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Caramel Apple Dip

Caramel Apple Dip - recipe card
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This creamy caramel apple dip combines rich, buttery caramel with tangy cream cheese for a luscious, sweet-tart contrast. The dip is thick enough to coat fresh apple slices without sliding off, making it an irresistible treat for parties or a quick snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced into 1/4-inch wedges
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (to prevent apple browning)

Instructions

  1. Set the cream cheese out on the counter 30 minutes before starting to ensure it softens evenly. Softened cream cheese blends smoothly without lumps, creating a silky dip.
  2. In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan (about 2-quart), combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and 1 tablespoon water. Stir gently with a heatproof spatula just until the sugar is moistened, then place the pan over medium heat.
  3. Cook the sugar mixture without stirring until it begins to turn a light amber color, about 4 to 5 minutes. Watch closely — if you see any crystals forming on the sides, brush them down with a wet pastry brush to prevent graininess.
  4. When the caramel reaches a deep amber hue (like a copper penny), immediately remove the pan from heat. Add the butter pieces carefully — the mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir gently with a heatproof spatula until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
  5. Let the caramel cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. The cream will steam and bubble, but steady stirring keeps the emulsion smooth and prevents separation.
  6. Return the pan to low heat and stir for 30 seconds until the caramel is homogenous and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and kosher salt until combined.
  7. Allow the caramel to cool for 5 minutes — it should be warm but not hot to the touch. Hot caramel can cause the cream cheese to break, creating a greasy dip instead of a creamy one.
  8. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a spatula or hand mixer on low speed until smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  9. With the mixer running on low, slowly pour the warm caramel into the cream cheese in a thin stream. Continue mixing until fully combined and no white streaks remain — about 30 seconds. The dip should be thick and spreadable.
  10. If using, toss the apple slices with the lemon juice in a bowl to prevent browning. Arrange the apple wedges on a serving plate and place the dip in a small bowl in the center. Serve immediately at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
  11. If the dip stiffens after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes and stir well before serving. This restores its creamy consistency.

Notes

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To soften for serving, let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes and stir. Do not freeze, as the cream cheese texture will become grainy upon thawing. To reheat gently, microwave in 10-second bursts at 50% power, stirring between intervals, until just warm. Pair with crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Fuji to balance the sweet caramel sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple dip, apple dip recipe, cream cheese caramel dip, stovetop caramel, no-bake dessert dip, apple slices dip, easy caramel dip, American snack, party dip, quick dessert dip, caramel apple snack, fall dessert dip

Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/caramel-apple-dip/