There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of caramel and apples. Whether it’s the nostalgia of caramel-dipped apples at fall festivals or the warmth of a homemade pie, this pairing brings back memories of cozy gatherings and sweet treats. But what if you could take this classic combination and elevate it with a modern twist? Enter the
Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Crescent Ring—a dessert that perfectly blends the tartness of apples, the richness of cream cheese, and the sweetness of caramel, all encased in a flaky crescent pastry. This delightful dessert is not only easy to make but also impressive to serve, making it the perfect centerpiece for your next family gathering or holiday celebration.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Set the baking sheet aside while you prepare the filling and crescent dough.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. This will be the rich, tangy base that complements the sweetness of the caramel and apples.
- Prepare the Apples: In a separate bowl, toss the thinly sliced Granny Smith apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until the apples are evenly coated. If you’re adding pecans for a bit of crunch, mix them in as well. The tartness of the Granny Smith apples balances out the sweetness of the caramel, while the cinnamon adds a warm, comforting flavor.
- Assemble the Crescent Ring: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Arrange the triangles in a circle on the prepared baking sheet, with the wider ends overlapping in the center and the points facing outward, forming a sun-like shape. The dough should create a ring with a hole in the middle.
- Add the Fillings: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the overlapping dough in the center of the ring. Next, spoon the apple mixture on top of the cream cheese layer, making sure the apples are distributed evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apples for an extra layer of sweetness.
