If you love the flavor of caramel apples but don’t love sticky hands (or making candy), this dip is a dream. Caramel Apple Delight (Dip) from Margaret Alward turns a few pantry staples into a sweet, creamy spread that tastes like a shortcut to fall dessert.
The base is softened cream cheese, which whips up smooth and rich — almost like cheesecake filling. Brown sugar adds that deep caramel note, and the pairing of Watkins vanilla extract and Watkins caramel flavor brings the unmistakable “caramel apple” vibe without any stovetop fuss. Blend the first four ingredients, and you’re done. Slice apples, and you’ve got a snack tray that feels instantly festive.
I can understand why Margaret framed this as a dip instead of a dessert you plate — it’s casual, shareable, and perfect for gatherings where people want “a little something sweet” without committing to a full slice of cake. For the best texture, let the cream cheese truly soften before mixing; that’s what makes it fluffy instead of lumpy. A short chill in the fridge also helps it thicken and hold up on an apple platter.
Serve it with crisp apple slices (Granny Smith is great if you like tart contrast), and consider a small twist if you’re feeling creative: mini chocolate chips add a chocolate-caramel vibe, and toffee bits bring crunch. You can also lean into autumn by swapping the caramel flavor for maple. However you customize it, this is the kind of nostalgic, sweet dip that makes a simple bowl of apples feel like a treat — and it’s easy enough to keep in your back pocket all season long.
Caramel Apple Delight (Dip)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Apple corer or knife
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 8 oz. softened cream cheese
- 1 tsp. Watkins vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. Watkins caramel flavor
- 1/3 c. brown sugar
- Apples cored and sliced
Instructions
- Blend first four ingredients together.
- Use as a dip for apple slices.
Notes
- Let the cream cheese soften fully so it whips smooth and fluffy with the brown sugar.
- Chill 15–30 minutes for a thicker dip that holds up well on an apple platter.
- Slice apples right before serving, or toss slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Start with the caramel flavor as written—you can always add a drop more after tasting.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips or toffee bits for extra texture and a caramel-apple crunch vibe.
- Swap caramel flavor for maple flavor (or a little maple syrup) for a fall twist.
- Dairy-free: use plant-based cream cheese and keep the same sweetener ratios.
- Lower-sugar: use a brown-sugar substitute or reduce to 1/4 cup and add a pinch of salt for balance.
This recipe comes from 75 Years of Caring and Sharing (2006), a Jersey County, Illinois community cookbook published by the Jersey County Homemakers Education Association. Collections like this are packed with practical, from-scratch Midwestern cooking—family dinners, potluck classics, holiday baking, and simple pantry recipes meant to be shared and repeated.