How to make a super easy cream cheese caramel apple dip with just 3 ingredients. Fun fall recipe that's quick, effortless, and a family favorite treat!
Every year about this time, I make a cream cheese apple dip that never lasts long around my house. I have to be pretty strategic about who's around when I make it, or I might not get much at all.
It only takes 3 ingredients to make this creamy apple dip recipe (4, if you sprinkle Heath bits on top). And there's no cooking or baking involved.
It's so easy to make, definitely my kind of recipe, much like caramel apple dump cake.
And while you can serve it with just about any kind of apples, my favorite are Granny Smith. There's something pretty wonderful about combining tart apples with the sweetness of this caramel cream cheese dip.
This dip, to me, signals the beginning of fall. Don't you just love everything about fall? While it's sad to leave summer behind, there's just something magical about this wonderful season of the year.
Know what else signals the beginning of fall for me? The scent of my favorite Instant Pot apple butter, easy baked apple slices, and easy gluten-free apple crisp wafting through the house.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE ACTUAL RECIPE CARD?
If you’d rather skip all of my dip making tips, important info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card with a longer how to video.
HOW TO MAKE CARAMEL APPLE DIP
Making this sweet dip is as easy as 4 steps. All you need is a mixer.
- Whip the softened cream cheese by itself first.
- Then combine cream cheese, caramel extract, and powdered sugar until the cream cheese mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Wash and slice apples to serve with your dip, and place the dip in a small serving dish or ramekin.
- Optional step: Top the dip off with toffee bits, if desired. I used Heath Bits, the ones with the chocolate and toffee.
And that's about it. It's ready to serve and enjoy!
WHAT TO PAIR WITH CREAM CHEESE CARAMEL APPLE DIP
Personally, I love pairing Granny Smith apple slices with this dip. But we've also enjoyed it with other favorites like JonaGolds and Honeycrisp apples.
There's something delicious about pairing tart apples with a sweet dip, though.
Handy Tip: To help keep your apples from turning brown, sprinkle them with a little bit of lemon juice.
ALTERNATIVE TOPPING IDEAS:
- Chocolate Chips or mini chocolate chips
- Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds
- Butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips, etc.
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Caramel sauce drizzled over the top
CAN I FREEZE THIS DIP OR MAKE IT AHEAD?
You can freeze this dip, but I wouldn't advise freezing the apples. Just make sure you give it plenty of time to thaw before you serve it.
Also, be sure to cover it well or seal it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
As for making ahead, I'd likely make it the night before, and just make sure you store it in the refrigerator because it needs to stay chilled.
SHOP KITCHEN TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE:
Cutting Board and Paring Knife or Apple Slicer
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Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip
Equipment
- Apple Slicer and Corer
- Serving Dish
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 tablespoon caramel extract
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup toffee bits optional
Instructions
- Whip the softened cream cheese by itself first.
- Then combine the softened cream cheese, caramel extract, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Wash and slice apples to serve with your dip, and place the dip in a small serving dish or ramekin.
- Top the dip off with toffee bits, if desired.