Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip

This cream cheese caramel apple dip has all one of the best flavors of caramel apples, however not one of the trouble. That is a straightforward 20 minute fall occasion appetizer or dessert that is creamy and scrumptious!

Swirled caramel on cream cheese on a plate with green apples, pretzels, and graham crackers.

As a substitute of washing apples, drying them, and attempting to get the caramel to stay, you need to use this creamy, candy dip for any form of apple, graham crackers, or pretzels.

Pair this dip with a few of my different favorites like this Artichoke Hummus or Cottage Cheese Dip, which is ideal for a candy and savory combo.

Straightforward Caramel Apple Dip

Caramel apples are excellent for the autumn season, however there is a purpose why I by no means wish to make them. The apples need to be completely washed and dried, and even then it may be troublesome to get the caramel to stay correctly. I’ve ended up with an enormous mess earlier than!

That is why you will love this caramel and cream cheese apple dip. This dip is straightforward and simple to make, with a layer of cream cheese and cottage cheese whipped, then topped with a swirly layer of caramel.

You may love this recipe as a result of it is:

Straightforward – A lot extra easy than dipping caramel apples, and the caramel will not slide off!
Balanced – The addition of cottage cheese to the cream cheese provides a little bit of saltiness and likewise provides slightly further protein to steadiness the sugar within the caramel.
Fall flavors – All one of the best fall flavors of caramel cheesecake and caramel apples!

This recipe additionally suits the Heal Your Headache weight loss program and gluten free. For extra apple recipes you will love these Apple Cider Mocktails, Apple Cake, and Baked Donut Holes.

Substances

Ingredients for caramel cream cheese apple dip.

This caramel apple cream cheese dip solely requires a number of substances so it is nice for a fast dessert or appetizer for pals or a celebration (in the event you forgot you signed as much as carry one thing!).

Cream Cheese – I like to recommend utilizing one with out carrageenan – Philadelphia block-style, Entire Meals 365, or Publix Greenwise all work.
Cottage Cheese – Provides a savory, salty taste that pairs nicely with the caramel and balances the sugar. I take advantage of Daisy cottage cheese.
Heavy Cream – Only a contact is required to clean out the dip and make the caramel sauce. Use one with out carrageenan like Natural Valley or Horizon.
Sugar – Plain, white sugar which can go into the caramel sauce and dip.
Butter – I like to recommend an excellent high quality, European-style butter. This can be for the caramel half.

If you would like to avoid wasting time, you may also use store-bought caramel dip and simply combine collectively the cream cheese base.

For dipping I like to recommend all types of apples, pretzels, graham crackers, and shortbread cookies. A pinch of Maldon sea salt on high can be nice!

The best way to Make

This caramel apple dip is very easy to make at residence. Listed below are directions with images so you’ll be able to see the way it must be made.

Step process of making homemade caramel by melting the sugar, adding butter and cream, then pouring it into a small white bowl.

Step 1: Make the caramel

Warmth sugar in a medium sized saucepan over medium low warmth. Solely stir the sugar from time to time because it melts. It’s going to soften and switch a lightweight brown colour.

When it’s absolutely melted take away from the warmth and whisk in butter and when the butter is melted whisk in heavy cream and salt and instantly pour right into a warmth proof bowl to permit the caramel to chill.

Be aware – Take the cream cheese out of the fridge not less than an hour prematurely so it reaches room temperature and turns into very tender.

Step 2: Mix the cottage cheese

Mix 1 cup of cottage cheese with 1 tablespoon of heavy cream in a blender till clean and creamy. Put aside.

Process photos for making the whipped cream cheese dip base.

Step 3: Make the cream cheese combination

In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese and white sugar till mild and fluffy. Add 2 tablespoons of the caramel combination you simply made and mix it in.

Lastly, incorporate the blended cottage cheese combination till every thing is nicely mixed.

Pouring caramel into the cream cheese dip bowl.

Step 4: Swirl the dip

Switch the combination to a serving bowl and clean the highest. Pour the caramel excessive and unfold it evenly with the again of a spoon.

Use a straw, chopstick, or comparable device to swirl the caramel sauce all through the cream cheese combination, creating a stupendous sample on high.

Caramel swirled into the cream cheese dip in a white bowl.

Let the dip cool within the fridge for a pair hours earlier than having fun with! High with flakey salt and serve with inexperienced apples, pretzels and/or graham crackers.

Recipe Ideas

For shorter time – Use pre-made caramel as a substitute of home made to hurry up the method.
Thick caramel – If the caramel sauce has cooled for too lengthy and isn’t very pourable you’ll be able to heat it within the microwave for 10-15 seconds earlier than pouring it over high of the cream cheese combination.
Chill time – This dip is nice immediately however can be even thicker as soon as it has time to chill down. I like to recommend not less than an hour in case you have the time.

Really helpful Pairings

A slice of a green apple dipping into a caramel cream cheese dip.

This cream cheese caramel dip is so scrumptious as written, however you can also make a number of edits to make it your personal!

Additional toppings – For an additional crunch, I like to recommend roasted pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds), chopped pecans (not HYH), or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Apples – Inexperienced apples, also referred to as “Granny Smith” are pictured right here, and I feel these apples are greatest for dipping in caramel. However this may work nicely with Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or every other you want. You can additionally substitute a extra crispy pear like Bosc.

Pretzels and Cookies – Thick pretzels would work nice with this dip for a salty and candy taste. I additionally suggest graham crackers, shortbread cookies, and even potato chips.

Storage Ideas

Make forward – I like to recommend making this caramel apple dip the morning you propose to serve it. That manner it has a few hours to relax and be prepared for if you want it.

Fridge – Retailer within the fridge for as much as 5 days, however that is greatest loved inside 1-3 days.

Cream cheese and caramel combined in a bowl next to apples and graham crackers.

Often Requested Questions

My caramel obtained too thick to pour – how do I soften it?

This could occur if it cools. Simply microwave for 10-15 seconds earlier than pouring so its simpler to unfold on high of the dip.

What’s the easiest way to swirl the caramel and cream cheese?

Utilizing a chopstick, skewer, or a knife will all work. For greatest outcomes, I just like the chopstick!

The best way to preserve apples from turning brown?

As a substitute of tossing with lemon juice, I like to recommend storing the apple slices in cool water within the fridge. Then drain earlier than it is advisable to serve and pat dry. It will preserve them recent and crisp with out affecting the flavour.

Can I take advantage of store-bought caramel?

Sure! Though I desire home made, shopping for a store-bought caramel makes this apple dip slightly bit sooner.

Caramel swirled on top of a dip next to a bowl full of apples and pretzels.

Apple Recipes

For extra recipes like this scrumptious caramel apple dip with cream cheese, take a look at these posts. And do not miss my straightforward appetizers for different scrumptious dips.

When you make this, tag me #thedizzycook or @thedizzycook on Fb and Instagram. And in the event you love the recipe, please go away a evaluation beneath! Comply with alongside on my Pinterest for extra nice recipes.