If there is one thing I love about fall it is the yummy recipes that we get to enjoy at various fall gatherings with friends and family. I just spent some time on a girls weekend with my cousins and aunts…where this homemade caramel apple dip was shared! It was a huge hit and I knew it would become a new family favorite. Today I am sharing with you how to make this cream cheese caramel apple dip.
DO I HAVE TO REFRIGERATE CREAM CHEESE APPLE DIP?
Yes. You will need to refrigerate your cream cheese based dessert dips in the fridge. They should be ok out the fridge for an hour while serving, but when you are finished, you will want to wrap up any leftovers in a airtight container or wrap with plastic wrap and keep in the fridge. It should last up to a week.
HOW TO WASH APPLES BEFORE CUTTING
I always like to wash my fresh produce in a water bath with a couple of TBSP of white vinegar or fruit and veggie wash to remove any dirt, debris or pesticides.
HOW TO REMOVE WAXY COATING FROM APPLES
Sometimes apples from the produce section in a grocery store will come with a waxy coating. I find this pretty easy to remove from the apples with a little bit of extra effort. I like to take the extra step if I am serving the apples to friends and family.
Simply fill a bowl or a sink with the apples with hot water. Let the apples soak in the water for a couple of minutes. Remove them one at a time and wipe the entire apple with a paper towel to remove the waxy coat. If you need a little extra help you can add a little bit of vinegar to the hot water to give you a little more scrubbing power.
HOW TO KEEP APPLE SLICES FROM BROWNING
If you are going to be serving this easy caramel apple dip recipe immediately, you don’t need to worry about your sliced apples browning. But if you need to slice the apples earlier to be prepped for the party, you will want to do one of these tricks to keep your apple slices from turning brown.
Option 1: Dissolve 1/8 tsp of salt in 1 cup of water. Soak the apples in the salt water for 1-3 minutes. Then remove the apple slices and rinse in fresh cold water to remove any salt. Let dry on a paper towel. Do not let the apples soak any longer than 3 minutes or they will absorb the salt and become salty tasting.
Option 2: Add 2 Tbsp of lemon juice (or other citrus juice like orange or pineapple juice) to a cup of water. Soak the apple slices in the citrus water for 1-3 minutes and then rinse and dry the apple slices. The citrus will keep them from browning for a few hours.
WHERE CAN I FIND CARAMEL BITS?
You can find these yummy Kraft Caramel Bits in most grocery stores. I found mine at Walmart but have also seen them at my local grocery store and Target. They are found in the baking aisle and sometimes back in the holiday section of the store by the Halloween and fall items. If you can’t find them you can also grab them online here.
ADDITIONS TO CREAM CHEESE CARAMEL APPLE DIP
If you prefer to add something other than the caramel bits to your cream cheese caramel apple dip there are several delicious substitutions you can make. Here are some of our favorites.
- toffee bits
- swirl of caramel sauce
- graham crackers, broken into pieces
- chocolate chips
- crushed Skor candy bar
- sprinkles
- peanuts, chopped
- walnuts, chopped
- pecans, chopped
BEST APPLES TO USE WITH CREAM CHEESE APPLE DIP
I love to use really crisp apple slices to serve with this delicious cream cheese dip! My all time favorite apple to use are the honey crisp apples, but they can sometimes be a bit pricey. Here are all the different types of apples I would recommend you serve with this apple dip.
- honeycrisp apples
- pink lady apples
- Granny Smith apples
- Braeburn apples
- McIntosh apples
- golden delicious apples
- Jonathon apples
- Cosmic Crisp apples
- Jonagold apples
- gala apples
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DIP?
If you don’t want to use this dessert dip with apples, you can easily switch them out for something you like better. This cream cheese caramel dip would also pair well with the following favorite dippers:
SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR CARAMEL APPLE CREAM CHEESE DIP
Here are some of the supplies you might need or want to use for making this delicious caramel apple dip appetizer.
- spatula
- medium serving bowl
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- plastic wrap
- caramel bits
- apple slicer
- strainer
- fruit and veggie wash
- white vinegar
INGREDIENTS IN CREAM CHEESE APPLE DIP
This apple dip recipe is really easy to make with only 4 simple ingredients needed.
- cream cheese
- brown sugar
- vanilla extract
- caramel bits
- apples (to serve with)
HOW TO MAKE CREAM CHEESE CARAMEL APPLE DIP
Cream Cheese Caramel apple dip is the perfect addition to your next fall get together! This dip has a rich creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with a crisp and tart apple slice. You might want to double the recipe so there will be enough to go around…or so you can leave some at home to finish eating all by yourself.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Wash your apples according to the directions above and set aside to be sliced later, closer to when you will be needing them. If you need to cut them sooner you can follow the instructions for keeping them from browning which can also be found above.
- Set out your cream cheese so that it is not cold and is close to room temperature. This will allow you to stir it up into a creamy and smooth cream cheese mixture with the added ingredients.
- When the cream cheese is room temperature, mix in your brown sugar and vanilla extract and cream together until smooth.
- Add in your caramel bits. I like to fold them into the mixture. I usually don’t use the full bag, but you can determine how many you want to add.
- Transfer the dip into the serving dish or bowl you will be serving the apple dip in.
- Add a few extra caramel bits to the top of the dip for appearance.
- Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
- Serve with your favorite dippers like apples. If you prefer something els you can refer to the list above.
CREAM CHEESE CARAMEL APPLE DIP RECIPE
Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip Recipe
Delicious appetizer filled with bits of caramel in a smooth and creamy cream cheese caramel. Best when served with freshly sliced, crisp and tart apples.
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese
- 3/4 cup brown sugar I usually use a little less than the recommended amount here
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups caramel bits
- 8 indvidual apples sliced
Instructions
-
Wash your apples according to the directions above and set aside to be sliced later, closer to when you will be needing them. If you need to cut them sooner you can follow the instructions for keeping them from browning which can also be found above.
-
Set out your cream cheese so that it is not cold and is close to room temperature. This will allow you to stir it up into a creamy and smooth cream cheese mixture with the added ingredients.
-
When the cream cheese is room temperature, mix in your brown sugar and vanilla extract and cream together until smooth.
-
Add in your caramel bits. I like to fold them into the mixture. I usually don’t use the full bag, but you can determine how many you want to add.
-
Transfer the dip into the serving dish or bowl you will be serving the apple dip in.
-
Add a few extra caramel bits to the top of the dip for appearance.
-
Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
-
Serve with your favorite dippers like apples. If you prefer something els you can refer to the list above.
I really think you are going to love this delicious snack! If you need a quick idea to bring to the next potluck or party, this will be the appetizer recipe you will want to bring! Let me know if you try it!
MORE FAVORITE APPETIZERS
- French Onion Dip
- Cheesy Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Deviled Eggs
- Pineapple Mango Salsa
- Fruit Salsa
- Won Tons
- Homemade Salsa
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