The Best Salted Caramel Apple Dip Recipe – Easy
This creamy, sweet, and salty salted caramel apple dip comes together in under 10 minutes with simple ingredients. It’s the perfect crowd-pleasing dessert for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- Optional: extra flaky salt for garnish
- 4–5 crisp apples, sliced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese: Take the cream cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting. If forgotten, microwave on a plate for 10-15 seconds until soft but not hot.
- Combine cream cheese and caramel bits: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of caramel bits. Do not stir yet.
- Microwave in short bursts: Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Microwave for another 20 seconds, then stir. Continue in 15-20 second intervals until caramel bits are mostly melted and mixture starts to come together (about 60-90 seconds total). Do not overheat.
- Add heavy cream and vanilla: Pour in 2 tablespoons heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir vigorously until smooth. If still lumpy, microwave for another 10 seconds.
- Mix until smooth: Optionally use a hand mixer on low speed for 30 seconds to make the dip light and fluffy. Alternatively, stir by hand with a rubber spatula.
- Stir in salt: Add 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt and stir to combine. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Chill (optional but recommended): The dip is ready to eat immediately, but it thickens and improves after about 1 hour in the fridge. Make ahead for best flavor.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle extra flaky salt on top, and arrange apple slices around the bowl.
Notes
Don’t rush the cream cheese softening; gentle softening is key to a thick texture. Microwave in short bursts to avoid burning the caramel. Use a spatula, not a whisk, to keep the dip dense and creamy. Taste before adding salt as caramel bits vary in saltiness. The dip improves overnight, so make it ahead for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 2
Keywords: salted caramel apple dip, easy apple dip, caramel dip, apple dessert, party dip, no-bake dessert