A Fall-Inspired Dessert You’ll Make on Repeat
Nothing says cozy like the warm aroma of apples, cinnamon, and buttery pastry baking in the oven. This Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Crescent Ring is the ultimate fall dessert—easy to make, visually stunning, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, craving something sweet on a chilly evening, or looking for the perfect dish to impress guests, this crescent ring delivers every time.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Store-bought crescent roll dough wraps around a rich cream cheese filling and sweet cinnamon apples, all topped off with a generous drizzle of gooey caramel. The result? A flaky, golden ring that’s part pie, part danish, and 100% delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 medium apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 oz (1/2 package) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), for drizzling
- Optional: Chopped pecans or walnuts for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Sauté the Apples
In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Form the Crescent Ring
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Arrange the triangles in a circle on your prepared baking sheet with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the pointed tips facing outward, forming a sun-like ring shape.
Step 5: Add the Fillings
Spread the cream cheese mixture in a thick ring over the wide ends of the crescent dough, staying within the inner circle. Spoon the sautéed apples evenly over the cream cheese layer. Drizzle with caramel sauce.
Step 6: Fold and Shape
Take the pointed tips of each crescent triangle and fold them over the filling, tucking them underneath the inner edge of the ring. It’s okay if some filling peeks through — that’s part of the charm.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the crescent ring for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. The dough should be puffed and firm to the touch.
Step 8: Cool and Drizzle
Allow the ring to cool for about 5–10 minutes. Then drizzle more caramel sauce over the top and, if desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Slice into wedges and serve warm. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips and Variations
- Make it ahead: You can prep the ring up to the point of baking, then refrigerate it for a few hours. Bake just before serving.
- Switch the fruit: Try using pears, peaches, or even canned cherry pie filling for a fun twist.
- Add spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for deeper fall flavor.
- Go nutty: Stir chopped nuts into the apple mixture for extra texture.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Crescent Ring is everything you love about fall desserts in one stunning dish. It’s warm, sweet, creamy, and flaky with just the right touch of tartness from the apples. And the best part? It’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself whipping it up again and again.