Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Crescent Ring Recipe

Irresistible Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Crescent Ring Recipe

Autumn’s golden hues inspire the most delightful fall desserts, and this caramel apple cream cheese crescent ring captures pure seasonal magic.

Sweet apples mingle with rich cream cheese inside buttery crescent dough, creating a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.

Warm spices dance through each golden-brown fold, promising a treat that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Layers of soft pastry wrap around tender apple chunks and creamy filling, delivering a perfect balance of textures.

Drizzled caramel adds a luxurious finish that transforms this simple pastry into an irresistible delicacy.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to savor each delectable bite.

Prepare to delight your taste buds with this crowd-pleasing dessert that celebrates the best flavors of the season.

Why You’ll Crave Caramel Apple Crescent Ring

  • Craft with Ease: Novice bakers will love this recipe's simple step-by-step process that requires minimal culinary skills and basic ingredients.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend brunches, this crescent ring delivers impressive presentation with minimal effort.
  • Sweet Sensory Experience: Combines creamy cheese, tender apples, buttery pastry, and rich caramel for a delightful blend of textures and flavors that dance on your taste buds.
  • Versatile Treat: Adaptable for multiple occasions from casual weekend breakfasts to elegant dessert settings, making it a go-to recipe for spontaneous baking adventures.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Crescent Ring Magic

Main Ingredients:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: A versatile pastry that forms the base of the ring and provides a flaky, buttery crust.
  • Cream Cheese: A smooth, rich cheese that creates a creamy and tangy filling for the dessert.
  • Apples: Fresh fruits that add natural sweetness and a soft texture to the filling.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and balances the tartness of the apples.
  • Cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the apple flavor and adds depth to the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic, sweet aroma that complements the other ingredients.
Topping and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Butter, Melted: Helps create a golden, glossy surface on the crescent ring.
  • Coarse Sugar: Adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness to the exterior.
  • Caramel Sauce: A rich, sweet drizzle that elevates the dessert and adds a luxurious finish.

How to Make the Crescent Ring Shine

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Create Creamy Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese with sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until silky smooth.

Gently incorporate diced apples, ensuring they’re evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 3: Spread Crescent Dough

Carefully unroll crescent roll dough and separate into triangular pieces.

Arrange the triangles on the prepared baking sheet in a beautiful sunburst pattern.

Position the wide ends overlapping in the center, creating a circular shape with points extending outward.

Step 4: Layer Delicious Filling

Distribute the apple cream cheese blend evenly around the ring, focusing on the wide overlapping dough sections.

Ensure the filling is spread consistently for balanced flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Shape Elegant Ring

Carefully fold the pointed ends of each triangle over the filling.

Tuck these points underneath the wide center ends, forming a gorgeous ring.

Some filling will peek through, adding visual appeal.

Step 6: Add Golden Finishing Touches

Generously brush the dough surface with melted butter.

Sprinkle coarse sugar across the top to create a delightful crispy exterior with extra sweetness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the ring in a preheated oven at 375F (190C).

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the dough transforms into a gorgeous golden brown color and becomes completely cooked through.

Step 8: Drizzle Caramel Glaze

While the ring is still warm, gently heat caramel sauce to improve its pourability.

Artfully drizzle the warm caramel over the baked ring, creating an irresistible finishing touch.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the ring to cool slightly for easier slicing.

Serve warm to experience the most incredible taste and texture combination.

Pro Tips for a Standout Crescent Ring

  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing with other ingredients.
  • Toss diced apples with a splash of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration during preparation.
  • Press crescent dough triangles tightly together to seal filling and prevent leakage during baking.
  • Use golden-brown color as a key indicator of perfectly baked crescent ring, ensuring crispy exterior and soft interior.
  • Sprinkle ground nutmeg or additional cinnamon over the filling for extra warmth and depth of taste.

Creative Ways to Twist Your Crescent Ring

  • Gluten-Free Apple Delight: Replace crescent roll dough with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Caramel Apple Ring: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream, use plant-based butter, and create dairy-free caramel sauce using coconut milk and maple syrup.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Cream Ring: Substitute granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free caramel sauce, and incorporate chopped walnuts for added texture.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Replace crescent dough with almond flour or coconut flour-based dough, use sugar-free sweetener, and include cream cheese made from full-fat ingredients for a low-carb alternative.

Delicious Ways to Serve Your Crescent Ring

  • Dessert Companion Delights: Vanilla ice cream scoop nestled alongside the warm ring adds creamy contrast and cool temperature balance.
  • Breakfast Upgrade: Pair with freshly brewed coffee or chai tea to complement the sweet apple and caramel flavors, creating a delightful morning treat.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Arrange on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and additional caramel drizzle for an elegant presentation that impresses guests.
  • Party Pleaser: Cut into smaller wedges for easy sharing at potlucks, brunches, or holiday gatherings, making it a crowd-friendly dessert option.

Best Ways to Store Crescent Ring Fresh

  • – Refrigerate Leftovers Keep the caramel apple cream cheese crescent ring in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness.
  • – Reheat Carefully Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 5-7 minutes to restore the pastry's crispy texture and enhance the flavors.
  • – Freeze for Later Wrap the completely cooled ring tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • – Prevent Sogginess Place a paper towel in the storage container to absorb excess moisture and help maintain the crescent ring's crisp texture.

FAQs

  • Are cream cheese and apples a good combination?

Absolutely! The tangy cream cheese perfectly balances the sweet and slightly tart apples, creating a rich and delightful flavor profile that works wonderfully in this dessert.

  • Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, you can! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work best because they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness when baked.

  • Is this recipe beginner-friendly?

Definitely! The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it easy for home bakers of all skill levels to create a delicious dessert without complicated techniques.

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Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Crescent Ring Recipe

Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Crescent Ring Recipe


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4.5 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Luscious caramel apple cream cheese crescent ring invites sweet-seekers into a world of comforting pastry perfection. Delicate crescents embrace warm cinnamon-spiced apples and creamy cheese, promising pure indulgence with each golden, gooey bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cans (8 ounces/226 grams each) crescent roll dough
  • 2 cups (approximately 300 grams) apples, peeled and diced
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened

Sweeteners and Spices:

  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (170 grams) caramel sauce
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Binding and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick baking.
  2. Create a luscious filling by blending cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until silky smooth, then gently incorporate diced apples to distribute evenly.
  3. Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangular sections, arranging them on the prepared baking sheet in a radial pattern with wide ends overlapping at the center and pointed tips extending outward.
  4. Distribute the apple-cream cheese mixture along the overlapping wide ends of the crescent triangles, ensuring balanced coverage around the circular design.
  5. Carefully fold the pointed dough tips over the filling, tucking them underneath the central wide ends to form a cohesive ring structure, allowing some filling to peek through.
  6. Enhance the pastry’s appearance and flavor by generously brushing the exposed dough surface with melted butter and sprinkling coarse sugar for a delightful crunch.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the dough transforms into a golden-brown, perfectly crisp ring.
  8. While the pastry is still warm, gently heat the caramel sauce to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency and artfully drizzle it across the surface.
  9. Let the ring cool briefly to set the filling, then slice and serve warm to maximize the delectable flavor and textural experience.

Notes

  • Select high-quality apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and firmness during baking.
  • Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature to create a smooth, lump-free filling mixture.
  • Chop apples into small, uniform pieces to help them cook evenly and distribute throughout the filling.
  • Seal the crescent dough edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking, which maintains the ring’s attractive appearance.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, use gluten-free crescent roll dough or puff pastry alternatives available in specialty grocery stores.
  • Lower sugar content by using sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in the filling.
  • Consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture and nutty flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 260 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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