This Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip recipe is easy to make and the perfect Fall treat! Made with a creamy cream cheese layer, a middle layer of sweet caramel sauce, and crunchy pecan/peanut topping, this easy caramel apple dip is the ultimate party appetizer or dessert!
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My most favorite time of year is the Fall! Not only am I into all things pumpkin, but apples are just as high on my list of favorites! From Apple Coffee Cakes, to Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting, quick breads, and even donuts, I’m in the kitchen happily baking them all. When I think of Fall, the first thing that comes to mind are caramel apples. The kind that are perfectly coated and maybe even topped with new toppings that change it up from classic nuts. Now that I have kids that love all things Fall, I knew this caramel apple cream cheese dip would be a family favorite! It takes the mess out of eating an entire coated apple and of course, is a little gentler on your teeth, haha!
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Why You’ll Love this Apple Caramel Dip with Cream Cheese
- Perfect for any occasion– whether you are making this for guests, a family dessert dip, serving as an appetizer, or making for Fall gatherings, this apple dip fits any spread.
- Quick and easy– using minimal ingredients and only about 20 minutes, you can have this ready to serve anytime that sweet tooth craving hits or if unexpected guests come over and you’re looking for a quick option.
- Simple ingredients– using ingredients that you may already have on hand, this apple dip won’t require ingredients you’ve never heard of.
- A crowd pleaser– this huge hit recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to make large dishes for any amount of people!
Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip Ingredient Notes
Caramel cream cheese apple dip calls for only a few simple ingredients! It’s the perfect last minute dessert for any and every Fall get together. To see exact amounts, scroll to the bottom of this post for printable recipe card.
- Cream Cheese– this is the base of the dip and adds the creamy, tangy flavor. You will want to use two eight ounce packages of cream cheese. Allow both packages to get to room temperature before using as you want it to spread around easily.
- Vanilla Extract– a little goes a long way. Try to use pure vanilla extract versus imitation for the fullest flavor.
- Powdered Sugar– this adds the perfect amount of sweetness throughout.
- Caramel Sauce– you’ll need a twelve ounce jar of your favorite caramel sauce. Most grocery stores have this near the ice-cream toppings or chocolate sauce.
- Pecans/ Peanuts– this adds the perfect crunchy texture to each bite. If you have a nut allergy, simply omit and use toffee bits in place of the nuts.
- Apples– fresh sliced apples are best, use your favorite type of apple!
Additional Topping Options
I love how easily this easy cream cheese dip can be customized to fit any tastes. Here are some of my favorite variations:
- Mini Chocolate Chips
- Heath Bits
- Crushed Vanilla Wafers or Graham Crackers
- M & M’s
- Crushed Candy (Butterfingers, Hershey Bars, Crunch Bars, etc.)
- Sprinkled Brown Sugar
How to make Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed with a hand mixer until combined.
- Spread cream cheese mixture evenly onto the bottom of a small to medium dish.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the cream cheese mixture. Spread evenly to create the second layer.
- Place the dish in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the caramel sauce to slightly harden.
- While the dip is in the freezer, cut apples into ⅓-inch slices.
- Remove the dip from the freezer and sprinkle the chopped pecans and peanuts on top. Enjoy!
Make Ahead and Serving Suggestions
- This dip is ready to serve and enjoy as soon as the caramel topping hardens, however, to save on time, it can easily be prepared ahead of time! If you aren’t going to serve it right away, leave the crunchy nut topping off. Cover the dip and refrigerate for up to 12 hours, adding the nuts just before serving.
- The best thing about this dip is that it can be enjoyed with just about anything desired. If you don’t have apples on hand, use graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, or shortbread cookies instead.
- If you have any of this apple dip leftover, wrap the serving dish with some plastic wrap and place into the fridge. You can also transfer to an airtight container if desired. It will keep for about 1-3 days!
What apples are best for dipping?
If you’ve ever gone to the produce section of your grocery store, you know there are several different types of apples. My most favorite apples for this dip is granny smith apples. They offer a slightly tart, sweet addition to each bite. You can also use honeycrisp, braeburn’s, or pink lady’s for more great options!! Simply grab a few of your favorites and cut into fresh apple slices. PRO TIP: to keep cut apples from turning brown after slicing them, toss in a little bit of lemon juice. This slows the browning process down, allowing more time for fresh, crisp apples to be served at gatherings.
More Fall recipes to try
Snickerdoodle Apple Muffins– a moist, flavorful muffin with chunks of tender apple throughout! Combined with a cinnamon sugar coating, these muffins are a Fall favorite!
Soft Apple Spice Cookies– perfect for Fall baking! Made with warm spices, chunks of juicy apples, and a caramel topping, these apple pie cookies will satisfy any sweet tooth!
Copycat Pizza Hut Apple Dessert Pizza– this pizza is easy to make and the ULTIMATE Fall dessert! A trip down memory lane!
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies– incredibly flavor packed and easy to make! Moist, almost cake-like cookies that are loaded with Fall flavor!
Pumpkin Banana Bread– made with real pumpkin puree and ripe bananas, it’s moist, flavorful, and the perfect for breakfast or sweet treat!
Snickerdoodle Quick Bread– an easy quick bread that comes together using simple ingredients. With swirls of cinnamon sugar throughout and a crispy cinnamon sugar crust, this bread can be enjoyed anytime of the day!
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Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 12 oz caramel sauce
- 1 cup pecans and peanuts chopped
- fresh apple slices
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl,add the room temperature cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed with a hand mixer until combined.
- Spoon the mixture into a small to medium dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the cream cheese mixture. Spread evenly to create the second layer.
- Place the dish in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the caramel sauce to slightly harden.
- While the dip is in the freezer, chop the apples into ⅓-inch slices.
- Remove the dip from the freezer and sprinkle the chopped pecans and peanuts on top. Enjoy!
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