Apple Butter Cruffins are a delicious treat that combines the buttery layers of a croissant with the sweet, spiced flavors of apple butter. They’re easy to make by spreading apple butter on crescent roll dough, rolling it up, cutting it into muffin-like pieces, and baking until golden. The result is a fluffy pastry with a balanced sweetness and spice. They’re often sprinkled with a cinnamon sugar blend for a crispy topping and extra flavor.
Apple Butter Cruffins Ingredients
Crescent roll sheets : I used crescent roll sheets. They are easy to work with and provide that lovely flaky texture we all enjoy.
Apple butter : I used apple butter. It adds layers of fruity sweetness throughout each pastry.
Granulated sugar is used to create the crispy cinnamon topping. This further enhances the flavors.
Ground cinnamon : For spicy flavor I used cinnamon. It adds warm spice to the sugar coating.
Butter, whether for baking or eating, helps bring richness to the whole treat.
How To Make Apple Butter Cruffins
Now, I’ll tell you how I made apple butter cruffins I’m my kitchen.
First, I preheated the oven to 350°F. Then I rolled out each crescent dough sheet until slightly larger, and evenly spread apple butter on top.
Rolling up the dough logs from the long end, I cut them in half for shorter logs. Next, I cut each log lengthwise to expose layered inner sections.
Gently wrapping each piece around my fingers formed neat muffin shapes, with layers facing outwards. Stretching the dough slightly helped the layers show once baked.
I placed the rolled pieces in a greased muffin tin. Into the oven they went, rotating halfway through baking at 15 minutes.
Soon the intoxicating aroma filled my kitchen as the cruffins baked up light and airy. I then removed them, loosening each crisp bottom carefully with a butter knife.
While still warm, I rolled the beautiful golden pastries in cinnamon sugar coating. Their glistening skins looked incredibly enticing.
Allowing the Apple Butter Cruffins to fully cool, I sampled one – the layers of sweet and spicy flavor blew me away. Light yet fulfilling, these are now a beloved treat in my home. The simple steps produced rewarding results!
Pro Tips for Perfect Cruffins
Dough Stretching: Be gentle when stretching the crescent roll sheets to avoid tearing the dough. If it rips, pinch it back together.
Apple Butter Distribution: Spread the apple butter in a thin, even layer to prevent it from oozing out during baking.
Layer Definition: For pronounced layers, roll the dough tightly and ensure the sliced edges are exposed when shaping.
Rotating the Pan: Rotating the muffin tin halfway ensures even baking and prevents uneven browning.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Coat the cruffins while they’re still warm so the sugar adheres properly.
Recipe Variations
Filling Alternatives: Substitute apple butter with pumpkin butter, Nutella, or jam for different flavors.
Spices: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a spiced twist.
Toppings: Drizzle with caramel sauce or a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness.
Savory Version: Swap apple butter for pesto or garlic butter, and omit the cinnamon sugar for a savory treat.
Ingredient Substitutes
Crescent Roll Sheets: Use puff pastry for a flakier texture or homemade crescent dough if desired.
Apple Butter: Replace with unsweetened applesauce mixed with a pinch of cinnamon and sugar.
Granulated Sugar: Use coconut sugar or brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor.
Butter Substitute: Vegan butter or margarine can replace regular butter for a dairy-free option.
Ingredients Notes
Crescent Roll Sheets: Ensure the sheets are seamless for easier rolling and cutting.
Apple Butter: Homemade apple butter enhances the flavor, but store-bought works just as well.
Cinnamon Sugar: Adjust the cinnamon-to-sugar ratio to suit your taste.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature: Store cooled cruffins in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly before serving.
Freezing: Freeze baked cruffins in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough from scratch?
Yes! You can make your own crescent roll dough or puff pastry for a more homemade approach.
2. What type of apple butter should I use?
Choose a thick, high-quality apple butter for the best flavor. Homemade apple butter with cinnamon works exceptionally well.
3. How can I prevent sticking?
Grease your muffin tin well with butter or nonstick spray. Silicone muffin molds also work wonderfully.
4. Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cruffins, refrigerate them overnight, and bake them fresh the next day.
5. Why are my cruffins not flaky?
Ensure you tightly roll the dough and cut it cleanly to expose the layers. Puff pastry can also enhance flakiness if desired.
More Apple Recipes
Apple Butter Cruffins
Ingredients
- 2 tubes (8 ounces each) crescent roll sheets
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- First, preheat the oven to 350°F. Then, roll out each crescent dough sheet until slightly larger, and evenly spread apple butter on top.
- Roll up the dough logs from the long end, and cut them in half for shorter logs. Next, cut each log lengthwise to expose layered inner sections.
- Gently wrap each piece around your fingers to form neat muffin shapes, with layers facing outwards. Stretch the dough slightly to help the layers show once baked.
- Place the rolled pieces in a greased muffin tin. Bake in the preheated oven, rotating halfway through baking at 15 minutes.
- Once baked, remove them and loosen each crisp bottom carefully with a butter knife.
- While still warm, roll the golden pastries in cinnamon sugar coating.
- Allow the Apple Butter Cruffins to fully cool before serving.