Salted Caramel Apple Pie Dip Recipe
Everything you love about warm, gooey apple pie — turned into a creamy, dreamy dip! This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Dip combines tender cinnamon apples, rich caramel sauce, and a touch of sea salt for the ultimate cozy, shareable fall treat.
This recipe was inspired by classic apple pie, but with a fun, no-crust twist! Instead of baking a full pie, you can capture those same comforting flavors — caramelized apples, cinnamon spice, and buttery sweetness — in a quick and easy dip.
It’s warm, gooey, and pairs perfectly with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even apple slices for double the apple goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: All the apple pie flavor in just 15 minutes — no crust, no baking!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
- Rich & Comforting: Sweet caramel and cinnamon-spiced apples in every bite.
- Versatile: Serve warm or chilled, with your favorite sweet or salty dippers.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared ahead and reheated for easy entertaining.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best)
- 2 tablespoons butter use coconut oil for a dairy-free option
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free version
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg optional for extra warmth
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup caramel sauce store-bought or homemade; use dairy-free caramel for vegan
- Pinch of sea salt for topping
- 4 oz cream cheese softened (substitute dairy-free cream cheese if needed)
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or whipped topping adds creaminess and balance
- Optional Garnishes:
- Extra drizzle of caramel
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Whipped cream or sea salt flakes on top
Instructions
- Cook the Apples:
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft, fragrant, and caramelized.
- Prepare the Base:
- In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt (or whipped topping) until smooth and creamy. This forms your cheesecake-like base.
- Layer the Dip:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on the bottom of a shallow dish or pie plate. Spoon the warm apple mixture evenly over the top.
- Add the Caramel:
- Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the apples. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for that perfect sweet-and-salty finish.
- Serve Warm (or Chill):
- Serve immediately while warm and gooey, or chill for 30 minutes if you prefer a thicker, creamier texture.
- Cooking Tip: If your caramel sauce thickens too much, warm it for 10–15 seconds in the microwave before drizzling.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Healthier Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter dip.
- Vegan-Friendly: Replace butter with coconut oil, cream cheese with vegan cream cheese, and use dairy-free caramel sauce.
- Add Texture: Top with crushed graham crackers, toasted nuts, or granola for crunch.
- Flavor Boost: Stir a splash of vanilla extract into the apples while cooking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving for that fresh, gooey texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Dip with:
- Dippers: Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or apple slices for a double-apple treat.
- Occasions: Ideal for fall parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, movie nights, or holiday dessert platters.
- Drinks: Pair with apple cider, chai tea, or a latte for the perfect cozy pairing.
- Presentation Tip: Serve in a small pie dish and drizzle extra caramel over the top for that irresistible “wow” factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the cream cheese base and apple topping separately, then assemble just before serving. Reheat the apples briefly if you want a warm dip.
Can I freeze this dip?
It’s not recommended to freeze it, as the texture can separate once thawed.
Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! For a shortcut, use 1 cup of canned apple pie filling and warm it with a pinch of cinnamon before layering.
