Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip

Name: Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: ½ cup white sugar; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; ¼ cup heavy cream; ¼ teaspoon salt; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature (1/2 cup); 2 tablespoons white sugar; 2 tablespoons caramel sauce; 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 tablespoon heavy cream; apples

This cream cheese caramel apple dip has all the best flavors of caramel apples, but none of the hassle. This is an easy 20 minute fall party appetizer or dessert that's creamy and delicious!

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

Instead of washing apples, drying them, and trying to get the caramel to stick, you can use this creamy, sweet dip for any kind of apple, graham crackers, or pretzels.

Pair this dip with some of my other favorites like this Artichoke Hummus or Cottage Cheese Dip, which is perfect for a sweet and savory combo.

Easy Caramel Apple Dip

Caramel apples are perfect for the fall season, but there's a reason why I never like to make them. The apples have to be perfectly washed and dried, and even then it can be difficult to get the caramel to stick properly. I've ended up with a huge mess before!

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

You'll love this recipe because it's:

Easy - So much more simple than dipping caramel apples, and the caramel won't slide off!
Balanced - The addition of cottage cheese to the cream cheese adds a bit of saltiness and also gives a little extra protein to balance the sugar in the caramel.
Fall flavors - All the best fall flavors of caramel cheesecake and caramel apples!

This recipe also fits the Heal Your Headache diet and gluten free. For more apple recipes you'll love these Apple Cider Mocktails, Apple Cake, and Baked Donut Holes.

Ingredients

This caramel apple cream cheese dip only requires a few ingredients so it's great for a quick dessert or appetizer for friends or a party (if you forgot you signed up to bring something!).

Cream Cheese - I recommend using one without carrageenan - Philadelphia block-style, Whole Foods 365, or Publix Greenwise all work.
Cottage Cheese - Adds a savory, salty flavor that pairs well with the caramel and balances the sugar. I use Daisy cottage cheese.
Heavy Cream - Just a touch is needed to smooth out the dip and make the caramel sauce. Use one without carrageenan like Organic Valley or Horizon.
Sugar - Plain, white sugar which will go into the caramel sauce and dip.
Butter - I recommend a good quality, European-style butter. This will be for the caramel part.

If you'd like to save some time, you can also use store-bought caramel dip and just mix together the cream cheese base.

For dipping I recommend all kinds of apples, pretzels, graham crackers, and shortbread cookies. A pinch of Maldon sea salt on top is also great!

How to Make

This caramel apple dip is so easy to make at home. Here are instructions with photos so you can see how it should 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

Heat sugar in a medium sized saucepan over medium low heat. Only stir the sugar every so often as it melts. It will melt and turn a light brown color.

When it’s fully melted remove from the heat and whisk in butter and when the butter is melted whisk in heavy cream and salt and immediately pour into a heat proof bowl to allow the caramel to cool.

Note - Take the cream cheese out of the fridge at least an hour in advance so it reaches room temperature and becomes very soft.

Step 2: Blend the cottage cheese

Blend 1 cup of cottage cheese with 1 tablespoon of heavy cream in a blender until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Process photos for making the whipped cream cheese dip base.

Step 3: Make the cream cheese mixture

In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese and white sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 tablespoons of the caramel mixture you just made and blend it in.

Finally, incorporate the blended cottage cheese mixture until everything is well combined.

Pouring caramel into the cream cheese dip bowl.

Caramel spread on top of the cream cheese dip bowl.

Step 4: Swirl the dip

Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and smooth the top. Pour the caramel over the top and spread it evenly with the back of a spoon.

Use a straw, chopstick, or similar tool to swirl the caramel sauce throughout the cream cheese mixture, creating a beautiful pattern on top.

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

Let the dip cool in the fridge for a couple hours before enjoying! Top with flakey salt and serve with green apples, pretzels and/or graham crackers.

Recipe Tips

For shorter time - Use pre-made caramel instead of homemade to speed up the process.
Thick caramel - If the caramel sauce has cooled for too long and isn’t very pourable you can warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before pouring it over top of the cream cheese mixture.
Chill time - This dip is great right away but will be even thicker once it has time to cool down. I recommend at least an hour if you have the time.

Recommended Pairings

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

This cream cheese caramel dip is so delicious as written, but you can make a few edits to make it your own!

Extra toppings - For an extra crunch, I recommend roasted pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds), chopped pecans (not HYH), or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Apples - Green apples, also known as "Granny Smith" are pictured here, and I think these apples are best for dipping in caramel. But this would work well with Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or any other you like. You could also substitute a more crispy pear like Bosc.

Pretzels and Cookies - Thick pretzels would work great with this dip for a salty and sweet flavor. I also recommend graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even potato chips.

Storage Tips

Make ahead - I recommend making this caramel apple dip the morning you intend to serve it. That way it has a couple of hours to chill and be ready for when you need it.

Refrigerator - Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, but this is best enjoyed within 1-3 days.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

My caramel got too thick to pour - how do I soften it?

This can happen if it cools. Just microwave for 10-15 seconds before pouring so its easier to spread on top of the dip.

What's the best way to swirl the caramel and cream cheese?

Using a chopstick, skewer, or a knife will all work. For best results, I like the chopstick!

How to keep apples from turning brown?

Instead of tossing with lemon juice, I recommend storing the apple slices in cool water in the fridge. Then drain before you need to serve and pat dry. This will keep them fresh and crisp without affecting the flavor.

Can I use store-bought caramel?

Yes! Although I prefer homemade, buying a store-bought caramel makes this apple dip a little bit faster.

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

Apple Recipes

For more recipes like this delicious caramel apple dip with cream cheese, check out these posts. You'll especially like the apple pie bites. And don't miss my easy appetizers for other delicious dips.

If you make this, tag me #thedizzycook or @thedizzycook on Facebook and Instagram. And if you love the recipe, please leave a review below! Follow along on my Pinterest for more great recipes.

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Ingredients