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 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 Video
Caramel Apple Dip
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.
Shannon says
Can you make this recipe the day before or should it be put together right before serving? Also, how long do you suggest soaking the apples?
Sara says
You can prepare the cream cheese and caramel mixture the day before. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then add toffee bits and serve. I’d soak the apples for about 20-30 minutes.
Johni says
What do you soak the apple slices in?
Sara says
You can use lemon juice or sprite!
Julia Gail Bauman says
I use pineapple juice
Pat Soult says
Making this Sunday. What apples are best?
Sara says
I like to use Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Fuji or Honeycrisp!
Barb says
Looks delicious, looking forward to trying. However, I’m not sure WHY cream cheese on the bottom? Can you omit the cream cheese? Thanks 🙂
Sara says
You can if you want to, but that would significantly change the recipe so I’m not sure how it would turn out!
Sheryl says
That would just leave the caramel sauce and the nuts..not sure why you would eliminate the cream cheese?
Marilyn Walker says
The cream cheese is the main ingredient????
Lisa says
That would just leave the caramel dip lol 🤷🏻♀️
Larry Reimnitz says
Curious how you get the caramel to spread out over the cream cheese. Most caramels are too thick to spread.
Sara says
If you use caramel dip or caramel topping it should spread just fine, if you’re concerned you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds to loosen it up.
Sarah says
I put my cream cheese layer in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes after I spread it in the dish to help the caramel layer spread better. It helped A LOT!
Laura says
I tweaked it a little to make it sugar free. I used Swerve in place of normal sugar and sugar free caramel dip. It was so good. People didn’t realize it was sugar free.
Rose says
I wish I could go sugar free and use substitutes but all of them trigger migraines for me. Please let people know when you use a substitute to save them from it. Only real sugar for me. I am making this dip tomorrow 👍
Julia says
This is a really good recipe to take to parties. I first had this dip made by my sister-in-law at a family Thanksgiving. She soaked the green apple slices in pineapple juice to add flavor and keep them from turning dark.
Traci says
Can you use brown sugar intead of white?
Sara says
Yes that’s fine!
Kristen says
Made this recipe last night for our game night with friends, it was a hit! I used chopped nuts on top which was nice because it gave it that salty sweet combo! I will definitely make this recipe again, plus it’s so easy and can be made super fast. Thank you!
Sara says
So glad you enjoyed it, thanks for reporting back!
Carrie says
I made this today for an office potluck and it was a Hit!! Everyone loved it and there was nothing left in my container
Sara says
So glad to hear you enjoyed it, thank you for reporting back!
Amanda B. says
Your welcome Sara
Lynn says
I love that dish that it’s prepared in. Any buying info on it?
Sara says
I actually picked it up at Marshall’s a few years ago, I’ll take a look and see if there are any brand markings on it!
Amanda B. says
This looks so delicious! will definitely try it for my kids
BARB says
Can’t wait to make this, specifically after all these tips and comments.
Sara says
Hope you enjoy!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!