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Make your very own easy caramel apple dip recipe with the perfect silky texture and crazy delicious flavor. This apple dip recipe takes minutes to make and is absolutely addictive – the softened cream cheese layer with caramel and crunchy toffee bits is the perfect place to dip fresh apple slices. This quick and easy dessert dip recipe is made with just a few ingredients and is a true fall favorite. You’ll love this as a potluck or party treat – it looks so pretty and is such a fun dessert or addition to a sweet spread.
This recipe for cream cheese caramel apple dip is the perfect party pleaser and a must-try if you love dessert dips.
Also try this gingerbread apple cake, apple butter cookies, caramel apple pretzel bites, or this campfire apple crisp.
Why You’ll Love It
Easy to make: You’ll love how quickly this caramel dip for apples comes together with hardly any prep time.
Minimal ingredients: Less than 10 ingredients and mostly pantry staples that you may already have on hand.
Dreamy texture: Smooth, creamy and velvety with a delightful crunch from toffee bits and honey-roasted peanuts.
Perfect pairing: The tartness of Granny Smith apples is perfect with the sweet, creamy dip.
Caramel Apple Dip Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Cream cheese: The creamy, tangy base that balances the sweetness of the recipe.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness and a rich caramel flavor to your caramel cream cheese dip.
Powdered sugar: Sweet and oh-so-smooth.
Heavy whipping cream: This ingredient gives the dip a luscious, velvety consistency.
Caramel dip or sauce: Use a store-bought premade caramel dip or sauce for the caramel layer. You can typically find a good quality, thick caramel sauce by the apples in the produce section. Homemade caramel dip is also perfect.
Toffee bits (for garnish): For the crunch! Don’t skip them in your apple dip recipe.
Chopped honey-roasted peanuts (for garnish): Adds a salty-sweet element and the yummiest crunch.
Granny Smith apples, sliced for serving: For the perfect pairing, these make tart, crisp apple slices.
How to Make Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Make the base: Beat the cream cheese until smooth and add brown sugar and powdered sugar. Add heavy cream and vanilla and beat until smooth.
Layer the dip: Spread the cream cheese mixture into an even layer of your serving dish. Pour caramel sauce over the cream cheese mixture and add the toffee bits and chopped peanuts on top. Serve with apple slices.
Substitutions and Variations
Other toppings: These can include chopped Snickers, colorful sprinkles, chopped Butterfinger, chocolate sauce drizzle, or marshmallow fluff. Turn this into a salted cream cheese caramel apple dip by topping it with coarse sea salt.
Substitute cream cheese: For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese.
Brown sugar alternatives: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different sweet twist.
Powdered sugar swap: Try using honey or agave syrup.
Heavy whipping cream alternative: Swap with Half & Half or even milk for a lighter version.
More flavor: Use almond extract or cinnamon.
Caramel sauce variety: Experiment with homemade caramel sauce or use dulce de leche (I love this brand!)
Salted caramel twist: Elevate the flavor by garnishing with coarse sea salt for that perfect blend of sweet and salty.
Fruity: Serve with slices of pears, bananas or strawberries for a fruity twist.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizer: Start with a tasty taco dip or a fresh veggie appetizer of tomato and burrata caprese salad.
Main: Have a hearty slow cooker pepper steak or marry-me chicken pasta! Sheet pan lasagna is an easy main to try.
Dessert: Serve this cream cheese caramel apple dip with Granny Smith apples for a tart bite. Try other dippers like sliced red apples, sliced pears, cookies, pretzels, vanilla wafers, or graham crackers.
How to Store Caramel Apple Dip
Store: Leftover caramel apples dip can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Cover with a lid or tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent unwanted flavors from seeping in. Leftover apple slices won’t keep.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the dip in an airtight container. Leave some space at the top, as the dip will expand slightly when frozen.
Thaw: Leave the dip the thaw overnight in the fridge. Serve it with fresh apple slices.
Top Tips
Make ahead to save time: You can make this creamy and flavorful dip in advance; it will just need to sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
Prevent apple browning: To prevent apple slices from browning, toss them in lemon juice or a mixture of water and lemon juice before serving.
Soften cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing for a smooth, lump-free dip.
Caramel Apple Dip FAQs
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are deliciously tart, you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji or Gala for a sweeter taste.
You can substitute Half u0026 Half or even milk. Although the dip might be slightly less rich, it will still be delicious.
If your dip turns out too thick, add a little more heavy whipping cream or milk, a teaspoon at a time, until the consistency is right.
Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip Recipe
Caramel Apple Dip
Ingredients
- 8 Ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ Cup brown sugar
- ¼ Cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon heavy whipping cream
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 Ounces caramel dip, or sauce
- ¼ Cup toffee bits, for garnish
- ¼ Cup honey-roasted peanuts, chopped, for garnish
- Granny Smith apples, sliced, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add brown sugar and powdered sugar; beat on high speed until thick and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and vanilla and beat for 2 minutes, or until smooth, scraping the sides as necessary.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture into an even layer in a 3-cup serving dish.
- Pour caramel sauce over the cream cheese mixture. Top with toffee bits and chopped peanuts. Serve with apple slices.
Notes
Prevent apple browning: To prevent apple slices from browning, toss them in lemon juice or a mixture of water and lemon juice before serving.
Soften cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing for a smooth, lump-free dip.
Nutrition
Create your own yummy caramel apple dip with a silky smooth texture and incredible taste. This quick and simple recipe comes together in no time and is truly addictive – combining creamy softened cream cheese, rich caramel, and crunchy toffee bits. It’s an ideal pairing for crisp apple slices. Perfect for parties, this treat is not only visually appealing but also a fun and delicious addition to any sweet spread.
Other Apple Recipes to Try
- The little apricot and apple dumplings are loaded with cinnamon and an easy air fryer treat.
- Enjoy a slice of this comforting apple loaf for breakfast, a snack or as dessert.
- These apple muffin topped cookies will disappear as quickly as you can make them – maple glazed and loaded with vanilla goodness.
- You’ll want to sip all fall long on this apple whiskey sour recipe!
- Try my method for caramel apples – such a cute treat!
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
I brought this caramel apple dip to a party, and it was the star of the show!
Oh my! This is a new favorite for sure! Loved it.