If you’re in the mood for a comforting, sweet treat that brings together the crisp freshness of apples and the gooey delight of caramel, the Baked Caramel Apple Crescent Rolls Recipe is going to become your new favorite. This heavenly dessert combines tender, buttery crescent rolls filled with tender apple slices and luscious melted caramel, all kissed with a cinnamon-sugar topping that melts into a golden finish. Whether you’re making it for a casual family snack or a festive gathering, these crescent rolls are irresistibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish so addictive. Every component, from the tart Granny Smith apples to the warm cinnamon, works harmoniously to create mouthwatering magic.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls (8 ct): The buttery dough provides a flaky and soft base that wraps the filling perfectly.
- Granny Smith apples (2 medium-large): Their tartness cuts through the sweetness while staying firm after baking.
- Caramel squares (16): These melt into a luscious, sticky center that makes every bite decadent.
- Brown sugar (1/8 cup): Adds rich sweetness and helps create a caramelized topping.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Warms the flavor profile and complements the apples beautifully.
- Optional mix-ins (1/2 cup chopped peanuts, M&M’s minis, or mini chocolate chips): Add crunch, color, or chocolatey sweetness for extra personality.
How to Make Baked Caramel Apple Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the crescent rolls will bake evenly and develop that perfect golden brown crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Slices
Slice each Granny Smith apple into eight thin slices, creating the ideal size for wrapping inside each crescent roll. The thinner slices help the apples soften just enough while baking, retaining a delightful texture.
Step 3: Ready Your Baking Sheet
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the rolls from sticking and make cleanup a snap.
Step 4: Roll Out Crescents
Unroll the crescent dough onto the baking sheet and separate the triangles carefully. This layout makes it easy to assemble each roll individually.
Step 5: Assemble the Rolls
Place an apple slice onto the wide end of each crescent triangle, positioning the peel side facing the outer edge to add both flavor and visual appeal. Follow by placing one unwrapped caramel square in front of the apple slice.
Step 6: Add Optional Toppings
If you want to up the indulgence, sprinkle your choice of chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or M&M’s minis over the apple and caramel on each dough piece. These add great texture and surprise bursts of flavor.
Step 7: Roll and Arrange
Roll each crescent dough piece from the wide end to the pointed tip carefully to encase all the delicious fillings. Then space the rolled crescents on the cookie sheet about half to one inch apart so they have room to puff as they bake.
Step 8: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar
Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle this divine mixture evenly over each roll. This not only adds sweetness but will also create a gorgeous caramelized finish once baked.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the crescent rolls have turned a beautiful golden brown and the caramel is melted and bubbly. If you love, add a few more nuts, chocolate chips, or M&M’s minis on top immediately following baking for extra flair and flavor.
How to Serve Baked Caramel Apple Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, these rolls are stunning with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze. Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side elevates the experience even further, turning this into a dessert worthy of celebration.
Side Dishes
Served as a sweet treat after a hearty meal, these rolls pair exceptionally well with a warm cup of spiced cider or a creamy latte. For brunch, consider offering them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by arranging Baked Caramel Apple Crescent Rolls Recipe on a rustic wooden board or a bright dessert platter. You can also break them into bite-sized pieces for a delightful party appetizer or buffet item that invites everyone to indulge guilt-free.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain the delicious softness and prevent the caramel from hardening, avoid refrigerating unless absolutely necessary.
Freezing
These crescent rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to two months, so you can enjoy this treat whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
To bring frozen or leftover rolls back to life, warm them in a 350-degree oven for about 8–10 minutes. This method crisps the outside while ensuring the caramel remains gooey and the apples tender—a perfect second chance at deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a lovely tartness and firmness, you can substitute with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples depending on your sweetness preference and availability.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can use vegan crescent roll dough, dairy-free caramel alternatives, and skip any optional toppings that contain animal products. The apples and cinnamon remain just as delicious!
Can I prepare these Rolls in advance before baking?
You sure can! Assemble the rolls and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours, then bake just before serving to enjoy fresh, warm treats.
What if I don’t have caramel squares?
You can substitute with caramel sauce or dulce de leche, but be mindful that they might spread more during baking, so use less or freeze the rolls briefly before baking to keep everything neat.
How do I prevent the crescent rolls from browning too quickly?
If you notice the crust browning faster than the filling cooks through, place a piece of aluminum foil loosely over the rolls halfway through baking to protect the tops.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to bake this delightful Baked Caramel Apple Crescent Rolls Recipe. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s simple to make and brimming with wonderful flavors and textures. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these rolls are bound to bring smiles and warm hearts — give them a try and watch them disappear from the plate in no time!
Print
Baked Caramel Apple Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make baked caramel apple crescent rolls featuring crisp Granny Smith apples wrapped in buttery crescent dough, filled with gooey caramel squares, and topped with a cinnamon brown sugar mixture. Perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 refrigerated crescent rolls (8 count)
- 2 medium to large Granny Smith apples
- 16 caramel squares
Topping and Flavorings
- 1/8 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, M&M’s minis, or mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the crescent rolls perfectly.
- Slice Apples: Slice each Granny Smith apple into eight equal slices, making sure the slices are thin enough to wrap easily in the crescent dough but sturdy enough to hold their shape during baking.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the crescent rolls from sticking.
- Prepare Crescent Dough: Roll out the crescent rolls on the prepared baking sheet, separating them into individual triangles along the perforated lines.
- Add Apple Slice: Place one apple slice near the wide end of each crescent triangle, positioning the peel side facing outward for an attractive presentation and added texture.
- Add Caramel: Unwrap one caramel square per crescent and place it directly in front of the apple slice on the dough to create a gooey, sweet center.
- Add Optional Toppings: If desired, sprinkle chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or M&M minis over the apple and caramel to add extra flavor and crunch.
- Roll Crescents: Carefully roll each crescent dough triangle from the wide end toward the pointed end, encasing the apple, caramel, and toppings inside.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled crescent rolls on the cookie sheet, spacing them about 1/2 to 1 inch apart to allow even baking.
- Sprinkle Brown Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle a small amount over each rolled crescent to add a sweet and spicy crust.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 12-14 minutes until they are golden brown and the caramel has softened inside. Remove from oven.
- Optional Garnish: For added texture and flavor, top with additional chopped peanuts, chocolate chips, or M&M minis while still warm.
Notes
- Use tart Granny Smith apples for a nice balance with the sweet caramel and cinnamon.
- If caramel squares are too hard, soften them slightly by microwaving for 10-15 seconds before wrapping in dough.
- Ensure rolls are spaced apart on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Optional toppings like nuts or chocolate add texture, but can be omitted for simpler flavor.
- Serve warm for the best gooey caramel effect and flaky crescent rolls.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
