Easy Apple Pie Crescent Rolls are the quintessential shortcut dessert, a magical culinary hack that delivers all the warm, comforting, and nostalgic flavors of a classic apple pie in a fraction of the time and with minimal effort. This ingenious recipe transforms humble, store-bought crescent roll dough into delicate, flaky, and golden-brown pastry pockets, each one bursting with a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Imagine the taste of a perfectly baked apple pie, the tender fruit, the warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, the buttery crust—but presented in adorable, individually portioned rolls that are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Why Is This Easy Apple Pie Crescent Rolls So Popular?
The widespread adoration for Easy Apple Pie Crescent Rolls is rooted in a powerful combination of accessibility, speed, and undeniable deliciousness. Firstly, their unbeatable convenience makes them a global favorite. With only a handful of ingredients, most of which are pantry staples, and a preparation time that clocks in under 30 minutes, they are the ultimate “I need a dessert NOW” solution. Secondly, they are incredibly forgiving and customizable. The recipe serves as a perfect template, allowing for endless variations with different fruits, fillings, and toppings, encouraging personal creativity without the risk of failure. Thirdly, they possess a powerful nostalgic appeal. The combination of apple and cinnamon evokes memories of family gatherings and holiday feasts, packaging that beloved comfort into a fun, handheld format. Finally, their universal appeal crosses all age groups. From children who love the sweet, roll-up fun to adults who appreciate the sophisticated flavor of a classic dessert, they are a true crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Pie Crescent Rolls:
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5-Ingredient Simplicity: The core recipe requires just crescent roll dough, apples, sugar, cinnamon, and butter. It doesn’t get much easier than that.
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No Advanced Baking Skills Required: There is no need to make a from-scratch pie crust or worry about lattice tops. This is a foolproof recipe for bakers of all levels.
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Perfect Portion Control: Each roll is a self-contained, individual dessert, making serving effortless and eliminating the mess of slicing a pie.
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Your Kitchen Will Smell Amazing: The aroma of baking apples, cinnamon, and butter wafting from your oven is pure happiness.
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Endlessly Adaptable: They can be dressed up with a drizzle of caramel or glaze, or dressed down with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Here’s what you’ll need:
The Core Ingredients:
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1 can (8 count) refrigerated crescent roll dough
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2 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and finely diced (about 1.5 to 2 cups)
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⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon all-purpose flour (to prevent a soggy bottom)
For the Topping & Glaze:
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
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¼ cup powdered sugar
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1-2 teaspoons milk or apple cider
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
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2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries
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2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
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1 tablespoon caramel sauce, for drizzling
How to Make Easy Apple Pie Crescent Rolls:
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful Easy Apple Pie Crescent Rolls. It’s as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary superstar!
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the finely diced apples, packed brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and the 1 teaspoon of flour. The flour is a crucial small step; it will help absorb the juices released by the apples during baking, preventing the crescent rolls from becoming soggy. Toss everything together until the apple pieces are evenly coated.
Step 2: Unroll and Separate the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Open the can of crescent rolls and unroll the dough onto a clean surface. Carefully separate the dough along the perforated lines into 8 triangles.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple mixture onto the widest part of each dough triangle. Be careful not to overfill, or the filling may leak out during baking. If using, sprinkle a few raisins or chopped nuts over the apple filling.
Step 4: Roll Them Up
Starting at the wide end, gently roll each triangle up towards the pointed tip, tucking in the sides as you go to encase the filling. Press the dough lightly at the final tip to seal it and prevent unrolling during baking. Place each sealed roll on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are a few inches apart.
Step 5: The Buttery, Sugary Finish
Brush the top of each crescent roll generously with the melted butter. Then, sprinkle the tops with the granulated sugar. This will create a delightfully crispy, sweet, and golden crust.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 11-14 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are puffed up and a deep golden brown. The apple filling should be bubbly. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even color.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are baking, prepare the simple glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of milk (or apple cider), and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Add more liquid, a few drops at a time, until you reach a drizzling consistency. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool on the pan for 2-3 minutes before drizzling with the glaze. Serve warm.
Tips for Success:
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Dice Apples Finely: Larger chunks can tear the delicate dough or prevent it from sealing properly. A small, fine dice ensures every bite has filling and makes rolling easier.
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Don’t Overfill: This is the most common mistake. A heaping tablespoon is perfect. Overstuffed rolls will burst open, and the filling will caramelize and stick to the pan.
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Work Quickly with the Dough: Crescent roll dough becomes sticky and difficult to handle as it warms up. Keep it in the fridge until the very moment you are ready to assemble.
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Ensure a Good Seal: Press the final tip of the triangle firmly onto the body of the roll. This is your insurance policy against the rolls unraveling in the oven’s heat.
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Use Parchment Paper: This is non-negotiable for easy cleanup. Any spilled, bubbling filling will harden into cement on a bare baking sheet.
Equipment Needed:
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Baking Sheet
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Parchment Paper
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Mixing Bowls (small and medium)
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Pastry Brush
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Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
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Measuring Cups and Spoons
Variations of Easy Apple Pie Crescent Rolls:
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Cherry Pie Crescents: Use a can of cherry pie filling instead of the apple mixture.
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Cream Cheese Apple Crescents: Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese (mixed with a little sugar and vanilla) on the dough before adding the apple filling.
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Salted Caramel Apple Crescents: Drizzle the baked rolls with warm caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt instead of the powdered sugar glaze.
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Pumpkin Pie Crescents: Mix ½ cup of canned pumpkin puree with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and a pinch of pumpkin pie spice. Use this as the filling.
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Savory Ham and Cheese Crescents: For a savory twist, fill with a slice of ham and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, omitting the sugar and cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions for Easy Apple Pie Crescent Rolls:
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A La Mode: Serve warm rolls with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
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With a Coffee Break: They are the perfect accompaniment to a morning coffee or an afternoon tea.
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For a Brunch Spread: Include them on a brunch buffet alongside quiche, fruit, and bacon.
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With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: A generous spoonful of freshly whipped cream is a classic and delightful pairing.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
12 minutes
Total Time:
27 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Estimated per roll, with glaze)
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Calories: ~180
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Protein: 2g
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Sodium: ~220mg
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Sugar: 18g
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Fat: 8g
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Carbohydrates: 26g
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Fiber: 1g
FAQs about Easy Apple Pie Crescent Rolls:
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the rolls up to a day in advance. Cover the baking sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time. For best results, bake fresh.
Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
A: Yes, puff pastry sheets will work beautifully and yield a flakier, more buttery result. Thaw the pastry, cut it into squares or rectangles, add the filling, and fold to create packets or triangles.
Q: My filling leaked out. What happened?
A: This is usually due to overfilling, not sealing the dough properly, or the apples being cut too large. Ensure you follow the filling amount and sealing instructions closely.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. They are best reheated for a few seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a toaster oven to regain their crispness.
Q: Can I freeze unbaked apple pie crescent rolls?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the rolls completely, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts:
Easy Apple Pie Crescent Rolls are more than just a recipe; they are a brilliant solution for satisfying a sweet craving without the commitment of a full-scale baking project. They are a testament to the power of smart, simple cooking, proving that incredible flavor and impressive results don’t have to be complicated. This recipe is a gateway to joy in the kitchen, offering immediate gratification and the incomparable pleasure of serving a warm, homemade treat to those you love. So, keep a can of crescent roll dough in your fridge, and you’ll always be just 30 minutes away from a dessert that tastes like you fussed for hours.
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Easy Apple Pie Crescent Rolls: 3-Ingredient Dessert
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Description
Make these irresistible Easy Apple Pie Crescent Rolls with just 3 ingredients! A quick, delicious dessert that tastes like homemade apple pie
Ingredients
The Core Ingredients:
-
1 can (8 count) refrigerated crescent roll dough
-
2 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and finely diced (about 1.5 to 2 cups)
-
⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
-
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended)
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
-
1 teaspoon all-purpose flour (to prevent a soggy bottom)
For the Topping & Glaze:
-
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
-
¼ cup powdered sugar
-
1–2 teaspoons milk or apple cider
-
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
-
2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries
-
2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
-
1 tablespoon caramel sauce, for drizzling
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the finely diced apples, packed brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and the 1 teaspoon of flour. The flour is a crucial small step; it will help absorb the juices released by the apples during baking, preventing the crescent rolls from becoming soggy. Toss everything together until the apple pieces are evenly coated.
Step 2: Unroll and Separate the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Open the can of crescent rolls and unroll the dough onto a clean surface. Carefully separate the dough along the perforated lines into 8 triangles.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Place a heaping tablespoon of the apple mixture onto the widest part of each dough triangle. Be careful not to overfill, or the filling may leak out during baking. If using, sprinkle a few raisins or chopped nuts over the apple filling.
Step 4: Roll Them Up
Starting at the wide end, gently roll each triangle up towards the pointed tip, tucking in the sides as you go to encase the filling. Press the dough lightly at the final tip to seal it and prevent unrolling during baking. Place each sealed roll on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are a few inches apart.
Step 5: The Buttery, Sugary Finish
Brush the top of each crescent roll generously with the melted butter. Then, sprinkle the tops with the granulated sugar. This will create a delightfully crispy, sweet, and golden crust.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 11-14 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are puffed up and a deep golden brown. The apple filling should be bubbly. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even color.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
While the rolls are baking, prepare the simple glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of milk (or apple cider), and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Add more liquid, a few drops at a time, until you reach a drizzling consistency. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool on the pan for 2-3 minutes before drizzling with the glaze. Serve warm.
Notes
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Baking Sheet
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Parchment Paper
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Mixing Bowls (small and medium)
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Pastry Brush
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Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
-
Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 2g
