Caramel Apple Dip
This Caramel Apple Dip with Butterscotch Chips is what fall snacking dreams are made of. It’s creamy, sweet, buttery, and perfectly balanced with a hint of salt and tang from the cream cheese. Paired with crisp apple slices, it’s the kind of treat that makes you want to throw on a sweater and light a candle, even if it’s still 80 degrees outside.
It’s ideal for parties, holidays, or just an indulgent movie night in. The homemade caramel adds a rich, silky texture that pairs perfectly with the crunchy sweetness of apples. And those little butterscotch chips? They take this from good to “can I have the bowl?” levels of delicious.
Before You Get Started
- Use room temperature cream cheese for an extra-smooth dip.
- Make the caramel ahead of time—it needs to cool before mixing into the cream cheese.
- This dip is best served chilled, but it’s even better after it’s had time to rest overnight.
What You Need to Make Caramel Apple Dip
You can find the exact amounts in the recipe card below, but here’s a quick list:
- Cream cheese
- Brown sugar
- Homemade caramel sauce (sugar, water, butter, cream, vanilla, and optional salt)
- Butterscotch chips
- Crisp apple slices for dipping
How to Make Caramel Apple Dip
Make the Caramel Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat until it dissolves and turns an amber color (about 5–8 minutes). Remove from heat, whisk in butter, then slowly add the warmed cream. Be careful—it will bubble! Stir in vanilla and salt, then let cool to room temperature.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Base:
Beat softened cream cheese with brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
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Assemble the Dip:
Add 1½ cups of the cooled caramel sauce and mix until well combined. Stir in the butterscotch chips for a bit of texture and sweetness.
Chill & Serve:
Transfer to a serving bowl, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, and serve with sliced apples for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes! It won’t be quite as rich, but a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce works great for a quicker version.
How long does this dip keep?
It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days—just cover it tightly.
What apples are best for dipping?
Crisp and tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith balance the sweetness of the dip perfectly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make it the night before and let it chill overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Caramel Apple Dip with Butterscotch Chips
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar and water in a saucepan; heat over medium until dissolved and amber-colored (5–8 minutes).
- Remove from heat. Whisk in butter, then warm cream (mixture will bubble).
- Add vanilla extract and salt. Let cool to room temperature.
- Mix softened cream cheese with brown sugar until smooth.
- Blend in 1.5 cups cooled caramel sauce.
- Stir in butterscotch chips.
- Chill and serve with apple slices.
