There’s something magical about the combination of warm apples, cinnamon, and caramel that signals the perfect fall treat. This Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Crescent Ring takes those beloved flavors and transforms them into a stunning dessert that looks complicated but is surprisingly simple to make.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a special breakfast treat, or want to impress guests with a dessert that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this crescent ring delivers. The flaky pastry wrapped around a creamy, spiced apple filling creates a showstopper that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This
- Uses store-bought crescent rolls for a quick shortcut that still yields impressive results
- The cream cheese layer adds a rich tanginess that balances the sweet caramel and apples
- Can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving
- Looks professional despite being beginner-friendly
- Versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 oz each) crescent roll dough
- 2 cups apples, peeled & diced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the peeled and diced apples until evenly coated.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles. On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the triangles in a sunburst pattern with the wide ends overlapping in the center, forming a circle, and the points extending outward.
- Spoon the apple and cream cheese mixture evenly around the ring, placing it on the wide ends of the crescent dough where they overlap.
- Fold the pointed ends of each triangle over the filling and tuck them underneath the wide ends in the center, creating a ring shape. Some of the filling will still be visible.
- Brush the top of the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sugar for added sweetness and crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
- While the ring is still warm, heat the caramel sauce slightly (if needed) to make it pourable. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the baked ring.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a time-saving shortcut, use canned apple pie filling instead of cooking fresh apples, though the fresh version offers better texture and control over sweetness.
- Add 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple mixture for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Substitute mascarpone cheese for cream cheese for a milder, more buttery flavor profile.
- Sprinkle a little sea salt over the caramel for a salted caramel twist.
- For a make-ahead option, prepare the ring up to the baking stage, refrigerate covered for up to 12 hours, then add 5 minutes to the baking time.
- If your crescent ring is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Crescent Ring is delicious on its own, but for an extra-special dessert experience, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an additional drizzle of warm caramel sauce. The contrast between the warm, flaky pastry and cold ice cream is simply divine.
For a breakfast or brunch setting, pair with a hot cup of coffee or spiced apple cider. A side of fresh fruit can help balance the sweetness and add a refreshing element to the meal.
Notes
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
- The ring is done when the crescent dough is golden brown and no longer doughy in the center where the pieces overlap.
- Let the ring rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting to allow the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve neat slices.
FAQs
- Can I make this without caramel sauce? Yes, you can omit the caramel sauce for a less sweet version, or substitute with maple syrup or honey for a different flavor profile.
- What’s the best way to arrange the crescent rolls in a ring? Arrange them in a star pattern with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the points facing outward. A 9-inch cake pan placed in the center can help guide your layout.
- Can I freeze this crescent ring? While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze fully baked and cooled leftovers. Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
- What apples work best for this recipe? Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith provide nice texture and balance the sweetness, while Honeycrisp or Gala offer a sweeter profile. A mix of varieties creates the most interesting flavor.
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