitute the cooked apples with canned apple pie filling, diced smaller.

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

Try different apple varieties like Fuji or Gala for varied flavor profiles.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use a plant-based butter for cooking the apples. Make sure your crescent roll dough is also dairy-free, or consider using puff pastry that fits your dietary needs.

Can I prepare the apple filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the apple filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before assembling the recipe to keep the texture and flavors fresh.