Caramel Apple Dip

This easy caramel dip is rich, creamy, and ready in minutes. Made for dipping fresh apples, crackers, and all your favorite fall snacks, it’s a simple homemade treat that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or an everyday autumn dessert.

Caramel apple dip is absolutely one of the best things about fall. It’s so super quick and easy to make, and SO yummy. It’s definitely one of our family’s tried and true recipes, and I make it often. In fact, I can’t make it fast enough! I love to give it as gifts all through the fall and holiday season. And it’s not just for apples…try it over ice cream, apple crisp, brownies, and even pancakes for a special treat!

This is also the same recipe I use for my Homemade Caramel Apples, but cooked a little differently so it will stick the apples—they’re easy to make, and SO good!

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Ingredients

• Light corn syrup (this isn’t high fructose corn syrup)
• Butter
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla

You can use light or dark brown sugar–whatever you have on hand–but the dark brown will make it even more “caramel-y”.

How to Make

Melt the butter completely in a large saucepan. Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar and corn syrup and stir until the sugar is melted. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk, and stirring constantly, cook until it starts to thicken, and small bubbles are forming along the edges. If you’re using a candy thermometer, cook until 220 degrees. Take off heat, and stir in vanilla. Let cool before serving. Serve warm or cold.

How to avoid brown apple slices

1. Fill a bowl (big enough for as many apple slices are you’re soaking) with cold water, and a little ice. Add about 1/2 teaspoon of salt for every 1-1 1/2 cups of water. Stir until the salt is dissolved.
2. As you slice your apples, place them in the water, and soak for a few minutes.
3. Remove from the bowl. You can either rinse them to remove the leftover salt, or keep them as is.
4. Place on a paper towel and pat them dry.
5. You can serve immediately, or keep them in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag in the fridge.

Recipe notes

You can pour the caramel into a small crockpot and keep on warm until ready to serve. This is really fun for parties!

Put apple slices on toothpicks for easier dipping.

For a caramel apple bar: include a variety of toppings like: chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, melted chocolate (dark, milk, and white), mini M&Ms, crushed Oreo cookies, crushed pretzels

Store leftover caramel in a sealed mason jar in the fridge for up to a week. Warm in the microwave to reheat.

Caramel Apple Dip Gift Idea

I always use mason jars…they’re the cutest, and refrigerate well. (Pint jars are the ones I use most, but I also love these wide mouth half pint jars!) To give it an adorable apple theme, I use red gingham fabric on top, then tie on a green cardstock leaf with a little jute.

It’s such a quick and easy gift, but just SO darling! Perfect for teachers, but also friends, neighbors, and more. And even if you don’t package it up in red gingham fabric–it’s the yummiest to enjoy in your own home. I also love serving it at fall and holiday parties or gatherings…it’s always a hit.

More fall recipes

• Toffee Cream Cheese Apple Dip
• The Best Apple Crisp
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Must-Try Fall Soups

Thanks so much for stopping by! Join me on Instagram for even more ideas and inspiration…I’d love to see you there. 🖤

*Originally posted 2019