Description

This Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Crescent Ring is a delightful fall-inspired dessert that combines tender, cinnamon-sautéed apples with a smooth, sweet cream cheese filling, all wrapped in a buttery, golden crescent roll crust and topped with luscious caramel sauce. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent treat any time of the day.

Ingredients

Scale

Crescent Dough

1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough (such as Pillsbury)

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 recommended)
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 topping

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure easy cleanup from the caramel drizzle later on.
Cook the Apples: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and fragrant, releasing their warm cinnamon aroma.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly using a spoon until smooth and creamy, without any lumps.
Prepare the Crescent Dough: On the lined baking sheet, arrange the crescent roll triangles in a circle with the wide ends pointing toward the center, overlapping slightly to create a sunburst shape.
Layer the Filling: Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly in a ring around the center of the arranged dough triangles.
Add the Apples: Carefully spoon the cooked apple mixture on top of the cream cheese layer, distributing it evenly.
Fold the Dough: Fold the pointed ends of the crescent dough over the filling and tuck them underneath the center to seal. The shape may look rustic, but it will bake into a beautiful golden ring.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through. You’ll notice a delicious cinnamon aroma and a golden crust when ready.
Cool and Add Toppings: Let the ring cool slightly on the baking sheet. Then, generously drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
Serve: Slice the ring into portions and serve warm. Enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth filling – cold cream cheese can cause lumps.
If the crescent dough tears while folding, simply pinch it back together; the dough is forgiving.
To save time, canned apple pie filling can be substituted but dice it smaller for a better fit.
Add a pinch of salt to the apples while cooking to balance the sweetness.
Leftovers can be refrigerated tightly wrapped for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften.
Serve with vanilla ice cream or alongside coffee or mulled cider for a cozy experience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel apple dessert, cream cheese crescent ring, fall dessert, cinnamon apples, caramel sauce, easy baked dessert, crescent roll recipe