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Tangy cream cheese, sweet caramel, and crunchy toffee bits come together for a fantastic fall treat in this cream cheese caramel apple dip. This easy dip is the perfect addition to any fall party, bonfire, or movie night!
Longtime MBA readers know that for me, sweet dips are where it’s at.
If I see a bowl of s’mores dip or peanut butter dip or pumpkin dip at a party, that’s where I’m gonna be for the rest of the night. If it’s a dip I haven’t had before, I’ll probably also be asking the host for the recipe at some point.
At least I’m predictable, ok?
This cream cheese caramel apple dip is one of those recipes I nabbed years ago. After rediscovering it recently, I knew I had to share it with all of you.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItSweet and tangy caramel apple dip
I first had this cream cheese caramel apple dip years ago at an office chili cook-off when I taught school. (Did you all remember that I used to teach school??)
To be honest, I completely forgot about it until recently when I found a few bags of Heath Bits o’ Brickle in my pantry. I remembered this recipe and thought I’d whip it up for Elle and her friends.
I’m glad I remembered this one because it is GOOD.
It’s like my cream cheese fruit dip and my salted caramel sauce had a baby. You get the tanginess from the cream cheese and that rich flavor from the caramel, and the two go perfectly with tart apple slices.
I love topping it off with toffee bits, but toasted nuts are a great option, too. Especially if you’re the kind of person who loves caramel apples covered in nuts.
This cream cheese caramel apple dip is also super quick to throw together. It’s a must-have addition to any fall party, Halloween movie night, or cozy bonfire.
How to make cream cheese caramel apple dip
This apple dip is so quick and easy to make, you’ll find yourself wanting to make it every weekend from now until the end of apple season!
Ingredients you’ll need
There are only 4 required ingredients for this cream cheese caramel apple dip recipe:
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- ¼ cup lightly packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup homemade salted caramel sauce or good-quality store-bought caramel sauce
I also like to top the dip with ¼ cup of Heath Bits o’ Brickle toffee bits. Chopped toasted nuts such as pecans or peanuts are also a great option – or go totally overboard and use both!
Before you start making this recipe, make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. If you forget to set it out ahead of time, check out my tips for how to soften cream cheese quickly.
If you are out of brown sugar, a simple brown sugar substitute works great in this recipe! You can also learn how to soften brown sugar if yours hardened in the pantry.
Making this dip
Assembling this recipe is so easy, a kid could do it! In fact, this is a great recipe to get your kiddo’s help with, especially if you’re making it for a birthday party or sleepover.
In a medium bowl, add the cream cheese, brown sugar, and vanilla. Mix until well combined and smooth.
I typically do this with an electric mixer to make it super quick, but you could do it by hand, too.
Grab a shallow bowl or serving dish. A mini casserole dish works well!
Spread the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of the dish, then spread the caramel sauce on top.
Before serving, top with the toffee bits and/or chopped nuts.
Make-ahead and serving suggestions
You can serve this cream cheese caramel apple dip right after making it, but you can also make it ahead of time.
If you aren’t going to serve it right away, leave the toffee bits or nuts off. Cover the dip and refrigerate for up to 12 hours, adding the toffee bits or nuts just before serving.
Obviously this dip is fantastic with sliced apples, especially tart apples! But it’s also amazing with graham crackers, vanilla wafer cookies, shortbread cookies, or even pretzels for a salty-sweet bite.
Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup lightly packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup homemade salted caramel sauce or quality store-bought caramel sauce
- ¼ cup English toffee bits Heath Bits O’ Brickle or finely chopped toasted nuts
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, brown sugar and vanilla until thoroughly combined and smooth. Spread mixture evenly into a shallow bowl or dish. Top with caramel sauce and sprinkle with the toffee bits or nuts.
- Serve with tart apples and graham crackers.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Thank you for sharing this recipe.
I love this idea! How do you keep your apples from turning brown?