If you’re looking for a dessert that satisfies a serious sweet tooth without the sugar crash, this Apple Honey Ring is it. Originally created for my diabetic aunt, this recipe relies on the natural fructose of Honeycrisp apples and dried fruits. It’s light, festive, and perfect for a spring brunch or a healthy holiday treat!
Diabetic Note: While we’ve kept added sugar to a minimum, this dish is naturally high in fruit-based carbs. Always check the nutritional stats to see how it fits your specific lifestyle choices. #MakeGoodDiabeticChoices
Why Apples and Honey?
While this is a staple for Rosh Hashanah (representing a “sweet year”), the flavor profile is perfect year-round. The tartness of the apples combined with the floral notes of the honey creates a deep flavor that doesn’t need a cup of white sugar to taste “indulgent.”
The Simple Ingredient List
- 1 pkg Refrigerated Crescent Rolls
- 2 large Honeycrisp Apples (peeled and diced)
- 1 1/4 cups Total Mixed dried fruits and nuts (I used pecans, dates, Craisins, raisins, pineapple, and coconut)
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch or pie thickener
- 1 Egg (for the golden wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. The Fruit Prep
Peel and dice your apples into small, uniform cubes. In a large bowl, toss the apples with the honey and your dried fruit/nut mixture. Sprinkle the thickener over the top and toss again to ensure every bit of fruit is coated. This prevents the ring from getting “soggy” while it bakes.
2. The Sunburst Dough
On a parchment-lined tray, arrange your crescent triangles in a circle with the wide ends overlapping in the middle. The points should face outward like a sunburst. This creates the “nest” for your fruit filling.
3. Fill and Tuck
Generously scoop your apple mixture onto the wide inner ring. Fold the triangle points over the filling and tuck them under the center edge. You want some of that beautiful fruit peeking through the gaps!
4. Bake and Serve
Brush the dough with your egg wash. If you want a little extra sparkle, you can add a tiny pinch of raw sugar. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is a deep, golden brown. Serve it warm for the best flavor!
Forking Good Tips:
- Add Moisture: Don’t skip the pineapple and coconut! They act as the “glue” that keeps the apples juicy while they bake.
- Uniform Dice: Using a handheld vegetable chopper makes this prep take about 60 seconds instead of 10 minutes.
Apple Honey Ring
Equipment
- Pizza stone or pan
Ingredients
- ¼ cup pecans chopped
- ¼ cup dried figs chopped (or dates)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup raisins
- ¼ cup canned pineapple tidbits juice reserved
- ¼ cup coconut sweetened and shredded
- 1 Tbs pie thickener or cornstarch
- 3 Tbs pineapple juice
- 2 oz honey
- 2 medium apples diced
- 1 package crescent rolls sweet Hawaiian if available
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tsp water
- 2 Tbs coarse sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375℉
- In a large bowl, add the first 6 ingredients
- Peel, slice, and dice apples then add to the fruit and nut mixture
- Add the honey and juice, mixing well
- Sift the pie thickener over the mixture, combining thoroughly ensuring it is evenly distributed then set aside
- On a pizza stone/pan (or large baking sheet) arrange the crescent roll triangles in a circle, overlapping slightly. The end result should have a circle in the middle and then tips resembling a sunburst
- Scoop filling onto the innermost part of the dough without any falling onto the pan/tray. Fold the tips over the filling and tuck ends under the center ring. There should be gaps showing
- Gently beat the egg and water together and then brush all parts of the pastry with it
- Sprinkle with coarse sugar and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown
- Cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Love easy bakes? Check out our Simple Monkey Bread Muffins or our Southern Breakfast Bowls!
