Okay, I’m a bit embarrassed to admit it, but I’m crazy about this dish.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into triangles.

Arrange the crescent triangles in a circle on the prepared baking sheet, with the pointed ends facing outward, overlapping slightly.

Spread the cream cheese mixture over the wide ends of the crescent triangles.

Layer the apple slices over the cream cheese mixture, then drizzle with caramel sauce.

Sprinkle with cinnamon and pecans, if using.

Fold the pointed ends of the crescent triangles over the filling, tucking them under to form a ring.

Brush the dough with melted butter.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown.

Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans. You can also use different types of apples depending on your preference; Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp apples are sweeter. If you have picky eaters, consider adding a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for a fun twist. For a more decadent version, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top before serving.