This easy recipe for Homemade Caramel Apple Dip calls for just 4 ingredients and is ready to serve right away. Whether you're looking for a delicious dessert dip for your next Fall gathering or an after-school snack, this caramel apple dip with cream cheese is always a huge hit!
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This creamy caramel apple dip is one of my favorite desserts to bring to potlucks and Fall gatherings. Not only is it crazy easy to put together, but it's also always a huge hit - which means I don't have to arrange to get my precious dishes back from the host. Hey, a win is a win!
You won't need any cool whip or heavy cream for this recipe, just cream cheese, powdered sugar, caramel, and some yummy toffee bits for the topping.
After about 10 minutes you'll have everything assembled and ready to go. Grab some apples, graham crackers, or any fruit you choose, and you're ready to bring the flavor!
Why You'll Love It:
- Simple ingredients. You'll need just 4 basic ingredients to make this caramel apple cream cheese dip.
- Crowd pleaser. There is never anything left to take home! So if you want extra, make sure to double the recipe.
- Versatile. While I think this creamy caramel apple dip is best when served with crisp apples, you can get creative and serve it with any variety of options.
- Great for Fall. Whether you're welcoming in Apple Season, or just craving the crisp air of Autumn, this caramel apple dip recipe will transport you to a cool October morning.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: This forms the base of the dip, and for the best results it should be softened for an hour or so beforehand.
- Powdered sugar: You can absolutely use regular granulated sugar, but the powdered sugar really melts into the cream cheese and makes sure everything is super smooth - so it's highly recommended!
- Caramel sauce: This can be purchased in to produce section OR the ice cream topping section in grocery stores, depending on your location. You could also use homemade caramel sauce.
- Toffee bits: These provide crunch and a lovely deep flavor. You could use Heath chips OR chopped peanuts if you prefer.
For Serving:
- Fresh apple slices: I recommend Granny Smith apples because they are crisp and tart, which holds up well to the soft and sweet texture of this delicious caramel apple dip.
OR:
- Graham crackers
- Gingersnaps
- Sliced pears
Check the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and the quantities needed.
Instructions
This cream cheese caramel apple dip is so easy to make, and will soon become one of your favorite dessert dips!
Step one: Add the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and ¼ cup of the caramel sauce to a large bowl.
Step two: Beat the ingredients on medium speed using an electric hand mixer.
Layering the Ingredients
Step three: Once the cream cheese mixture is smooth, transfer it to the bottom of a medium-sized baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Step four: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cream cheese layer.
Adding the Toffee Bits
Step five: Smooth the caramel using the back of a spoon or a silicone spatula, until it covers the cream cheese layer completely.
Step six: Sprinkle the toffee bits evenly on top of the caramel layer.
Serving
Step seven: Serve immediately with fresh apples, graham crackers, gingersnaps, or the fresh fruit of your choice!
Serving Tip: I like to use a baking dish that's nice enough to serve in, but if you prefer you can use a nice serving bowl instead! Just make sure it's wide enough so that each dip gets a good ratio of cream cheese, caramel, and the toffee topping.
Storage Tips
- Wrap any leftovers with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 3 days.
- For the best results, allow the dip to warm at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- The dip is best within the first 24 hours but is still absolutely delicious for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- If serving with apples, slice and prepare those just before serving. Soak them in a mixture of water and lemon juice to prevent browning.
- If only a small amount is left, transfer it to an airtight container for storage.
If you want to save your dip for serving at a later time, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. For the best results, prepare the cream cheese layer, but add the caramel sauce and toffee bits just before serving.
What Kind of Apples are Best?
While this creamy caramel dip can be served with graham crackers, gingersnaps, or other options, it really is best when served with crisp, fresh apples.
Any sturdy, crisp apples will hold up well to dipping, but my favorites include:
- Granny Smith
- Jonathan
- Cortland
- Gala
- Honeycrisp
If you want to prevent your apple slices from browning, it is a good idea to soak cut apples in a mixture of cold water and lemon juice. Fill a large bowl with water and add about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Add in your sliced apples and let them soak for about 5 minutes. Then drain and pat dry with clean kitchen towels.
Variations
- With cinnamon: Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture
- With peanuts: Use chopped peanuts in place of the toffee - or a mix of half and half.
- With vanilla: Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- With chocolate chips: Sprinkle some mini chocolate chips on top of the caramel layer.
- Caramel dip cups: Divide each of the layers into 6-8 individual cups, giving each guest their own cup.
Substitutions
Lighter: Swap the cream cheese for light cream cheese and use a low-calorie/sugar-free caramel sauce.
Low Carb: Use your favorite sugar-free caramel sauce, and swap the toffee bits for chopped peanuts.
Gluten-free: The recipe as written is gluten-free, and stays that way if you serve it with apples! If you want to serve with additional options, be sure to use gluten-free graham crackers and gluten-free gingersnaps to avoid cross-contamination.
More Recipes for Fall Gatherings:
If you loved this recipe for Caramel Apple Dip, let me know by leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card or comment below! You can also tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner.
Caramel Apple Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened*
- ¼ cup powdered sugar or granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cup caramel sauce
- ½-3/4 cup toffee bits
Instructions
- Add the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar (or white sugar), and ¼ cup of the caramel sauce to a large bowl.
- Beat the cream cheese, caramel, and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of a medium baking dish (7.5 X 10" or 8X8").
- Pour the remaining 1 cup of caramel sauce on top of the cream cheese layer. Spread it out evenly, so all of the cream cheese is covered.
- Sprinkle the surface of the caramel with the toffee bits.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate until needed (set it out at room temperature for 10-30 minutes before serving).
- Serve with apple slices, graham crackers, gingersnaps, etc.
Notes
Nutrition
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