Themes⚙
Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Dip
Warm caramel apple dip with cream cheese swirl is a quick crowd-pleaser; perfect for apples, cookies, or pretzels in under 20 minutes.
Warm Caramel Apple Dip with Cream Cheese Swirl is a dessert-style fruit dip that layers velvety caramel sauce with a lightly sweetened, vanilla-enhanced cream cheese mixture, creating a balanced contrast of buttery richness and tangy creaminess. Often finished with a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a pinch of sea salt for added texture, the dip is served warm so the caramel stays pourable and the cream cheese stays soft enough to swirl through each bite. Prepared in a small baking dish or slow cooker and paired with crisp apple slices for dipping, it is typically enjoyed during autumn gatherings, holiday appetizer spreads, or casual game-day snack tables, where its familiar flavors and shareable format make it a crowd-pleasing treat.
Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Dip
Need a dessert in a hurry? This dip comes together with five everyday ingredients in about 15 minutes, and the leftovers reheat beautifully for lunchbox treats or a quick ice-cream topping. Feel free to riff on the recipe by folding in crushed pretzels, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of bourbon for an adults-only version.
Prep Time
15 minutes
15 minutes
Cook Time
22 minutes
22 minutes
Total Time
37 minutes
37 minutes
Ingredients
Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely diced 2 medium
- Fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter 2 tablespoons
- Light brown sugar, packed ⅓ cup
- Ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg ⅛ teaspoon
- Kosher salt pinch
- Soft caramel candies, unwrapped 20 pieces (about 8 oz)
- Heavy whipping cream ¼ cup
- Cream cheese, softened 4 ounces
- Powdered (confectioners’) sugar 2 tablespoons
- Pure vanilla extract ½ teaspoon
- Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts (optional) 2 tablespoons
- Heath toffee bits or mini chocolate chips (optional) 2 tablespoons
- Flaky sea salt for finishing (optional) pinch
Method
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Unwrap the caramels and place them in a small saucepan
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the caramels in the saucepan
- Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until completely melted and smooth
- Take the caramel sauce off the heat and set it aside
- Put the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl
- Add brown sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese
- Beat the cream cheese mixture with a hand mixer until light and creamy
- Spread half of the warm caramel sauce into the bottom of an 8-inch baking dish
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the caramel layer
- Swipe a butter knife through the layers to swirl the caramel and cream cheese together
- Pour the remaining caramel sauce over the top of the dish
- Swirl lightly again to create a marbled effect
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until the edges are bubbling
- Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes
- Wash and core the apples for dipping
- Slice the apples into wedges just before serving
- Arrange the apple slices around the warm dip and serve immediately
Nutrition (whole recipe)
Calories
2220 kcal Protein
10 g Fat
110 g Carbs
305 g Fiber
7 g Sugar
275 g
2220 kcal Protein
10 g Fat
110 g Carbs
305 g Fiber
7 g Sugar
275 g
Notes
For party prep, assemble the dip in an oven-safe ramekin, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; just bake straight from the fridge until the caramel bubbles at the edges. To keep apple slices crisp and bright on the platter, toss them in a quick bath of 1 cup cold water mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, then pat dry before serving.
why this recipe
This warm caramel apple dip melds velvety, buttery caramel with a tangy cream-cheese swirl, creating an indulgent contrast that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new; every bite delivers the cozy flavor of baked apples without the fuss of a pie, making it an effortless showstopper for fall gatherings, weeknight treats, or last-minute entertaining.
FAQs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I assemble this caramel apple dip ahead of time and reheat or bake it just before serving?
Yes—assemble the dip (caramel and cream-cheese layers swirled) in an oven-safe dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When party time comes, pop it straight into a 350°F oven and bake until the caramel is bubbling at the edges; leftovers can be gently reheated in the microwave or a low oven.
Can I substitute jarred caramel sauce for the melted caramel candies?
Yes—use about 1 cup (8 oz) of a good-quality, thick jarred caramel sauce, warming it briefly so it pours easily. Omit the heavy cream, and note that the dip may need a few minutes less in the oven because the caramel is already fully cooked.
How do I keep the dip warm and pourable during a party?
Set the baked dip in a small slow-cooker or fondue pot on the WARM/LOW setting, or place the dish on an electric warming tray; either option will keep the caramel fluid for 2–3 hours. Give the dip a quick stir every 20–30 minutes, and if it starts to thicken, whisk in a teaspoon or two of warm cream to restore a silky, pourable texture.