By Karyl Leavings. Updated November 19 2025.
This irresistibly creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip turns fresh apple slices into the most crave-worthy fall treat. It’s sweet, silky, no-bake, and ready in minutes – the perfect way to bring cheesecake-shop flavor to your snack board with zero effort.
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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip
- Total Time: 10
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, no-bake caramel apple cheesecake dip made with whipped cream cheese, vanilla, and a glossy swirl of caramel, served with crisp apple slices for the easiest fall dessert or party snack.
Ingredients
8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup (40 g) powdered sugar
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
2–4 tbsp (30–60 g) plain Greek yogurt or whipped topping (optional, for a fluffier dip)
1/2–3/4 cup (150–200 g) thick caramel sauce (salted or regular)
4–5 medium apples, sliced (mix of Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, or Fuji)
1 tsp (5 ml) lemon juice (to keep apple slices from browning)
Optional garnish: pinch of flaky sea salt
Optional garnish: 2–3 tbsp (15–25 g) chopped pecans or walnuts
Optional garnish: 2–3 tbsp (15–25 g) crushed graham crackers or toffee bits
Optional garnish: light dusting of ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric hand mixer until completely smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat again until the mixture is smooth, light, and no lumps remain.
3. For a softer, fluffier dip, add 2–4 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or whipped topping and mix just until combined.
4. Transfer the cheesecake mixture to a shallow serving bowl or small platter and smooth the top with a spatula, creating gentle swirls.
5. Warm the caramel sauce in the microwave for 5–7 seconds, just until it loosens slightly but is not hot.
6. Drizzle or swirl the caramel sauce over the cream cheese base, using a spoon to create a spiral pattern.
7. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and any optional toppings such as chopped nuts, crushed graham crackers, toffee bits, or a light dusting of cinnamon.
8. Slice the apples and toss the slices with lemon juice to prevent browning, then arrange them around the dip or in a separate serving bowl.
9. Serve immediately, or refrigerate the dip for up to 24 hours and add the caramel topping just before serving.
Notes
For the smoothest texture, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
If the caramel is too hot, it will melt into the cheesecake layer instead of sitting in a pretty swirl on top.
You can prepare the cream cheese base up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator, then add the caramel and toppings right before serving.
Toss apple slices with lemon juice or a splash of cold water mixed with a pinch of salt to keep them from browning.
For a lighter version, use light cream cheese and Greek yogurt, and choose a reduced-sugar caramel sauce.
To make this dip dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese and a coconut or date-based caramel.
Best served within 24–48 hours for the freshest flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1/4 cup (60 g) dip with apple slices
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 30
About This Recipe
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip is a no-bake dessert dip made by whipping cream cheese with vanilla and a touch of sweetness, then swirling on a glossy layer of salted caramel. Paired with crisp apple slices, it gives you all the magic of a caramel apple and a cheesecake in one bowl. No oven, no fuss – just pure fall joy.
Why It Works
- Cream cheese brings classic cheesecake tang and structure.
- A touch of powdered sugar makes the base airy and scoopable.
- Caramel creates a visually stunning swirl and rich flavor.
- Seemingly simple ingredients deliver a bakery-quality finish.
When to Make It
- Fall gatherings
- Thanksgiving snack boards
- Halloween parties
- After-school treats
- Quick weeknight desserts
Why You’ll Love It
- No-bake & 10 minutes from start to finish
- Kid-friendly, party-friendly, stress-free
- Silky-smooth texture that clings to apple slices
- Easy to customize (lightened, dairy-free, nut-free, GF)
- Perfect presentation for boards and potlucks
Key Ingredients & Notes
Cream Cheese (8 oz / 226 g)
The heart of the dip. Use full-fat for the creamiest texture, but light cream cheese works when blended with 2–3 tablespoons Greek yogurt for softness.
Dairy-free: Almond- or cashew-based cream cheese substitutes beautifully.
Powdered Sugar (⅓ cup / 40 g)
Sweetens the base while keeping it fluffy and smooth. Granulated sugar doesn’t dissolve as cleanly, so stick with powdered for best texture.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp / 5 ml)
Adds warmth and rounds out the cheesecake flavor. If you want a deeper profile, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Caramel Sauce (½–¾ cup / 150–200 g)
Choose a thick, slow-pour caramel so it sits beautifully on top. Salted caramel works wonderfully.
No caramel? Try warm apple butter mixed with 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup.
Fresh Apples (4–5 large apples, sliced)
Use a mix for flavor contrast: Honeycrisp for juicy sweetness, Granny Smith for tart bite, Gala or Fuji for balance.
Tip: Toss slices with 1 teaspoon lemon juice to prevent browning.
Optional Toppings
- Chopped pecans
- Mini chocolate chips
- Toffee bits
- Cinnamon dusting
- Crushed graham crackers
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip
1. Whip the Base
In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, ⅓ cup (40 g) powdered sugar, and 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla until completely smooth. This should take about 1–2 minutes with a hand mixer. Look for a creamy, lump-free finish.
2. Adjust Consistency (Optional)
If you prefer a softer, fluffier dip:
Add 2–4 tbsp (30–60 g) Greek yogurt or whipped topping and beat again for 10–15 seconds.
3. Spread Into Serving Dish
Transfer the creamy base into a shallow bowl or small platter. Smooth the top with a spatula, creating small swirls so the caramel has texture to settle into.
4. Add the Caramel
Warm the caramel for 5–7 seconds in the microwave to loosen slightly – not hot, just silky.
Pour ½–¾ cup (150–200 g) caramel over the cream cheese layer, swirling it with a spoon for a beautiful pattern.
5. Add Garnish
Finish with a sprinkle of flake sea salt, crushed graham crackers, pecans, or cinnamon.
6. Serve
Arrange sliced apples around the dish or serve in a separate bowl. Chill the dip for 10 minutes to firm slightly – or serve immediately for maximum gooeyness.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps and ensure silky texture.
- Don’t overheat the caramel – hot caramel melts the base and loses the swirl.
- Mix apple varieties for a dynamic flavor experience.
- Pat apples dry before dipping to prevent caramel slipping off.
- If prepping ahead, store the base separately and add caramel just before serving.
- Add a pinch of salt to the caramel to balance sweetness.
- Use a shallow bowl, not deep – this creates a perfect surface for dipping.
Variations & Substitutions
Lightened Version
- Use light cream cheese
- Add 2–3 tbsp Greek yogurt
- Choose low-sugar caramel
Dairy-Free
- Use dairy-free cream cheese
- Coconut caramel or date caramel works beautifully
Nut-Free
- Omit pecans
- Top with crushed grahams or cinnamon instead
Gluten-Free
- Serve with gluten-free cookies or only apple slices
Flavor Twists
- Cinnamon Roll Dip: Add ½ tsp cinnamon to the base
- Maple Caramel Dip: Mix 1 tbsp maple syrup into caramel
- Chocolate Caramel Dip: Drizzle on a touch of chocolate sauce
Serving & Storage
Refrigeration
Store tightly sealed for up to 3 days.
Apples are best cut fresh, but apple slices tossed in lemon juice will last 6–8 hours.
Freezing
Not recommended. Cream cheese dips tend to separate once thawed.
Reheating
None needed – but if caramel becomes firm, warm the top of the dip for 5–7 seconds in the microwave.
Shelf Life
Best within 48 hours once assembled.
FAQs
How do I prevent apples from browning?
Toss sliced apples with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or cold water mixed with a pinch of salt (completely undetectable in flavor). This keeps them crisp and bright for hours.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the cream cheese layer up to 24 hours ahead, store covered, and swirl caramel on top just before serving. This keeps the caramel glossy and prevents sinking.
Can I use homemade caramel?
Absolutely. Homemade caramel tends to be thicker and richer, which works beautifully here. Just make sure it’s cooled to room temp before swirling onto the dip.
What should I serve with this besides apples?
Try graham crackers, pretzels, vanilla wafers, ginger snaps, pear slices, or biscotti. The creamy-sweet-salty balance pairs with almost anything.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes – simply double everything. Use a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) serving dish for the perfect ratio of creamy base to caramel swirl.
Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip is the easiest way to bring fall flavors to life – creamy, swirly, sweet, and endlessly scoopable. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out!
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