Caramel Apple Dip

Homemade caramel apple dip is gooey, delicious, and perfect for dipping apples! With just 5 ingredients, you can make your own homemade dessert sauce easily. It’s much easier than making caramel apples and takes much less time.

about this caramel apple dip

Caramel apples are one of the best fall treats. The crispy, crunchy apple and the gooey caramel come together for just the right balance of texture and flavor.

If you have ever tried to make caramel apples at home, you know it is really difficult to get the caramel just right. Too runny and it won’t set. If it’s too hard, it gets stuck in your teeth (and not in the good way) and almost tastes burnt.

Instead of going through that process, we are making things easier with a creamy and gooey caramel apple dip. Make caramel that’s thick enough for dipping, but not made to be a candy layer around an apple is much easier!

This dip only requires a handful of simple ingredients, most of which are already in your pantry. It’s just the dessert to bust out for fall gatherings or potlucks with a generous amount of apple slices, graham crackers, and whatever you would like to dip in it.

Honestly, licking it off the spoon is also a totally delicious choice.

The dip lasts for up to 10 days in the fridge, so it’s ideal for making ahead too!

ingredients

water. Use tap water or filtered water. It doesn’t matter too much since the mixture is coming to a boil in the pan.

sugar. Light brown sugar gives the best flavor for this sauce.

butter. Use unsalted butter in this recipe. If you prefer to use salted butter, make sure to omit the salt called for in this recipe.

salt. Fine sea salt is preferred because it dissolves easily.

heavy cream. Heavy cream is what gives this sauce it’s silky texture and creamy flavor.

vanilla. A high-quality vanilla extract gives this sauce the best depth. We make our own homemade vanilla extract, but you can also use this Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract.

this recipe’s must-haves

Use a heavy bottomed saucepan for this recipe. While you can use a thinner pan, the heavier pans ensure that there is even heating throughout. This means the sugar will dissolve properly and the caramel will not burn as easily.

You will also need a whisk to stir the caramel sauce as it cooks.

here’s how to make caramel apple dip

dissolve sugar

In a heavy bottomed pan, add the water and sugar. Cook over medium heat, whisking often, until the sugar is dissolved.

add butter

Cut the butter into smaller pieces and add to the pan. Whisk until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.

boil and thicken

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, continuing to cook over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick. It should pull away from the sides easily as you stir. This will take about 10 minutes.

finish the sauce

Whisk in heavy cream and salt, until smooth and creamy. Bring to a boil again for another 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract until combined.

chill

Pour the caramel apple dip into a glass dish or jar. Cool completely before serving. It is ok for the caramel sauce to be a little runnier when it initially comes off the heat. It will thicken as the mixture cools.

tips and tricks

be sure to cook it long enough. Make sure that you cook the mixture enough to be a deep golden brown and also thickened. The mixture will easily come away from the sides of the saucepan when you stir when it is done.

use a heavy bottomed pan. It is best to use a heavy bottomed pan for even heating on the stovetop.

give it your full attention. This is not the recipe to make while you are working on something else at the same time. Give the recipe your attention because it comes together fast, but cooking it just a little too long can result in burnt caramel.

More apple recipes to enjoy: Apple Blackberry Crumble | Caramel Apple Molten Cakes | Apple Pie Infused Whiskey | BBQ Apple Cider Ribs

what kind of apples are best to dip in this caramel?

We like to dip tart Granny Smith apples into this dip best! The tart apples are a tasty contrast to the sweet dip. You can also use your favorite type of apples like honeycrisp, gala, fuji, and more.

how long does caramel apple dip last?

This caramel dip will last for up to 10 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

how do I prevent the apples from browning?

To prevent the apple slices from browning while sitting out on a platter with this dip, dip them in fresh lemon juice. Make sure to use fresh lemon juice as store bought lemon juice is usually a bit more sour.

Need more inspiration for a sweet treat? Check out my dessert recipes page!

what to serve with caramel apple dip

Our favorite thing to serve this dip with is a bunch of sliced apples! We also like to dip graham crackers, pretzels, and even other fruits like pears, strawberries, and more. There are so many dippers you can use with this sweet dip. Serve it as a dessert or festive appetizer! You can even sprinkle the top of the dip with toffee bits if you want to! Add it to a halloween dessert charcuterie board for a Halloween party to really wow a crowd.

Want more caramel apple goodness? Our candy apple slices are fun to make and are easy to get the kiddos involved with!

more fall desserts to enjoy

Pumpkin pie spice cookies are chewy and full of fall flavor, with a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating for a touch of texture.

This fluffy cranberry cheesecake mousse is paired with an easy graham cracker crumble for the perfect fall dessert.

You can also try our pumpkin spice cheesecake mousse for a fluffy dessert that can easily be made ahead of time.

This caramel apple crumble cheesecake is the ultimate mash up of cheesecake and apple pie!

Finally, if you make this easy caramel apple dip recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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