Description
Creamy caramel apple dip with cream cheese, brown sugar, caramel, and spices. Serve with apple slices for a sweet appetizer or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 6–8 medium apples, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji
- Lemon juice (optional, for preventing browning of apples)
- Optional toppings: chopped pecans, toffee bits, mini chocolate chips, sea salt
Instructions
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Take cream cheese out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before starting. If short on time, microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until soft but not melted.
- Combine Cream Cheese and Brown Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and packed brown sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Add Caramel Sauce and Vanilla: Pour in the 1/4 cup of caramel sauce and the vanilla extract. Beat with the mixer until well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Spices: Add the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Beat again until the spices are evenly distributed.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dip and adjust sweetness or spices to your liking.
- Chill the Dip (Optional but Recommended): Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and thicken. Cover tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
- Choose Your Apples: Select your favorite apple varieties for dipping.
- Wash and Core the Apples: Thoroughly wash the apples under cold running water. Then, using an apple corer or a sharp knife, remove the core from each apple.
- Cut the Apples into Slices or Wedges: Cut the apples into slices or wedges, depending on your preference. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
- Prevent Browning (Optional): Toss the apple slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Arrange the Dip and Apples: Transfer the chilled caramel apple dip to a serving bowl. Arrange the apple slices around the bowl.
- Drizzle with Caramel Sauce (Optional): Drizzle some additional caramel sauce over the top of the dip.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle the dip with your favorite toppings.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the caramel apple dip immediately with the apple slices.
- Storage: Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store apple slices in an airtight container with a damp paper towel.
Notes
- Make it Healthier: Use light cream cheese and a sugar substitute.
- Add a Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dip.
- Use Different Apples: Experiment with different apple varieties.
- Make it Vegan: Use vegan cream cheese and vegan caramel sauce.
- Individual Servings: Make individual servings in small cups or ramekins.
- Other Dipping Options: Serve with graham crackers, pretzels, or pound cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes