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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers » Dips and Spreads

    Caramel Apple Dip

    Published: Aug 29, 2023 · Modified: Oct 25, 2023 by Dorothy Bigelow · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    Dipping an apple slice into a caramel and cream cheese dip.
    Dipping an apple slice into a caramel and toffee dessert dip.

    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! 

    Dipping an apple slice into a caramel dip topped with toffee bits.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love It:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Storage Tips
    • What Kind of Apples are Best?
    • Variations
    • Substitutions
    • More Recipes for Fall Gatherings:
    • Caramel Apple Dip

    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:

    1. Simple ingredients. You'll need just 4 basic ingredients to make this caramel apple cream cheese dip.
    2. Crowd pleaser. There is never anything left to take home! So if you want extra, make sure to double the recipe.
    3. 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.
    4. 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

    The ingredients needed to make caramel apple dip: caramel, cream cheese, toffee bits, sugar.
    • 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! 

    A bowl with cream cheese, caramel, and powdered sugar.
    Mixing together cream cheese with a hand mixer.

    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

    A baking dish filled with a cream cheese layer.
    Drizzling caramel over a cream cheese layer.

    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

    Spreading caramel sauce over cream cheese.
    A caramel dip covered with 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

    Apple slices being dipped into caramel and toffee dip.

    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.
    Can I make caramel apple dip ahead of time?

    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.

    A baking dish filled with cream cheese, sprinkled with toffee bits.

    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
    Should you soak apples after slicing?

    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.

    Dipping a slice of Granny Smith apple into a dessert dip.

    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.

    Dipping gingersnaps into a cream cheese and caramel dip.

    More Recipes for Fall Gatherings:

    • Air Fryer Apple Turnovers
    • Pumpkin Fluff Dip
    • No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
    • Layered Cream Cheese and Salsa Dip
    • Pumpkin No Bake Cookies

    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.

    Dipping an apple slice into a caramel and cream cheese dip.

    Caramel Apple Dip

    This easy recipe for Homemade Caramel Apple Dip calls for just 4 ingredients! A yummy dessert dip that's perfect for your next Fall gathering.
    4.75 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Desserts
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10 servings
    Calories: 218kcal
    Author: Dorothy Bigelow

    Equipment

    • Medium baking dish

    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.
      A bowl with cream cheese, caramel, and powdered sugar.
    • Beat the cream cheese, caramel, and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
      Mixing together cream cheese with a hand mixer.
    • Spread the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of a medium baking dish (7.5 X 10” or 8X8”).
      A baking dish filled with a cream cheese layer.
    • 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.
      Drizzling caramel over a cream cheese layer.
    • Sprinkle the surface of the caramel with the toffee bits.
      A caramel dip covered with 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.
    Did you try this recipe?Tag me at @dashfordinner and share your photos!

    Notes

    *Softening cream cheese: Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for 15-60 minutes. For a quick and easy way to soften cream cheese, add the foil-wrapped block to a plastic freezer bag and seal well. Drop it into a bowl of hot water and allow to soak for 5 minutes. 
    Storage: Wrap the dish tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow to soften at room temperature for 10-30 minutes before serving if possible. 
    To Make Ahead: Assemble the dip up to 24 hours in advance. Allow to soften at room temperature for 10-30 minutes before serving with apple slices, graham crackers, gingersnaps, etc. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 184mg | Potassium: 55mg | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 466IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 0.03mg

    Please note that some of my blog posts here at Dash for Dinner may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. Please see my Disclaimer for more information.

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    Reader Interactions

    4.75 from 8 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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    Hi, I'm Dorothy!

    Dash for Dinner was started when I had my first child, as an effort to help other families who were struggling with cooking delicious meals while balancing it all. 

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