Caramel Apple Dip

Behind This Caramel Apple Dip Recipe

This caramel apple dip takes all the best parts of a caramel apple (aka the caramel and toppings) and turns them into a simple, fuss-free dessert dip.

Cream cheese is sweetened with brown sugar and vanilla to give it a caramel-like flavor and then it’s topped with a smooth, thick layer of caramel and a crunchy crumble of toffee pieces. Five minutes later, it’s ready to enjoy with crunchy sliced apples or graham crackers. It really could not get any easier!

As far as dessert dips go, this caramel apple dip is right up there with s’mores dip and peanut butter cheesecake dip as one of my all-time favorites. I love the thick, gooey layer of caramel and the tangy but sweet cream cheese base. Plus, it just reminds me of fall and getting a caramel apple at the local fair.

Tips From My Kitchen

• Use thicker caramel sauce. Most caramel sauces that are intended for ice cream are too thin for this recipe. I like to use Marzetti’s caramel dip but there are other thicker caramel brands out there.
• Start with softened cream cheese. Softening the cream cheese to room temperature before starting this caramel apple dip recipe will make things much easier and helps get a lump-free base.
• Try a different topping. I love the pairing of toffee + caramel but there are so many options for toppings. For a salty twist, try chopped peanuts. For a bit of chocolate, try mini chocolate chips, mini M&Ms, or even Reese’s pieces.
• Serve at room temperature. Both the cream cheese and the caramel sauce harden when chilled, so it’s best to enjoy this dip at room temperature. Just pull it from the fridge 30 minutes or so before you’re ready to enjoy.

Key Ingredients

Here’s an overview of the 5 ingredients needed to make this cream cheese caramel dip. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of the post for the exact measurements.

• Cream cheese – The base of this dessert dip. I recommend using brick-style cream cheese. Low-fat should work fine.
• Brown sugar – Whipped with the cream cheese to create a caramel-like flavor.
• Vanilla extract – A bit of vanilla adds another layer of flavor to the cream cheese.
• Caramel sauce – I recommend a quality brand that’s a bit thicker and richer tasting. Smuckers will be too runny. Try Stonewall Kitchen or Marzetti Old Fashioned Caramel (in the tub in the produce aisle).
• Toffee – Any chopped toffee pieces or bits can be used as the topping. The saltiness pairs nicely with the sweet caramel.

What To Serve It With

Sliced apples obviously pair very nicely with this caramel apple dip. Red and green apples are both great and I like to use some tart varieties to balance the sweetness of the dip.

But apples aren’t the only thing that works with this dip! Other fruit, like sliced pears and grapes, work well, as do graham crackers, Nilla wafers, and pretzel thins.

Storage

Store caramel apple dip in the fridge, either in a container with a lid or covered with plastic. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days.

Looking For More Easy Desserts?

• Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Delight
• Oreo Mug Cake
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
• Pound Cake Banana Pudding
• No-Bake Eclair Cake