Tasty Bites: Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip

By Beth V

I was asked to provide refreshments recently for our women’s Bible study group. I was feeling all fall-ish and went on a hunt for some fall-oriented recipes. I found this delicious caramel apple dip at the Whimsy Love blog. The author hosts a monthly craft night where she also provides a spread of delicious goodies. She creates all sorts of fun and whimsical recipes and craft ideas as well as inspiration on displaying the yummy goodies. Check it out sometime.

This delicious recipe starts with four simple ingredients: cream cheese, brown sugar, white sugar and vanilla. That’s it! The dip turns out very caramel-y and is a perfect companion for crispy fall apples.

First, allow the cream cheese to sit on the counter until it reaches room temperature. Dump all of the ingredients into a large bowl. Blend on medium speed until everything is thoroughly blended and the sugars melt into the cream cheese. We do not want to taste the individual sugar crystals in the dip. The dip can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days before using

When ready to serve, prepare your apples. Of course, the problem with apples is that they discolor very quickly and very easily. I’ve used lemon juice in the past, but I feel like it leaves a very tart taste on the apples. I’ve started using a lemon-lime soda “bath” for my apple slices. You can use any citrus-y soda that you have on hand.

Just pour some into a bowl and then slice some apples however you prefer to slice them. The apple-cutter in this picture cuts into 8 pieces. I usually go back and slice each of those slices in half, lengthwise, to make a total of 16 pieces per apple. This is a perfect size for dipping. As I cut each slice, I toss it into the bowl of lemon-lime soda and let them hang out there until I am ready to arrange them on a platter. The citric-acid in the soda keeps them from turning brown for at least a few hours, and often longer. When I bite into one of these apple slices, I only taste apple, not lemon juice. Just store the slices in the refrigerator after draining the soda and pull them out when you are ready to arrange them on a platter.

If you happen to be visiting your sister who has a beautiful selection of dishes and table linens like I am, raid her (or your own) stash to create a beautiful fall presentation. Thanks, Bonnie! Or, store this in the refrigerator to use as a special treat alongside your toddler’s apple slices on her melamine plate. Either away, this dip makes a fun fall treat on its own or as part of a larger selection of fall treats for a party.

Enjoy!

Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip
From Whimsy Love

8 ounces softened cream cheese

1/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Cream all ingredients together. Refrigerate leftovers.

Beth is a stay-at-home mom of three wonderfully active children ages seven, four and one. She is married to Jason V (who also writes for us here at MAD21) and spends her days teaching, changing diapers, sweeping up Cheerios, stepping over Legos, keeping peace among the kids, and enjoying the creative outlet of cooking.