Creamy Caramel Apple Dip: A Fall Favorite (Print Version)

This creamy Caramel Apple Dip brings back autumn fair memories. Easy to make, it's a delightful sweet treat for any gathering or cozy night in.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 8 oz (226g) block cream cheese, softened
02 - 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter
03 - 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar

→ Flavor Enhancers

04 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
05 - Pinch of salt

→ Toppings

06 - 1/2 cup toffee bits
07 - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

→ Dippers

08 - 4-5 medium fresh apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji), sliced

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that cream cheese out of the fridge! You want it nice and soft, so it creams up smooth, no lumps allowed. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until it's light and fluffy, like a cloud. This usually takes me about 2-3 minutes. I always forget this step and then try to microwave it, which sometimes works, but mostly just creates a weird, half-melted mess. Learn from my oops moments!
02 - Now for the star of the <span class="keyphrase">Caramel Apple Dip</span>. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it's shimmering, add the brown sugar. Stir it constantly until the sugar dissolves and it starts to bubble gently, forming a thick, glossy sauce. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. It'll smell sweet and rich, like a candy shop! Keep an eye on it; you don't want it to burn, or it gets bitter, and nobody wants that.
03 - Take your caramel sauce off the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and that tiny pinch of salt. Now, slowly pour this warm caramel mixture into your fluffy cream cheese, beating with your mixer on low speed until everything is beautifully combined. It should be smooth, thick, and smell absolutely heavenly. Honestly, this is where the magic happens, watching it all come together. Don't overmix, just until it's uniform!
04 - Spread your creamy caramel base evenly into a shallow serving dish. I usually use an 8x8 inch square dish or a pie plate. Once it's spread out, sprinkle generously with the toffee bits and then the chocolate chips. I like to press them down just a little so they stick. This is where you can get creative, adding more or less depending on how much crunch and chocolate you want in your <span class="keyphrase">Caramel Apple Dip</span>.
05 - Once your dip is assembled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time lets the flavors meld and the dip firm up a bit, making it easier to scoop. Honestly, I've served it right away when I'm in a rush, and it's still delicious, just a little softer. But a little chill time does make a difference in texture.
06 - While the dip is chilling, wash and slice your apples. I like to cut mine into wedges or thick slices. You can soak them in a little lemon water if you want to prevent browning, but honestly, they usually disappear too fast for that to be an issue! Arrange them around your chilled <span class="keyphrase">Caramel Apple Dip</span>, and get ready for everyone to dig in. The final result should look inviting, smell like pure autumn, and taste like a dream!

# Notes:

01 - Always soften your cream cheese to room temperature; it makes for a silky smooth dip.
02 - When making the caramel, keep stirring! Brown sugar can burn quickly.
03 - Don't skip the salt in the caramel; it balances the sweetness beautifully.
04 - Slice apples fresh right before serving to prevent browning.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Hand mixer
02 - medium bowl
03 - small saucepan
04 - shallow serving dish (8x8 inch or pie plate)

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 320 calories
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 38g
Protein: 3g

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