Name: Toffee Cream Cheese Apple Dip
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 8 oz. cream cheese, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup white sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla; 1 12 oz. bag toffee bits ((Heath Bits O' Brickle Toffee Bits) )

Cream Cheese Apple Dip on your table in 5 minutes!

This Cream Cheese Apple Dip is my go-to party dip! It’s rich and creamy made with silky cream cheese, crunchy, toffee bits, sweet brown and white sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. The sweet, creamy Toffee Apple Dip is the the perfect companion to smother tart apples – and only takes minutes (literally) to whip up! This Cream Cheese Toffee Apple Dip can be made over 24 hours in advance so it’s the perfect make-ahead recipe for all all your parties, potlucks and barbecues – everyone will beg you for this Apple Dip recipe! I’ve also included detailed instructions on how to prevent your apples from browning so now you can make EVERYTHING in advance for the the ultimate stress free Apple Dip.

PIN THIS RECIPE TO SAVE FOR LATER

cream cheese apple Dip

My fabulous friend, Kim O., brought a version of this Cream Cheese Apple Dip to a recipe night years ago and I will love her forever and ever and ever for it.

Back in the day, my friends and I used to be fairly consistent about gathering for monthly recipe nights. Each night would have a different theme: Mexican, chocolate, soups and salads, etc., and then everyone would make something along the lines of the theme and bring both the dish and the recipe to share.

I always looked forward to recipe nights to gab it up and eat it up, always hoping that that night would be the night I would bite into a new recipe that would change my world forever.

And this Cream Cheese Apple Dip recipe changed my world forever. It was love at first bite.

Toffee Apple Dip

This Apple Dip is SO creamy, so sweet, so rich, andit has toffee bits! If you haven’t noticed, toffee and caramel are my weakness. Like my Toffee Pecan Caramel Pound Cake and my Caramel Pecan Toffee Ice Cream Cake. Combine toffee and cream cheese together and I don’t stand a chance.

So naturally, I wanted this Apple Dip to taste more like caramel, so I mixed up the ratio of brown to white sugar and added cinnamon, so this dip truly tastes like a creamy cinnamon caramel toffee apple dip.

Just describing the Cream Cheese Apple Dip makes me want some again right now because this apple dip is the best dip ever! I have no problem claiming its best dip everness, because I know you will agree!

To make this best dip ever, simply, mix cream cheese, white and brown sugar, toffee bits, cinnamon and vanilla! That’s it! Sometimes love can be that simple.

Bring this Cream Cheese Apple Dip to a party, get together, etc., and everyone will love you forever and ever and ever.

Toffee Apple Dip made with cream cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon in a bowl surrounded by apples

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Apple Dip

cream cheese: you can use full fat or less fat cream cheese but I recommend full fat for the best flavor.
toffee bits: you will need one 12 oz bag toffee bits. I use Heath Bits O’ Brickle Toffee Bits found in the baking aisle next to the chocolate chips. If someone has a nut allergy, you will want to eliminate the toffee bits. You may need to add additional sugar to taste.
brown sugar: use light brown sugar so it doesn’t overwhelm the cream cheese.
granulated sugar: balances the brown sugar.
cinnamon: you can use more or less to taste.
vanilla extract: use quality extract for the best flavor.

Recipe Variations

Peanut butter: Try stirring in some creamy peanut butter for a nutty flair. You may need to add additional sugar to balance the addition.
Chocolate: Stir in Nutella, chocolate sauce or chocolate chips in place of some of the toffee bits.
Chocolate chips: In addition to chocolate chips, try white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, etc.
Candy: Swap the toffee bits for other finely chopped candy such as Snickers, Reese’s Pieces or Butterfingers.
Make it fruity: Use strawberry flavored cream cheese or stir in some strawberry jam.
Nuts: Add chopped almonds, peanuts, pecans or pistachios.

What Apples are best for Apple Dip?

I recommend Granny Smith apples over sweeter varieties like Honey Crisp or Fuji for this Cream Cheese Apple Dip recipe. You want the contrasting tartness of the Granny Smith Apples to compliment the sweet Apple Dip – otherwise sweet apples with sweet dip will be too sweet!

HOW DO I KEEP APPLES FROM TURNING BROWN?

When serving Apple Dip, you want the apples to look appetizing. The problem is, as soon as they are sliced and exposed to the air, they will begin to oxidize and turn brown. To prevent this unappetizing effect, apples need to be soaked or brushed with some sort of citric acid. Citric acid prevents oxidization (browning). Here are a couple options:

Soak apples in pineapple juice: My favorite way to keep apples from oxidizing after slicing them is to put them in a bowl of pineapple juice and let them soak for 5-10 minutes. The citric acid prevents oxidation and browning and the flavor of the pineapple juice is quite tame and doesn’t change the flavor of the apples. If know the apples need to stay fresh for a longer period of time, then add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the pineapple juice. When you’re done soaking your apples, you can use leftover pineapple juice in my pineapple chicken, pineapple peanut satay chicken or pina colada fruit salad. You can also freeze the pineapple juice for a later use.
Soak apples in honey and water. This is actually America’s Test Kitchen’s preferred method which claims the fruit stays fresh for up to 24 hours (you can watch America’s Test Kitchen’s video here). Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 cup of water in a large bowl and toss the apple slices in as you cut them. The reason honey works is not only does it have a slight amount of citric acid, but it contains a peptide that blocks the activation of the enzyme responsible for the oxidation process in apples and other flesh fruits.
Soak apples in water and lemon juice. Alternatively, you can mix ½ cup water and 2 tablespoons lemon (or 1 cup water with ¼ cup lemon juice) and add the apples to the mixture as you slice them. Let them soak for 5 minutes once you’ve added your last apple slice. Make sure you stir the apple so they are evenly coated.
Soak apples in carbonated soda. Lemon/lime based sodas such as Sprite, 7-Up, or Ginger Ale all work well without altering the flavor of the fruit but are not as healthy as the aforementioned alternatives.

showing how to make Cream Cheese Apple Dip by lining up cream cheese, brown sugar, granulated sugar and toffee

HOW TO SOFTEN CREAM CHEESE FOR Toffee APPLE DIP

Cream cheese is the main ingredient in this Cream Cheese Apple Dip recipe. It is important that the cream cheese is nice and soft so that it blends smoothly without any lumps.

In order to achieve silky Apple Dip, you have three options to soften your cream cheese:

Let cream cheese sit at room temperature. Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for 2 hours. If not soft enough, you can combine it with the microwave method below.
Counter + Microwave: This is my second preferred method as it is super quick and easy and allows the cream cheese to come to room temperature evenly. Cube cream cheese and transfer to a microwave safe plate. Microwave for 30 seconds then allow cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This gives it a head start to soften at room temperature. I don’t recommend just allowing the cream cheese to sit at room temperature without microwaving or it won’t become soft enough within 60 minutes. By both microwaving and sitting, we get the best of both worlds.
Water bath: This allows the the cream cheese to softens evenly throughout without the risk of “melting” it or scorching it. To create a water bath, fill a medium bowl with hot water. Place the sealed, packaged cream cheese in the bowl for 10 minutes to soften. If it isn’t soft enough after 10 minutes, then dump out the hot water, refill and repeat.
Microwave: This method is if you need cream cheese NOW but it is a little more risky because the cream cheese can not only become too soft but can soften unevenly and worst of all, overcook – so proceed with care and caution. Cube cream cheese and transfer to a microwave safe plate. Microwave for 15-20 seconds, stir and microwave another 10 seconds. Repeat until cream cheese is softened.

up close of cream cheese apple dip in a bowl

HOW TO MAKE cream cheese APPLE DIP:

STEP ONE: MIX INGREDIENTS TOGETHER

Add cream cheese, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla and cinnamon to a large mixing bowl.
Beat with a handheld mixer until creamy and slightly fluffy.
Fold in toffee bits.

STEP TWO: CHILL DIP IN REFRIGERATOR

Chill Apple Dip in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutest to allows the flavors to build and meld, up to 24 hours.

STEP THREE: SERVE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE

Let Apple Dip come to room temperature, about 20 minutes, before serving.

the best dippers for apple dip

This cream cheese apple dip is sensational with tart apples, BUT it also pairs well with many other fruits, cookies, etc. So, along with your apples, consider serving some of these fabulous dippers:

pineapple
grapes
honeydew
oranges
pears
Graham crackers
Ritz
gingersnaps
granola bars
animal crackers
pretzels

HOW TO SERVE CREAM CHEESE APPLE DIP

You can also use Apple Dip as a spread for:

lemon bars
brownie
toast
bagels
scones
donuts
cinnamon rolls
stuffed French toast
pancakes or crepes

Can I make Apple Dip Ahead of Time?

Absolutely, please do! This Cream Cheese Apple Dip tastes even better if refrigerated for at least 30 minutes, or better yet, overnight, so the flavors can meld. When read to serve, let Apple Dip sit at room temperature for 20 minutes or so before dipping.

How long is Toffee Apple Dip good for?

Toffee Apple Dip Should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When stored properly, it is good for 3-5 days.

can I freeze cream cheese apple dip?

No, I don’t recommend freezing this apple dip The texture of the cream cheese will become unpleasantly crumbly and less creamy once thawed.

Are APPLES HEALTHY?

While this Apple Dip might not be the healthiest, you can take comfort that the dipping counterpart are! Apples are rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, flavanoids (plant metabolites), and dietary fiber which may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. So if this Apple Dip helps you consume more apples- dip on!

LOOKING FOR MORE PARTY DIP RECIPES?

an apple dipping into toffee cream cheese apple dip

Want to try this Apple Dip Recipe?

Pin it to your APPETIZER Board to SAVE for later!

Find me on Pinterest for more great recipes! I am always pinning :)!

©Carlsbad Cravings by CarlsbadCravings.com

Tools Used in This Recipe

Hand Mixer

Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set

Silicone Spatula Set

Teak Wood Cutting Board

Kitchen Knife Set

See Favorite Tools

5 Minute Cream Cheese Toffee Apple Dip is my go-to party dip! Its rich and creamy with crunchy, sweet toffee bits and couldn't be any easier! Everyone goes crazy for this dip!

Toffee Cream Cheese Apple Dip

This Cream Cheese Apple Dip is my go-to party dip! It’s rich and creamy made with silky cream cheese, crunchy, toffee bits, sweet brown and white sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. The sweet, creamy Apple Dip is the the perfect companion to smother tart apples – and only takes minutes (literally) to whip up! This Cream Cheese Toffee Apple Dip can be made over 24 hours in advance so it’s the perfect make-ahead recipe for all all your parties, potlucks and barbecues – everyone will beg you for this Apple Dip recipe! I’ve also included detailed instructions on how to prevent your apples from browning so now you can make EVERYTHING in advance for the the ultimate stress free Apple Dip.

Servings:

Total Time: 5

Prep Time: 5

Save This Recipe To Your Recipe Box

You can now create an account on our site and save your favorite recipes all in one place!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe

Ingredients

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 12 oz. bag toffee bits (Heath Bits O’ Brickle Toffee Bits)

Instructions

Add cream cheese, sugars, cinnamon and vanilla to a large mixing bowl and beat until smooth and creamy. Fold in toffee bits. Chill for 30 minutes up to 24 hours. Let come to room temperature before servings.
Best served with tart apples.

Notes

*See post for tips on how to soften cream cheese.

HOW TO PREVENT APPLES FROM TURNING BROWN:

Soak apples in pineapple juice: My favorite way to keep apples from oxidizing after slicing them is to put them in a bowl of pineapple juice and let them soak for 5-10 minutes. The citric acid prevents oxidation and browning and the flavor of the pineapple juice is quite tame and doesn’t change the flavor of the apples. If know the apples need to stay fresh for a longer period of time, then add 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the pineapple juice. When you’re done soaking your apples, you can use leftover pineapple juice in my pineapple chicken, pineapple peanut satay chicken or pina colada fruit salad. You can also freeze the pineapple juice for a later use.
Soak apples in honey and water. This is actually America’s Test Kitchen’s preferred method which claims the fruit stays fresh for up to 24 hours (you can watch America’s Test Kitchen’s video here). Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 cup of water in a large bowl and toss the apple slices in as you cut them. The reason honey works is not only does it have a slight amount of citric acid, but it contains a peptide that blocks the activation of the enzyme responsible for the oxidation process in apples and other flesh fruits.
Soak apples in water and lemon juice. Alternatively, you can mix ½ cup water and 2 tablespoons lemon (or 1 cup water with ¼ cup lemon juice) and add the apples to the mixture as you slice them. Let them soak for 5 minutes once you’ve added your last apple slice. Make sure you stir the apple so they are evenly coated.
Soak apples in carbonated soda. Lemon/lime based sodas such as Sprite, 7-Up, or Ginger Ale all work well without altering the flavor of the fruit but are not as healthy as the aforementioned alternatives.

How to Serve Apple Dip

Apple Dip is sensational with tart apples, BUT it also pairs well with many other fruits, cookies, etc. So, along with your apples, consider serving some of these fabulous dippers:

pineapple
grapes
honeydew
oranges
pears
Graham crackers
Ritz
gingersnaps
granola bars
animal crackers
pretzels

You can also use Apple Dip as a spread for: lemon bars, brownies, toast, bagels, scones, donuts, cinnamon rolls, etc.

Storage