5 Awesome Apple Dip Recipes - Caramel, Chocolate, Nuts and Cheese (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Recipes

ByLaurie Neverman

Jump to Recipe

One of my favorite things about fall is apple harvest – and apple dip! The thing is, last year I grabbed a container of caramel dip at the orchard without looking at the ingredients.

When we got home, popped the dip containeropen and tasted it, I knew I had made a big mistake. It tasted like chemical preservatives and the texture was awful.

The ingredient list took up one side of the container, and most of it was things that were hard to pronounce. We ended up tossing it.

5 Awesome Apple Dip Recipes - Caramel, Chocolate, Nuts and Cheese (2)

This year I'm prepared! I raided my old recipe books and did some experimenting in the kitchen, and have put together five great apple dip recipes to share with you.

We haveClassic Caramel Apple Dip, Chocolate Almond, Maple Bacon, Walnut Ricotta Cream, and Pistachio and Blue Cheese.

These are great for snacking or entertaining – heck, you could even add a few more dippers and make a full meal out of dips. Since everything can be prepped ahead, this would be a great option for holiday entertaining.

So, without further ado, let's get to the apple dip recipe goodness! No chemicals, high fructose corn syrup or hard to pronounce ingredients allowed!

Note: To keep your apples from browning, dip them in lemon juice after slicing.

5 Awesome Apple Dip Recipes - Caramel, Chocolate, Nuts and Cheese (3)

Print

Homemade Caramel Apple Dip

Print Recipe

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star

No reviews

Ingredients

UnitsScale

  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup whipping cream
  • 2 cups light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Break egg into a double boiler or heavy bottom saucepan, whisk lightly. Add remaining ingredients.

Cook on medium heat, whisking frequently until mixture starts to bubble. Cook for a few minutes, whisking constantly, until thick. Do not boil at high heat or you are likely to overcook your egg and cream.

Pour into a heat proof container (I use pyrex); cover and refrigerate. Mixture will thicken more as it cools.

Notes

Makes around 2 1/2 cups. Keeps for about a week in the fridge. Also goes well with other firm fresh fruits such as pears or not too ripe bananas, and makes an excellent ice cream topping.

5 Awesome Apple Dip Recipes - Caramel, Chocolate, Nuts and Cheese (4)

Print

Chocolate Almond Apple Dip

Print Recipe

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star

No reviews

Note: This dip recipe should be served warm, as it will stiffen up when chilled.

Ingredients

UnitsScale

  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chunks, chips or baking chocolate (broken into pieces)
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (homemade vanilla extract is great if you have it)
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

Place chocolate, cream and butter into a heavy bottom sauce pan. Melt together on low heat, stirring frequently, until everything is melted and well blended.

Add extracts and mix well. Serve in a fondue pot or hot right from the stove. Makes about 1 1/2 cup. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

Recipe can easily be doubled or quadrupled for a crowd. Also goes well with nut halves, marshmallows, pound cake, shortbread cookies, bananas and other fresh fruit. Simply decadent over ice cream.

5 Awesome Apple Dip Recipes - Caramel, Chocolate, Nuts and Cheese (5)

Print

Maple Bacon Apple Dip

Print Recipe

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star

No reviews

Ingredients

UnitsScale

  • One 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 24 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 23 strips bacon, cooked and finely crumbled or chopped

Instructions

This one is best whipped up in a stand mixer or food processor to make sure it gets nice and fluffy, although if you don't have either you can mix by hand – just make sure your cream cheese is soft.

In a stand mixer bowl or food processor, whip together cream cheese and sour cream. Scrape down sides of bowl and make sure they are evenly blended. Add 2 tablespoons maple syrup. Blend well. Taste. Add more if you like a sweeter dip.

Blend in crumbled bacon, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired. Refrigerate and use within one week. Makes about 2 cups.

Notes

This one would work great with apples and pears, hard bread sticks or pretzels, and possibly celery and kohlrabi strips, depending on your flavor preferences.

5 Awesome Apple Dip Recipes - Caramel, Chocolate, Nuts and Cheese (6)

Print

Pistachio and Blue Cheese Apple Dip

Print Recipe

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star

No reviews

Ingredients

UnitsScale

  • 4 ounces blue cheese (crumbled is fine, since it ends up crumbled in the dip)
  • 2/3 cup plain yogurt (6 ounce container)
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 3 ounces pistachios
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Dash of salt

Instructions

Add blue cheese to a medium bowl. Crumble finely with the back of a fork if needed. Stir in yogurt and milk and mix until well blended.

Shell pistachios. Rub off any excess husk/skin. Coarsely chop the nuts. Set aside a few for garnish, if desired. Mix the rest of the pistachios with the blue cheese blend. Place in storage container, cover and chill.

Notes

To serve, place dip in serving dish and garnish with reserved pistachios. Also goes well with veggies, slices of homemade French bread or pita bread. Makes a delicious and unique baked potato topping.

5 Awesome Apple Dip Recipes - Caramel, Chocolate, Nuts and Cheese (7)

Print

Walnut Ricotta Cream Apple Dip

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star

No reviews

Ingredients

UnitsScale

  • 9 ounces ricotta
  • 5 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Dash of salt

Instructions

Mix ricotta and heavy cream in a medium bowl until well blended. Stir in the chopped walnuts, reserving a few for garnish if desired. Mix in the parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill. Use within one week.

Notes

To serve, place in serving bowl and garnish with reserved walnuts. Would also go well with veggies, bite sized bagel pieces or slices of homemade French bread or pita bread. Makes an excellent baked potato topper!

Now you never have to “make do” with another sub par apple dip. Don't forget to Share, Stumble or Pin. 🙂

5 Awesome Apple Dip Recipes - Caramel, Chocolate, Nuts and Cheese (8)

Crock-Pot 16-Ounce Little Dipper, Chrome

The Apple Lover's Cookbook

The Apple Cookbook, 3rd Edition: 125 Freshly Picked Recipes

Frontier Almond Extract Certified Organic, 4-Ounce Bottle

5 Awesome Apple Dip Recipes - Caramel, Chocolate, Nuts and Cheese (9)

5 Awesome Apple Dip Recipes - Caramel, Chocolate, Nuts and Cheese (10)

5 Awesome Apple Dip Recipes - Caramel, Chocolate, Nuts and Cheese (11)

5 Awesome Apple Dip Recipes - Caramel, Chocolate, Nuts and Cheese (12)

$49.99

$18.27

$14.49

$15.16

Crock-Pot 16-Ounce Little Dipper, Chrome

5 Awesome Apple Dip Recipes - Caramel, Chocolate, Nuts and Cheese (13)

$49.99

The Apple Lover's Cookbook

5 Awesome Apple Dip Recipes - Caramel, Chocolate, Nuts and Cheese (14)

$18.27

The Apple Cookbook, 3rd Edition: 125 Freshly Picked Recipes

5 Awesome Apple Dip Recipes - Caramel, Chocolate, Nuts and Cheese (15)

$14.49

Frontier Almond Extract Certified Organic, 4-Ounce Bottle

5 Awesome Apple Dip Recipes - Caramel, Chocolate, Nuts and Cheese (16)

$15.16

You may also enjoy:

  • How to Make Hard Cider
  • Preserve Apples for Year Round Use 17 Easy and Creative Ways
  • Honey Caramel Corn

Originally published in 2013, updated in 2016.

5 Awesome Apple Dip Recipes - Caramel, Chocolate, Nuts and Cheese (2024)

FAQs

What are the best apples for caramel apples? ›

Best Apples for Caramel Apples

You can use any variety of apple you enjoy such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. Granny Smith are a popular choice for caramel apples because they're tart, which pairs perfectly with sweet buttery caramel.

What are apples good to dip in? ›

These perfect pairings go beyond the classic apple plus peanut butter to deliver healthy new ways to enjoy this ever-favorite fruit.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese.
  • Almond Butter + Orange Marmalade.
  • Plain Yogurt + Honey + Cinnamon.
  • Cream Cheese + Sweet Pickle Relish.
  • Ricotta + Lemon Zest + Chopped Pistachios.
Oct 21, 2019

What can you eat with caramel dip? ›

Caramel Dip Pairings
  • Fruited Caramel Brie. Serves: 25 to 30.
  • Baked French Toast. Serves: 8 to 10.
  • Baked Acorn Squash. Serves: 6. ...
  • Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Bake. Serves: 8-10. ...
  • Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges with Cream Caramel Dip. Serves: 4 to 6. ...
  • Pumpkin Caramel Spice Waffles & Caramel Maple Syrup. ...
  • Nutty Caramel Popcorn. ...
  • Caramel Mocha.

Are you supposed to refrigerate caramel apples? ›

The Best Way To Store Caramel Apples In The Fridge

For store-bought apples, if you don't plan on eating them right away, it's best to keep them in their original container and put them in the fridge. In general, caramel apples can last for up to one week when refrigerated. The same goes for homemade caramel apples.

Are taffy apples and caramel apples the same thing? ›

Taffy apples – Caramel apples are often called “taffy apples” when additional ingredients such as peanuts are applied. Chocolate apples – These include both caramel apples dipped in chocolate and chocolate-coated apples (with no caramel).

What should you not mix with apples? ›

For this reason, he suggests keeping apples and carrots away from each other, adding that cabbage, figs and onions can also absorb an apple's odor. “The closer and more enclosed the fresh produce is, the more chance for odors to intermix,” he adds.

What is the best apple combination for sauce? ›

For a basic applesauce, use McIntosh and Golden Delicious apples. Golden Delicious is a soft apple variety with a mellow flavor, so it cooks down easily and provides a great foundation for your applesauce. McIntosh apples are slightly tart and crisp, but soften easily, making them a stellar choice for pies and sauces.

What is the best combination with apple? ›

Apple: Pairs well with almonds, apricots, caramel, cardamom, chestnut, cinnamon, citrus, cranberry, currant, ginger, hazelnut, lychee, mango, maple, orange, rosemary, and walnuts. It mixes particularly well with brandy, kirsch, Madeira, rum, and vermouth.

Should apples be cold before dipping in caramel? ›

If possible, place the apples in the refrigerator for several hours or days in advance so they are well chilled before dipping. Make Caramel: Add butter, sugar, and karo syrup to a large heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat. Stir over medium heat until mixture begins to boil, (about 5-10 minutes).

How do you thicken caramel sauce for dipping apples? ›

To thicken a caramel sauce, use one tablespoon of cornstarch or tapioca starch (sometimes known as tapioca flour) and one tablespoon of water per cup of caramel. Then simmer the caramel, stirring it constantly with a wooden spoon until it becomes thick.

How do you thin caramel for dipping apples? ›

Caramel is a deliciously sweet sauce that can turn up the volume on any dessert it's added to. But if you're hoping to drizzle caramel over vanilla ice cream or getting ready to dip apples for a fall celebration, you need a sauce that's not too thick. To thin caramel, just add some cream or water over heat.

What blends well with caramel? ›

Here are the foods you should consider pairing with caramel for maximum flavor.
  • Apples. This pairing is very well known. ...
  • Coffee. The acidity of coffee is leveled out by the addition of sweet caramel. ...
  • Chocolate. Candy bars, anyone? ...
  • Ginger.
Dec 27, 2019

What enhances caramel? ›

The classic additions are cream, vanilla and salt (yes, even before "salted caramel" became a thing, most of us were adding salt to our caramel). But creme fraiche instead of cream, a splash of dark rum and a drop of almond extract, are all delicious options.

How do you thicken caramel dip? ›

Thicken the sauce with cornstarch.

For each cup (240 mL) of caramel sauce that you need to thicken, run 1 tbsp (14.7 mL) of cold water into a measuring cup, and slowly stir in 1 tbsp of cornstarch. Pour the cornstarch mixture into your pot caramel sauce, and stir constantly.

What is the best red apple for caramel? ›

What's the best apple for caramel dipping? Crispy, juicy apples + sticky, sweet caramel = Best Snack Ever, for kids and adults alike. Go with a sweet, tart and crisp apple like a Pink Lady, or if you're looking for extra contrast to the sweetness, grab a Granny Smith.

Are red or green apples better for caramel apples? ›

In my opinion, a nice tart granny smith apple is the best apple to use because the tartness of the apple balances out the sweetness of the caramel so nicely! But honestly, use whatever apple you like!

Why did my caramel apples get hard? ›

Cook it too long and you'll create caramel apples that are rock hard with a glass-like candy coating! Don't cook it long enough, and it will stay as a sauce and not adhere to the apples at all!

What apples taste like caramel apples? ›

Autumn Glory® is a unique variety of apple grown and marketed in North America exclusively by Superfresh Growers®. Autumn Glory apple is very sweet and crisp with hints of cinnamon and subtle notes of caramel.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nathanial Hackett

Last Updated:

Views: 6069

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanial Hackett

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: Apt. 935 264 Abshire Canyon, South Nerissachester, NM 01800

Phone: +9752624861224

Job: Forward Technology Assistant

Hobby: Listening to music, Shopping, Vacation, Baton twirling, Flower arranging, Blacksmithing, Do it yourself

Introduction: My name is Nathanial Hackett, I am a lovely, curious, smiling, lively, thoughtful, courageous, lively person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.