Our FAVORITE Caramel Apple Dip! This dip is smooth and creamy and made with just 5 ingredients. A must make recipe that’s perfect for fall!

Is there anything more “fall” than caramel apples? They’re basically a necessity… available at every grocery store and farmers market and fall festival from September through November. And they always look so very tempting.

Whether they’re covered in crushed peanuts or m&m’s or Reese’s Pieces or candy sprinkles, they’re a quintessential fall treat through and through.

Of course, they’re kind of a pain to make… and kind of a pain to eat… which is why I tend to opt for Caramel Apple DIP instead! Not only is it ten times easier to make, but honestly I like it even more than caramel apples.

Because it’s creamy! And, thanks to the cream cheese, not nearly as sweet as actual caramel apples. And once you try it… and see how quickly it disappears… you might never do caramel apples any other way.

what you’ll need for this recipe

Cream cheese – I used 8 ounces of plain, softened cream cheese as the base of this recipe. I used full fat, but reduced fat (Neufchatel) would also work.

Brown sugar – I added 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, which is what gives this dip its caramel flavor. I used light brown sugar instead of dark.

Powdered sugar – I also added 1/4 cup powdered sugar for extra sweetness and to balance out the brown sugar.

Vanilla extract – I added 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.

Peanuts – I topped the dip with crushed salted cocktail peanuts. Dry roasted or honey roasted would also work for this recipe.

how to make caramel apple dip

Combine & blend. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugars, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until brown sugar has completely dissolved into the mixture.

Garnish & serve. Transfer to a small serving bowl and garnish with chopped peanuts as desired. Serve with sliced apples, pretzels, cinnamon sugar chips, or any of your favorite dippers.

Recipe Variations

Substitute almond extract, coconut extract, or another flavor of extract for the vanilla
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg
Stir in a spoonful or two of peanut butter to make peanut butter caramel apple dip
Stir in additional chopped nuts
Add chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or peanut butter chips
Add a drizzle of maple syrup
Stir in m&m’s, Reese’s Pieces, or any of your favorite candies

serving & storage tips

Serve this dip with sliced apples, pears, pretzel crisps, cinnamon sugar tortilla crisps, or any of your favorite dippers
Spoon it into individual portion cups for a fun single serving treat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week

More Delicious Dessert Dips

Dessert Dips make a delicious EASY dessert! These are some of our other favorite recipes: