This Caramel Apple Dip recipe with cream cheese, brown sugar, vanilla and caramel is an easy dessert dip for apple season. Serve with fresh apple slices and it tastes like delicious caramel apples!
Easy caramel apple dip is perfect for fall. Serve it for an after school snack, an easy dessert or fun treat, and people will love you forever!
This easy apple dip comes together easily and is similar to my chocolate chip dip or easy peanut butter fruit dip. But, the gooey caramel layer is what makes this delicious dessert taste like a caramel apple.
This easy recipe is easier than caramel apple nachos or baked caramel stuffed apples and a nice change from pumpkin-flavored desserts like pumpkin pie dip.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients for this homemade caramel apple dip. you can find them at grocery stores or online.
- Cream cheese -- Leave a block of cream cheese out to soften for easier mixing
- Brown sugar -- both light brown sugar or dark brown sugar will work
- Vanilla extract
- Caramel dip -- Use a thick caramel dip like Marzetti, not a pourable thin sauce for best results
How to Make Caramel Apple Dip
First, set the cream cheese out to soften. You really need room temperature cream cheese to make mixing easier.
Then, cream the softened cream cheese, brown sugar and vanilla together in a medium sized mixing bowl using a hand mixer. You can also use a stand mixer if you have one.
Then, transfer the mixture into a serving dish, making sure the top is evenly smoothed out.
Next, add the caramel dip on top of the cream cheese layer and smooth it out. I like using an offset spatula for this step because I think that it's the best way to evenly spread the thick caramel sauce.
Finally, sprinkle on your toppings of choice on top of the caramel layer.
I love using mini m&ms on this easy dessert because they're what I top my regular caramel apples with. Any toppings will work though!
You can also choose to serve this delicious caramel apple dip as it is without any toppings.
Serve this simple caramel apple dip with fresh apples -- We like Grany Smith apples and gala, but any kind of tart, firm apple will work -- and any of your favorite dessert dipping foods.
Try using animal crackers, vanilla wafers, graham crackers, Teddy Grahams, ginger snaps or any other fresh fruit such as strawberries.
How to Store
Store this creamy caramel apple dip in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap. It'll last for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Bring the dip to room temperature before serving.
Variations
There are a couple ways to customize this cream cheese caramel apple dip to your liking.
Toss on your favorite toppings. Toffee bits, mini chocolate chips, a crushed up Heath Bar and sprinkles all work great. You can even drizzle on some melted chocolate on top!
Use flavored caramel dip for more flavor. Use homemade caramel sauce instead of the jarred version.
You can easily double or triple the recipe for a party dip. If you make it ahead of time, add the caramel layer last.
Tips and FAQ
The best apples for dipping in caramel are firm tart apples that aren't too sweet, like Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala, Honey Crisp or Pink Lady.
The easiest way to prevent fresh apple slices from browning is to sprinkle them with lemon juice, lime juice or pineapple juice. Sprite or any lemon lime soda will also work.
Recipe
Caramel Apple Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ caramel dip
Instructions
- Add the cream cheese, brown sugar and vanilla extract to a medium mixing bowl
- Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy
- Scoop cream cheese mixture into a small serving bowl, and spread the caramel dip evenly over the top of the cream cheese
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes, and top with mini m and m candies, if desired
Notes
Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.
Nutrition
If you love apple desserts and apple recipes, try my crescent roll apple dumplings, apple crisp or apple pie dump cake, and check out my dessert recipes archive for more fall desserts!
I hope you love this creamy caramel dip as much as we do. It's definitely a crowd pleaser!
If you do make this caramel dip recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below.
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Erik says
Such a fun treat! Great that it keeps for a few days, too.
Debbi says
This was so easy -- much easier than caramel apples. The kids loved the apple slices.
Jeannie says
This is SO good! Easy to make and it went fast!
Kathleen says
WOW!! This caramel apple dip is incredible! The perfect fall treat!
Krissie says
We loved this dip. I can't wait to enjoy this recipe with freshly picked apples. It tastes amazing.
Amy says
It was the perfect treat for the kids!! SO YUMMY!
Sandra says
My kids loved this caramel apple dip! Need to make it again soon!
Beth says
This was so delicious. I love that I can get all that delicious caramel apple flavor PLUS the creaminess of this without a huge mess like I'd have to deal with in a regular caramel apple.