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- 2 large apples (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp) - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional) - Additional sea salt for garnish For this salted caramel apple dip, you will need just a few simple ingredients. Start with two large apples. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they are crisp and tart. This pairs perfectly with the sweet dip. Next, grab a cup of caramel sauce. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own if you feel adventurous. The choice is yours! You will also need some sea salt. Just half a teaspoon will do. This will give your dip that salty kick that balances the sweetness. The creamy base comes from half a cup of softened cream cheese. Make sure it’s soft for easy mixing. You’ll also need a quarter cup of powdered sugar. This adds sweetness and helps to fluff up the dip. Don’t forget one teaspoon of vanilla extract. It adds a lovely flavor. If you want, you can add chopped pecans. About a quarter cup will add a nice crunch. Lastly, keep some extra sea salt for garnish. It makes the dip look pretty and tastes great too! {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, take your softened cream cheese and place it in a bowl. - Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the bowl. - Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until it is smooth and creamy. - Gradually pour the caramel sauce into the cream cheese mixture. - Keep mixing until everything is well blended. - Add the sea salt and stir gently. Taste it to see if you want more salt. - Transfer the dip into a nice serving bowl. - Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for a sweet touch. - If you like, sprinkle chopped pecans around the edges. - Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt on top. - Serve the dip with your sliced apples for dipping. Enjoy every bite! For the best dip, use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties give a nice tartness that balances the sweet caramel. When selecting apples, look for ones that are firm and free of bruises. The skin should be smooth and shiny. Fresh apples will make your dip taste even better. You can easily change the flavor of your dip. Try adding a bit of cinnamon for warmth. You can also mix in other extracts, like almond or maple. For toppings, consider adding chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or toasted coconut. These will add fun textures and flavors. To make this dip, you will need a medium mixing bowl and an electric mixer. A spatula will help you scrape down the sides. For quick clean-up, have some paper towels handy to wipe down surfaces. If you use a non-stick bowl, it will make washing up easier. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp to balance the flavors of the dip. Homemade Caramel Sauce: For a richer flavor, try making your own caramel sauce at home. It’s surprisingly easy and elevates the dip. Chill Before Serving: For the best texture, refrigerate the dip for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Presentation Matters: Serve the dip in a decorative bowl and garnish with extra caramel and pecans for an appealing look that invites guests to dig in. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor of your salted caramel apple dip quite easily. Try adding a splash of different extracts, like almond or maple. These can give your dip a unique twist. Adding spices can also enhance the taste. A hint of cinnamon or nutmeg can really warm it up! You can even mix in different nuts. Chopped walnuts or hazelnuts can add a nice crunch. If you want a lighter version, opt for low-fat cream cheese. This choice keeps the creaminess while cutting down on fat. You can also look for sugar-free caramel options. Many brands offer these, making it easier to enjoy without the extra sugar. Just be sure to check the taste since some sugar-free products can differ in flavor. How you serve the dip can make a big difference! Use fun serving dishes, like small bowls or jars, to hold the dip. This adds a nice touch. You can layer the dip in a clear glass for a pretty view. For garnishes, try using a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a drizzle of extra caramel. A light dusting of sea salt on top can make it look fancy. These small details will impress your guests! To store your leftover salted caramel apple dip, place it in an airtight container. This keeps out air and moisture. Make sure to press plastic wrap against the dip before sealing the lid. This helps keep the dip fresh longer. If you want to warm the dip, use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts of 15 seconds. Stir between each burst to keep the dip smooth. Avoid overheating, as this can change the texture and flavor. In the refrigerator, your dip lasts three to five days. Look for any changes in smell or color. If it smells off or changes texture, it's best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Yes, you can make this dip ahead of time. Prepare the dip and store it in the fridge. This keeps it fresh. I suggest covering it with plastic wrap. You can make it up to two days in advance. Just give it a quick stir before serving. The flavors will blend nicely over time. If you need a substitute for cream cheese, there are good options. You can use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Silken tofu works well for a dairy-free version. Another option is cashew cream, which is rich and creamy. These substitutes keep the dip smooth while adding different flavors. Making homemade caramel sauce is simple. Start by melting sugar in a pan over low heat. Stir constantly until it turns golden brown. Then, slowly add heavy cream while stirring. Be careful, as it can bubble. Allow it to cool before using. For a full recipe, check out my detailed caramel sauce guide. This blog post covered how to make a tasty salted caramel apple dip. You learned about the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. I shared ways to customize the dip and how to store it properly. Remember, using the right apples makes a big difference. Feel free to change flavors or toppings to fit your taste. Enjoy sharing this simple yet delicious dip at your next gathering. Happy dipping!

Sweet & Salty Caramel Apple Dip

A delicious dip combining sweet caramel and creamy cheese, perfect for apple slices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), sliced
  • 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 0.25 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.25 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • Additional sea salt for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually pour in the caramel sauce, continuing to mix until well blended and fluffy.
  • Add the sea salt to the mixture, stirring it in gently to combine. If you prefer a saltier flavor, taste and adjust the salt to your liking.
  • Once everything is well combined, transfer the caramel apple dip to a serving bowl.
  • Drizzle a little extra caramel sauce on top and sprinkle the chopped pecans around the edges if using. For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel drizzle for a beautiful finish.
  • Serve the dip with the sliced apples for dipping. Enjoy!

Notes

For a saltier flavor, adjust the sea salt to your liking.
Keyword apple dip, caramel, dessert, snack