These Pumpkin Crescent Bites are a tasty treat that’s super easy to make! With a soft, flaky crescent dough and a sweet pumpkin filling, they’re perfect for fall gatherings.
You won’t believe how quick they are to whip up! I love serving them warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar—it’s like a little bit of autumn magic on your plate! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the foundation of your bites. You can use store-bought refrigerated dough for ease. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try whole wheat dough or puff pastry as an alternative.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is ideal because it’s ready to go. If you prefer fresh, just roast and blend pumpkin until smooth. But be sure to remove excess moisture for the right consistency!
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor. You can switch it out with coconut sugar or honey, but adjust the amounts since honey is more liquidy.
Spices: Pumpkin pie spice gives these bites a warm flavor, but you can mix your own with nutmeg, ginger, and allspice if you don’t have it. Adjust to taste based on your flavor preference!
How Do I Get the Best Flaky Texture?
To achieve that perfect flaky texture with your crescent bites, it’s all about the dough and handling it properly:
- Don’t overwork the dough. Roll it gently, just enough to encase the filling.
- Make sure the oven is preheated. A hot oven helps the dough puff up nicely.
- Use the egg wash on top; it not only adds shine but helps achieve that crispy outer layer.
By following these tips, you’ll get beautiful, flaky Pumpkin Crescent Bites that everyone will love! Happy baking!
How to Make Pumpkin Crescent Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling
- Whipped cream or vanilla frosting (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 12-15 minutes for baking. So, in total, you’re looking at approximately 30 minutes from start to delicious finish! Perfect for a cozy fall treat without spending all day in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, turn on your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and warm. While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Pumpkin Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine your pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and flour. Mix everything together well until it’s nice and smooth. The flour helps thicken the filling so it won’t ooze out!
3. Prepare the Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. Carefully separate the dough into individual triangles. You should have around 8 triangles from a standard can.
4. Fill the Crescents:
Take about 1 tablespoon of the pumpkin filling and place it at the wide end of each triangle of dough. Make sure not to overfill—less is definitely more here!
5. Roll Them Up:
Starting at the wide end, gently roll the dough towards the point, making sure to enclose the filling well. Place the rolled crescent bites on your prepared baking sheet, tip-side down, to help keep them from unrolling.
6. Egg Wash Time:
In a small bowl, beat the egg until combined. Use a brush to lightly apply the egg wash over each crescent. This will give them a beautiful golden finish when baked.
7. Sweeten the Deal:
Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top of each crescent for a sweet touch and a nice crunch.
8. Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent bites are puffed up and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool & Serve:
Once baked, take the pumpkin bites out of the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They’ll be hot!
10. Enjoy:
Serve these warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla frosting, if you like. They’re perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself—either way, you won’t be disappointed!
Enjoy these flaky, sweet, pumpkin-filled bites that are perfect for a cozy fall dessert or snack!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin until smooth, then remove any excess moisture to avoid a watery filling. It should yield about the same amount as the canned version.
How Can I Make These Vegan?
To make these pumpkin bites vegan, substitute the egg wash with a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk, brushed onto the crescents for color. You can also use a vegan puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough if you prefer!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven or a toaster oven to keep them crispy. The microwave works, but it may make the dough a bit soggy.
Can I Freeze These Pumpkin Crescent Bites?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked assembled bites on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from the freezer whenever you want a delicious treat—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
