I know that we’re smack dab in the middle of Christmas cookie season and that it’s usually more fun to bring sweets to a party instead of the obligatory fruit or veggie tray. But truth be told, even though I enjoy making those sweets for parties, I am forever grateful to those who bring fruits and veggies to parties. Especially if they take the time to make the trays from scratch instead of hitting up the grocery store. And even more especially if they make a yummy dip like this one.
This dip pretty much tastes like a combination of fall and holiday cheer in one go. Instead of consisting of straight-up caramel, which is definitely good but a little messy, this Caramel Apple Dip replicates the taste of caramel in a creamy spread that is out of this world. It’s so simple to make, but the combination of brown sugar, honey roasted peanuts, vanilla, and cinnamon makes such a rich, flavorful spread that it seems like more work should be involved beyond the five minutes needed to mix everything up in a bowl. Simple, yes, but I’ll take it. 🙂
When Natalie called it “cheesecake meets peanut butter meets caramel” I was a little skeptical, but after one bite I had no doubt in my mind that that is exactly spot on. You’ll seriously be eating more and more apple slices just so you can enjoy more of this dip! Enjoy!
Caramel Apple Dip
slightly adapted from The Sweets Life
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese [I used Neufchâtel]
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup honey roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
- apple slices and graham crackers for serving
Directions:
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together cream cheese and sugars until smooth. Then stir in vanilla, cinnamon, and honey roasted peanuts.
Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving, then enjoy with apple slices and graham crackers.
The Pajama Chef 
I love that this has honey roasted peanuts in it! Great combination of flavors to go with apples!
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thanks jessica!
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This looks delicious! And you are so right, Sarah — everyone thinks about bringing baked goods to holiday parties, which means the dips are even more appreciated! Especially something amazing & homemade like this.
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I grew up eating this dip!!! Love it! We did always have it in the fall, but I’d eat it all year. 🙂
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cool! i will probably make it in like, april. haha
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I agree with you, I like seeing the homemade veggie trays and fruit trays versus the grocery store ones. At the last place I worked pretty much everyone bought stuff, so I never really cared about potlucks. Everyone loved whatever I brought but, that was because it was one out of 3 whole things that were homemade!! This idea with the apples and dip sounds terrific. I think I’m going to make it for my friend and I tomorrow while we do crafts 🙂
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hope you guys enjoy it! craft time sounds so fun 🙂
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This looks fantastic! I would love to see this at the next holiday party we attend – maybe I’ll just have to bring it! =)
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I love having a fruit and veggie option at parties also, especially if it’s accompanied with something a little decadent like this dip! Mmm.
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i agree!
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