Description

This Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Crescent Ring is a delightful fall-inspired dessert featuring tender sautéed apples with cinnamon and brown sugar, wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough with a rich cream cheese filling. Baked to a golden brown and drizzled with luscious caramel sauce, this easy-to-make ring is perfect for brunch, dessert, or a cozy treat with coffee.

Ingredients

Scale

Crescent Ring Base

1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough (e.g., Pillsbury)

Cream Cheese Filling

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

Apple Filling

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

Toppings

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). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup, especially since caramel can get sticky.
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 soften and the mixture becomes fragrant with warm fall spices.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix vigorously with a spoon until smooth and creamy without lumps.
Arrange Crescent Dough: On the prepared baking sheet, lay out the crescent roll triangles arranged in a circle with the wider ends toward the center, slightly overlapping to form a sun-like shape.
Layer the Filling: Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly in a ring around the center of the dough circle.
Add Apple Mixture: Distribute the cooked apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Fold the Dough: Gently fold the pointed ends of each crescent triangle over the apple and cream cheese filling, tucking the tips under the center of the ring to secure. The shape can be rustic – it will bake beautifully regardless.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Look for a golden crust and the delicious aroma of cinnamon and apples.
Cool and Drizzle: Remove from the oven and allow the ring to cool slightly. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce over the top.
Optional Garnish: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch if desired.
Serve: Slice the ring and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with coffee, mulled cider, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth filling; cold cream cheese can be lumpy.
If the crescent dough tears while shaping, simply pinch it back together—it’s forgiving and will still bake well.
For a shortcut, canned apple pie filling can be used; just dice it smaller for easier assembly.
Add a small pinch of salt to the apples while cooking to balance the sweetness perfectly.
Store leftovers wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to warm and soften before serving.
Try serving with vanilla ice cream or coffee to elevate the dessert experience.

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

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