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This is the Caramel Apple Dip recipe of your childhood, the one made with cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Mix up a giant batch and serve with a pile of fresh apple slices.
Table of Contents
Recipe ingredients
Ingredient notes
- Apples: You can use any apples here, but a mix of red and green look especially festive. Washed, uncut apples can be stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks. Store cut apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days (the will begin to brown as soon as you cut them). To prevent cut apples from turning brown, soak cut apples in a solution of 2 cups water + ¼ teaspoon salt for 5 minutes, then rinse and store (will prevent oxidation for 5 to 7 days).
Step-by-step instructions
- In a standing mixer with the paddle attachment, or in a medium bowl with an electric mixer, add cream cheese, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla.
- Beat until smooth. Chill until serving time and serve with apple slices.
Recipe tips and variations
- Yield: This recipe makes about 2 cups of Caramel Apple Dip (32 tablespoons). If you cut your apples into 8 slices each and plan for 1 tablespoon per slice, you’ll need 4 apples for serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If separation occurs, stir before serving.
- Make ahead: This dip can be made a day in advance (the flavor actually improves if given the chance to sit overnight).
- Cinnamon: For a cinnamon variation, stir in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
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Caramel Apple Dip
This is the Caramel Apple Dip recipe of your childhood, the one made with cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Mix up a giant batch and serve with a pile of fresh apple slices.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- sliced apples for serving (see note 1)
Instructions
- In a standing mixer with the paddle attachment, or in a medium bowl with an electric mixer, combine cream cheese, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Serve with apple slices.
Notes
- Apples: You can use any apples here, but a mix of red and green look especially festive. Washed, uncut apples can be stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks. Store cut apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days (they will begin to brown as soon as you cut them). To prevent cut apples from turning brown, soak cut apples in a solution of 2 cups water + ¼ teaspoon salt for 5 minutes, then rinse and store (will prevent oxidation for 5 to 7 days).
- Yield: This recipe makes about 2 cups of Caramel Apple Dip (32 tablespoons). If you cut your apples into 8 slices each and plan for 1 tablespoon per slice, you’ll need 4 apples for serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If separation occurs, stir before serving.
- Make ahead: This dip can be made a day in advance (the flavor actually improves if given the chance to sit overnight).
- Cinnamon: For a cinnamon variation, stir in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
Nutrition
Serving: 1tbspCalories: 50kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 24mgPotassium: 17mgSugar: 7gVitamin A: 95IUCalcium: 11mgIron: 1mg
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Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.
I actually add 1 crushed heath bar. It makes for a toffee caramel taste
That sounds delicious, Tonia! – Meggan
This is us soooo good and so quick 10/10 would recommend
Thanks Ela! – Meggan
Simple and delightful
Thank you so much Doreen! It’s such a classic from my childhood. :) -Meggan
Thanks. Can’t wait to make it this weekend.
I was wondering if cinnamon would be a good addition?
I would think so, yes! I am going to be testing recipes next Wednesday, I can add this to my list and let you know. Thanks Cristina! :D -Meggan
Hi Cristina! I tried this today. I added 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and I thought it tasted great! But, you need to let the flavors blend for a while. If you eat it immediately after adding the cinnamon, the flavor isn’t really there. But yes. Overall, it’s a lovely addition and I’m going to add info to this post about it. Thank you for the idea! -Meggan
How long does this dip stay in fridge??
Hi Annmarie! I always go by the CDC guidelines for leftovers which is 4 days. It might last longer, in fact I know it does, but I like to give the official answer when people ask questions. Thanks!
By brown sugar….do you mean BROWN SUGAR or is there a granulated sugar that is brown?
Hi Pat! Brown sugar. Just regular ol’ brown sugar. I tend to have light brown sugar on hand, but you could also use dark. Thanks for the question and let me know if you need anything else. Have a great day!
I sometimes have to remind myself to eat fruit along with the dip!! So good.
If you don’t have a paddle mixer, do you recommend using a regular hand mixer or a spatula?
Hi April, thanks for this question. I’ll definitely update the recipe. It honestly doesn’t matter, either will work. I’d say if you hate doing dishes, just use a spatula. If you want it done faster, use the electric mixer. :)
Looks unbelievable!!!! Can’t wait to try it.
Thanks so much Sharon!! I hope you love it. :)