Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Dip
The very best thing about apple season is enjoying them with caramel. In my opinion, it’s one of the best flavor combinations ever, whether you add them to cookies or enjoy dipping them. Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Dip is a delicious treat to make for neighbors, friends or family, and also makes an adorable gift.
A creamy layer of cream cheese mixed with caramel, brown sugar and cinnamon, topped with more caramel and sprinkled with crushed candy bars. These cute little jars filled with this dip and given along with an apple are sure to make you the most popular person on the block!
Creating these cute little treats is super easy and the printable Fall toppers are the perfect addition. But you could also certainly just make the dip, layer it in a deep dish and serve with sliced apples along side.
Honestly my friends, you must try this recipe. I’m not a huge cream cheese fan unless it’s mixed heavily with other ingredients, but the addition of the caramel here is just perfect. And the crunch from the candy bar bits is delicious!
I spotted this idea via Pinterest on Jo and Sue’s blog, and just loved how they served up this delicious dip. I did change their recipe some by making by using my favorite recipe for Caramel Sauce.
I think the addition of twine and the Fall toppers is so fun. Here’s what I used…
Fall Gift Supplies
- Twine or other small ribbon
- Printable Fall Toppers – grab them below
Directions
- Cut a long piece of twine, then tie a knot around the stem of the apple to secure the twine
- Wrap around the bottom and crossing it to secure
- Bring the twine back up around the jar and tie off leaving a few inches of twine
- Print out the Fall toppers, cut with a round hole punch if desired, then punch a small hole for the twine to fit through, attach the topper
I found great Fall printed scrapbook paper at Hobby Lobby for the tags. I used 4 ounce Mason Jars, but any size will work.
Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Dip
This Fall Treat is easy to put together and makes a GREAT gift too! FREE Printable Tags included with Recipe!
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Caramel Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cups heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1-2 tablespoon cornstarch {if needed for thickness}
Topping
- Heath English Toffee Bits (found in the baking aisle) or chop a candy bar into small pieces
Instructions
Caramel Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, salt and cream
- Bring to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened
- Add cornstarch a little at a time and whisk in completely until desired consistency
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla
- Set aside to cool slightly, about 5 minutes
Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and beat until smooth
Assembly for Jars
- Place cream cheese mixture in a decorator bag or resealable bag to make it easier to fill jars. I used 4 oz. Mason Jars, but any size will work.
- Place caramel sauce in a squeeze bottle to make it easier to fill jars
- Fill jar about 1/3 full with cream cheese mixture, top with caramel sauce and sprinkle with toffee bits
- Place lid on jar, add an apple and tie with twine if desired
Notes
You can also serve this by placing the cream cheese mixture in a deep dish, cover with caramel sauce and sprinkle with toffee bits
Printable Fall Cupcake Toppers
You can also use the Printables as Cupcake Toppers! Learn how to make these Fall Cupcakes with Candy Acorns, on the Cupcake Page!
Love Caramel Apples? Here are some of my favorites…
Caramel Apple Nut Crumble | Caramel Apple Cupcakes
Caramel Apple Nut Bars | Caramel Apple Fondue
Cozy up to Fall with HoosierHomemade.com
QUESION: Won’t the caramel harden when refrigerated? One comment was to take it out of the refrigerator a few min. before serving. I know cream cheese also hardens when refrigerated – so how long before hand should you take it out?
If giving as gifts or selling at a show – should the jars be kept in a cooler until delivered? It may not be good to have them sitting on someone’s desk all day. ???? Any suggestions? Thanks
Hi Tavette, yes the cream cheese dip needs to be refrigerated. It can set out about 1-2 hours and be fine.
-Liz
It could be a little speedy but you could add an apple slicer/corer to the bottom of your gift. Just put the jar of dip in the middle of the slicer, top with an apple and tie it all together with twine for amazing WOW factor. Office workers would love this gift! Perfect Secret Sister or birthday gift any time of year ?
Hi Liz, I love your fall printable cupcake toppers! Where did you get the polka dot and plaid paper that were tied to the mason jars for the dip? Thank you!
Hi Rosemary, I’m pretty sure I found it at Hobby Lobby, that is where I typically buy my scrapbook paper.
Liz,
I’m a lazy baker. What do you think about using store-bought caramel sauce? Do you have a brand recommendation?
Hi Patty, oh sure, store bought caramel sauce is fine. I like Smucker’s or if you shop at Aldi, they have one as well that’s good.
Happy Baking!
~Liz
I read all the questions and answers but in the end I am still not sure~
The cream cheese layer is just 3 ingredients:
c. cheese, cinnamon & brown sugar right?
It does not include 1/2 cup of the caramel sauce mixed in with the cheese, right?
Just to be clear:
The 1/2 c of caramel sauce listed with the ingredients is actually the topping.
Yes that’s correct Deborah. the cream cheese mixture goes on the bottom, then a layer of the caramel sauce.
~Liz
Does this need to be refrigerated?
Yes Gaye, it does. You will want to pull it out of the fridge to warm up a bit before serving.
~Liz
oh my goodness, I love this idea!!! what a great homemade gift! and how brilliant to package these up with an apple!!! LOVE this!!
Thanks so much for stopping by Alice! I love this little gift too!
~Liz
These are adorable … I am a little confused by the recipe … do you add caramel sauce to the cream cheese mixture? And then also put some on top of the cream cheese mixture? Thanks … can’t wait to try this!
Hi Kelly, first you prepare the caramel sauce, then the cream cheese mixture. Then place each in a container (bag or squeeze bottle) to make it easier to fill the jars. You can also just spoon it in, but I have found it easier to use a bag or bottle. Add the cream cheese mixture, then top with caramel mixture, then a sprinkle of toffee.
Happy Baking!
~Liz
Thanks. When you read the ingredients list and the directions, it sounds as though the caramel sauce should be combined with the cream cheese, brown sugar and cinnamon. But if I am understanding what you are saying, it is only those three ingredients that are combined. Then assembling them, you add the caramel sauce on top of the cream cheese mixture. Sorry to be so dense!
Yes Kelly you are correct. Sorry if you were confused by the directions.
OK – so we have 4 oz. containers and the recipe makes 6-8 containers. Is a 4 oz jar enough for just one apple or will the recipient have enough for a couple apples? The obvious answer, I imagine, is gonna be it depends on how much a person scoops with each apple slice, but, on average, just wondering if it’s enough for 1 or more than one.
Thanks. We’re all asking questions as it looks so good.
Tavette – S. Florida
Hi Tavette, yes you are right, it totally depends on how much they put on the apple, but typically 1 4 oz jar filled to the top – with a little less so the lid doesn’t press down into it – will cover 1 apple.
So glad you like them!
~Liz
What size mason jars are those?? 2 or 4 ounce for party favors?
Hi Lindsay, they are 4 ounce jars.
for the caramel cream cheese dip — how many 4 oz jars do you get out of 1 batch?
Hi Lindsay, you should have enough for 6-8 jars depending on how high you fill them.
~Liz
I am making as party favor. Can these be left on table for few hours or do need to stay in refrigerator?
Hi Lindsay, yes they should be fine for a few hours out of the fridge. But I would be sure to tell guests to refrigerate them.
~Liz
How long does it keep?? Can I make it a few days ahead for an event??
Hi Jackie, yes it will keep at least a week, just keep it sealed and in the fridge.
~Liz
Liz, this is packaged so cute. I’m co-hosting Saturday Dishes and apples are the star. I’d love it if you linked this to the party.
Wishes for tasty dishes,
Linda @ Tumbleweed Contessa