Description
This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip is a delightful, creamy dessert dip perfect for autumn gatherings or any sweet craving. Made with smooth cream cheese, brown sugar, and rich caramel sauce, it’s enhanced by a marbled caramel effect and paired beautifully with crisp apple slices, nuts, and assorted dippers like graham crackers, pretzels, and vanilla wafers.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Dip
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature (2 packages)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (for mixing)
Topping and Garnish
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling on top)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- 2 tablespoons toffee bits
- 4-5 medium apples, sliced (for dipping)
- Additional apple slices (for serving)
- Graham crackers (for serving)
- Pretzels (for serving)
- Vanilla wafers (for serving)
Instructions
- Preparing the cream cheese mixture: In a large bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer or whisk.
- Adding sugar and flavor: Mix in 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Incorporating the caramel sauce: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of caramel sauce, leaving some streaks visible to create a marbled effect in the dip.
- Reserving caramel for topping: Set aside about 1/4 cup caramel sauce for drizzling on top of the dip later.
- Chilling the dip: Transfer the cheesecake mixture to a serving bowl and cover it. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dip to firm up slightly.
- Preparing to serve: Remove the dip from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly for easier dipping.
- Final assembly: Drizzle the reserved caramel sauce over the top of the dip. Sprinkle chopped nuts and toffee bits over the caramel for added texture and flavor.
- Serving suggestion: Arrange sliced apples, graham crackers, pretzels, and vanilla wafers around the bowl for dipping. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the dip.
- The marbled caramel effect is purely aesthetic and does not need to be fully mixed in.
- You can substitute the caramel sauce with homemade caramel or a low-sugar version if preferred.
- Chilling time can be extended up to 4 hours if preparing ahead.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a salted caramel version.
- Use a variety of dippers to cater to all textures and preferences.
