This super delicious caramel apple dip recipe is a quick and easy dessert that only contains 4 ingredients!
When I think fall, I think about apple recipes. Well, I also think of pumpkin, but I’ve been sharing a lot of pumpkin recipes lately so now it’s time for something a little different! Have you ever tried to make caramel apples before? They’re fun to make and eat, but sometimes I want caramel apples for a crowd which is when I whip up this super easy caramel apple dip. It’s a simple combination of ingredients that makes a spectacular dessert, snack or appetizer. Add some sliced apples and dip away!
How to make caramel apple dip
The base of this caramel apple dip is lightly sweetened cream cheese, which is spread into the bottom of a serving dish. The cream cheese layer is topped with caramel and sprinkled with toffee bits for a finishing touch.
For the caramel layer, I typically use a tub of pre-made caramel dip such as Marzetti brand which is available near the apples in the produce section of your grocery store. You can also use a caramel sauce but make sure it’s thick and not runny like some sundae toppings are. Another delicious option for the topping would be a can of dulce de leche.
I love the crunch and flavor of the toffee bits, but you could also top this dip with chopped peanuts or peanuts, or even mini chocolate chips.
This caramel apple dip can be prepared in advance, but it’s best served at room temperature so that the layers are perfectly creamy and dippable. I like to serve this dip with sliced green and red apples, but sliced pears, graham crackers or vanilla wafers would also be great additions to mix things up a bit.
This caramel apple dip is perfect for parties, fall gatherings, potlucks, or just for any time you’re craving a caramel apple. It’s a fall favorite that can most definitely be enjoyed all year round!
More easy dessert ideas
Caramel Apple Dip
This super delicious caramel apple dip recipe is a quick and easy dessert that only contains 4 ingredients!
Ingredients
- 1 8 ounce block cream cheese softened
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 16 ounce container caramel dip or thick caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup toffee bits
Instructions
Place the cream cheese in a medium bowl and beat with a mixer until smooth and creamy.
Add the sugar and beat until thoroughly combined.
Spread the cream cheese mixture into an even layer in a 3 cup serving dish.
Pour the caramel dip or sauce over the cream cheese mixture. Spread into an even layer. Top with toffee bits and serve with sliced apples.
Joanne Redman says
Something else you can use in place of toffee bits is smash up Skor bars, about 4 of them will do the trip, I make this very delicious and crowd winning recipe with every family gathering, delish!
Sara says
Great idea!
Victoria says
I have used the chocolate covered toffee bits.
Donna Holt says
Yummy. 💜 Great idea.
Debbie says
This looks perfect for fall! My family will love this!
Carrie Shuck says
what is your secret for keeping the apples fresh and pretty?
Sara says
Toss them in a little lemon juice, the citric acid slows down the browning process!
Mary says
I’ve also poured sprite or 7-up over them. It keeps them from browning
Judy says
Putting sliced apples in a cup of water with 1 1 0r2 tbsp of honey works
lori says
let them sit in sprite and it works too and doesn’t alter the taste. I do this with the apples my kids take to school
BMW says
I place apple slices in pineapple juice to stop them from turning brown. Will leave them in the juice until I’m ready to serve.
Wendi Dwyer says
Apple slices in a salt water bath for 5 minutes keeps them from turning brown.
K says
I dip mine in orange juice. It’s a little sweeter than the lemon juice.
Anna says
Soak them in Sprite for a couple minutes and they won’t turn brown.
Kathy Moore says
A GREAT way to keep them fresh without using straight up lemon juice is to use a can of 7-Up or other similar soda. In a gallon bag, dump the soda, and as you slice the apples, dump them in, they will not turn brown, will not affect the taste adversely either!
olivia @ livforcake says
I LOVE how easy this is and omg it sounds delicious. Will be making it soon!!
Jodie says
Could you make your own caramel for this?
Sara says
Yes you could, you would just want to make sure that’s on the thicker side!
Catherine Vanhorn says
What is toffee bites and what is a replacement if can’t find any
Sara says
Toffee bits come in a bag in the baking aisle near the chocolate chips. If you can’t find them, simply buy a few toffee candy bars like heath or skor bar and chop them up!
dawn from connecticut says
I use butterscotch or peanut butter chips. I freeze them and toss into food processor for a quick spin just to make them smaller pieces. then I pour out onto the dip. they thaw in seconds!
Sara says
Yum that sounds delicious!
Kristen says
Is this ok to prepare the day before?
Sara says
You can prepare the cream cheese and caramel part the day before, then sprinkle the toffee bits over the top right before you serve it to keep them crunchy. You probably will also want to let the dip sit at room temp for about 15-20 minutes before you serve it just to take the chill off and make it easier to scoop up. Hope that helps!
Cathy says
It’s says three cup serving dish. Should i triple recipe.for an 8×10 pan?
Sara says
Yes, that sounds correct!
Emma says
Ive made this and melted choc Hershey bars… Poured on top of cream cheese then caramel. CRAZY GOOD STUFF
Sara says
LOVE the idea of adding chocolate!
Tasha Adams says
Is this white sugar or powered sugar?
Sara says
white granulated sugar!
Mary Ward says
Is a 8 x 8 pan om to use? Is that a 3 cup pan?
Sara says
8″x8″ should be fine! You just want it to be at least 3 cups but bigger is ok too.
Angie says
This was delicious! It didn’t last long for an office party! How long can it stay out of the refrigerator if giving as gifts?
Sara says
I’d say it shouldn’t stay out for more than an hour or so considering it has cream cheese in it. Glad you liked it!!
Sassi says
Could you just melt caramels in double boiler
Can’t find a thick caramel St stores?!?!
Sara says
You can do that, but add some cream to thin the caramel out, otherwise it’ll harden back up as soon as it cools.
Jason says
Love this! Thanks so much for sharing.
Khadija says
We don’t get heath or skor bars here, what else could I use? Maybe peanuts?
Any other substitutes?
Sara says
Chopped peanuts, pecans or mini chocolate chips would all be great!
Carolyn says
This dip is amazing! I made it with the toffee and served with red and green apple slices. We ALL loved it!
I served it on an apple -shaped dish. Very festive!
Jim says
Made this but used cinder toffee for the topping and strawberries instead of apple. SPOT ON
Donna Holt says
Love all the comments along with the extra ideas. Thick caramel is the same as ice cream topping? Or is the topping to thin? I never knew about putting apples in sprite. 💜 Yummy post. I thank my sister Peggy for sharing it.
Sara says
Yes ice cream topping will work, you just don’t want the thinner syrup.
Stacy Parker says
If someone is a diabetic, could you substitute Splenda?
Sara says
You can, just make sure you also use sugar free caramel sauce and sugar free toffee, or try chopped nuts instead of the toffee!
Theresa says
I made this dip for a small, family party and everyone raved about it! There wasn’t any left by the end of the party. Even people who didn’t like caramel still loved this dip! Such a great combination with the cream cheese. Thank you for the quick, easy recipe and thanks to previous commenters for the tip about the apples. I soaked them in sprite for a few minutes and they stayed perfectly white the entire day! This recipe is a keeper!
Sara says
So glad to hear you liked it, thanks for reporting back!
Linda says
I make this for every gathering, it is loved by all ages.
I have made variations of this.
I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar and a a tsp. of vanilla to the cream cheese mixture.
I get the Caramel in the produce department of my grocery store, it comes in a cottage cheese size container.
I add mini chocolate chips and the tiny marshmallows in the jar, warm the chocolate fudge sauce and drizzle over the top. If it’s a holiday, while the hot fudge sauce is warm, I sprinkle it with color appropriate cookie sprinkles..
However you decide to make this, it is always a hit! Have fun!
Sara says
So happy to hear that you love this dip! Thanks for reporting back!
Kerri L Vasquez says
Can you use powdered sugar instead of regular sugar?
Sara says
Yes you can!
Nancy says
Using the powdered sugar do you use the same amount as powdsugar?
Sara says
Yes that should be fine!
Phyllis Fleck says
Question … in the recipe it states 5 minutes prep time, 1 minute cook time … I’m planning on making this , this weekend … what is the cook time ?? Nowhere in the recipe is there cooking ??
Thanks … Phyllis Fleck
Sara says
My recipe card requires a cooking time even if there’s no cooking involved, it’s more of a technicality. So you are correct there is no cooking involved!
Heather says
Are you able to make this ahead of time and refrigerate it?
Sara says
Yes but I’d add the toffee bits last minute so that they don’t soften in the fridge. The dip is best served at room temperature so let it sit out a bit before you serve it.
Rae says
So glad I found this recipe!!! I usually just serve sliced apples with a dish of caramel sauce on the side. This takes it to a whole different level! Everyone absolutely went crazy over it!
So happy that others suggested soaking apples in sprite – I have never had luck with lemon juice – the apples still turned brown. After soaking in sprite they lasted all evening without turning brown.
This recipe makes me so happy!!!!!
Sara says
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it, thank you for reporting back!
BARB says
Can’t wait to make this, specifically after all these tips and comments.
Sara says
Hope you enjoy!