My creamy caramel apple dip is the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, with a hint of cinnamon giving it an incredible warmth! I top this dip with English toffee bits for an extra layer of sweetness and crunch.
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My Easy Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip
My caramel apple dip was inspired by my 9-year-old daughter Leah’s love for caramel apples! Every year at the Fall Fair, Leah is on the lookout for a delicious candy apple. It’s one of her all-time favorite treats and a tradition she sticks to no matter what.
So, I whipped up this homemade apple dip recipe and let my star taste-tester take it for a spin. It captures all the flavors and textures that make caramel apples so delicious, but what really makes it special is how easy it is to eat… especially when loose or missing teeth are involved. Moms know what I mean!
It’s much less work to scoop up all that sweet goodness with sliced apples than it is to bite into a whole one, and the very act of dipping is so much fun too. When Leah tried the dip, she said it was perfect! She still loves the classic on-a-stick version, but with how simple it is to make this caramel apple dip recipe, she can get her fix all year round.
Looking to enjoy more sweet dip recipes? Try my yogurt fruit dip, strawberry fruit dip, cream cheese fruit dip, or my Cool Whip fruit dip!
Apple Dip Recipe Ingredients
- Cream cheese – I use an 8-ounce brick of cream cheese, softened at room temperature.
- Brown sugar – Deepens the sweet caramel flavor of the recipe.
- Pure vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness of the other ingredients and adds depth!
- Ground cinnamon – To add the perfect amount of warmth and spice.
- Caramel – Store-bought caramel works well since it can be easily drizzled and spread.
- Heath Bits O’ Brickle – This is my favorite brand of English toffee baking bits.
- Apples – For dipping! Red or green apples are both great options.
How to Make Apple Dip
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy.
STEP TWO: Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon and continue beating until well incorporated.
STEP THREE: Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a shallow dish, smoothing the top layer.
STEP FOUR: Drizzle the caramel over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon or an offset spatula.
STEP FIVE: If serving the dip immediately, sprinkle the toffee bits over the caramel layer. Otherwise, place the dip in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Remove it 5 minutes before serving and sprinkle on the toffee bits then.
Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Dip
- Thick caramel provides the best texture. I always avoid anything that is too runny or labeled as caramel syrup.
- Spreading the caramel layer carefully ensures that the cream cheese layer doesn’t accidentally get picked up. If this happens, covering the space with toffee bits will fix any gaps!
- If the caramel is difficult to work with, I’ll warm it up to make it pourable and then refrigerate it so that it thickens slightly again.
- Adjusting the amount of caramel may be necessary, depending on the width of the bowl. A larger bowl will need more caramel to fully cover the surface.
- To avoid browned apples, I slice them just before I’m ready to serve them, or I soak them in lemon juice and water to keep them fresh.
Caramel Apple Dip Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Additional toppings like mini chocolate chips or crushed pretzel bits can be added for another layer of crunch!
- For a salted caramel twist, I mix a pinch of sea salt into the caramel and sprinkle some on top of the dip as well.
- To give the dip a nutty flavor, I mix some peanut butter into the cream cheese mixture. This is one of my kids’ favorite variations!
- If I want to make the dip even sweeter and fluffier, I’ll use equal parts cream cheese and marshmallow fluff for the bottom layer.
What to Serve with Apple Dip
Apples are my go-to item to serve with this caramel apple dip recipe, and when I want to take this classic combination to the next level, I use air fryer apple wedges for dipping.
Sliced pears and graham crackers taste delicious with this dip too!
Caramel Apple Dip FAQs
How should I store leftover cream cheese caramel apple dip?
Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, any unused dip will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I take it out of the fridge 5 minutes before serving it so that it has time to soften.
More Easy Apple Recipes
- Apple cobbler recipe
- Apple turnover
- Cinnamon roll apple pie
- Cinnamon applesauce
- Apple crisp recipe without oats
Easy Caramel Apple Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese brick style, room temperature
- ¼ cup brown sugar lightly packed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup store-bought caramel
- ¼ cup Heath Bits O' Brickle English Toffee Baking Bits
- Apples for dipping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon and continue beating until well incorporated.
- Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a shallow dish, smoothing the top layer.
- Drizzle the caramel over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon or an offset spatula.
- If serving the dip immediately, sprinkle the toffee bits over the caramel layer. Otherwise, place the dip in the refrigerator until ready to serve, removing it 5 minutes before serving and sprinkling the toffee bits over top.
Notes
- Thick caramel provides the best texture.
- Spreading the caramel layer carefully ensures that the cream cheese layer doesn’t accidentally get picked up. If this happens, covering the space with toffee bits will fix any gaps!Â
- If the caramel is difficult to work with, warm it up to make it pourable and then refrigerate it so that it thickens slightly again.
- Adjusting the amount of caramel may be necessary, depending on the width of the bowl. A larger bowl will need more caramel to fully cover the surface.
- To avoid browned apples, slice them just before you’re ready to serve them, or soak them in lemon juice and water to keep them fresh.
- Serve with apples, pears, strawberries, graham crackers, and more!
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
