Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread - quick and delicious recipe! (2024)

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This Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread is a delicious fall treat that you can make in under five minutes. It makes the perfect afternoon snack or quick weeknight dessert!

Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread - quick and delicious recipe! (1)

I recently shared some of my favorite cozy fall decor ideas. It was fun to show you around how I decorate my home for the season. I hope you picked up a few ideas for your space too. I also hope you enjoyed some of my favorite fall eats including the Baked Pumpkin Donuts,Fall Harvest Pasta Salad, and Apple Pie Sangria.

Today we’re making the Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread. Late last fall, I had this delightful treat at a friend’s house. Since then I’ve been looking to making and sharing it with you.

Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread - quick and delicious recipe! (2)
Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread - quick and delicious recipe! (3)

You know how much I love a simple recipe, and it doesn’t get much easier than this. With only four ingredients and less than five minutes of prep time, this seasonally tasty idea is perfect for any impromptu gathering.

The caramel and apples are quintessentially fall. Toss in crunchy toffee bits and cream cheese, and it’s a match made in heaven.

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 While You’ll Love This Recipe

3 How to Make

4 Recipe Variations

5 More Apple Recipes You’ll Love

6 Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread

While You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy Peasy: Literally, this is a ‘throw-together’ kind of treat. Softened cream cheese, caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of toffee bits. Boom! You’re done.
  • Fall in Every Bite: This spread is like diving headfirst into a pile of golden autumn leaves… but you know, the edible version! Those classic caramel apple vibes will have you feeling all the fall feels.
  • Versatile Snack or Dessert: Having friends over for a movie night? Check. Need a quick treat for the kiddos after school? Check. Halloween Party? Check. Date night at home? Double check. This spread has got you covered.

And if this sounds good, you may also want to check out my recipe for Red Pepper Jelly. Served over a block of cream cheese, it’s another easy and delicious snack for the holidays. But honestly, I’d eat it any time of the year.

Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread - quick and delicious recipe! (4)
Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread - quick and delicious recipe! (5)

Ingredients

Before we dive right into making our delicious Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread, let’s chat about the all-stars that make this dish a fall favorite. Each one plays its part to give you that perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and crisp.

  • Cream Cheese: This is our smooth and creamy foundation. Opt for the full-fat version to truly relish the richness it brings to the table.
  • Caramel Sauce: Ah, the glossy and gooey delight! I’ve gone for a store-bought sauce (because convenience is queen, right?). Just a little tip: pick one that’s a tad thicker so it holds its own atop the cream cheese.
  • Toffee Bits: Think of these as the little bursts of sweet joy that add a delightful crunch. It’s like a mini celebration with every bite.
  • Fresh Apples: Our trusty sidekick! These provide that crisp freshness which perfectly contrasts the lush spread. I love using a mix of green and red apples for a vibrant serving palette. Plus, they’re nature’s spoons, ready to scoop up all that caramel-y goodness.

With these ingredients at hand, you’re all set to whip up a treat that’s bound to become a staple in your fall festivities. Enjoy!

Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread - quick and delicious recipe! (6)

How to Make

Making this Caramel Apple and Cream Cheese Spread is very simple. I’ll walk you through the steps below. For your convenience,I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

  1. Place a block of cream cheese on a serving plate.
  2. Then, using the back of a spoon, create a small well in the top of the cheese to hold caramel sauce. This is an important step because otherwise all of the caramel will just run off the cream cheese and pool on the plate.
Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread - quick and delicious recipe! (7)
Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread - quick and delicious recipe! (8)
  1. Next, spoon on your caramel.
  2. Then finish off with a sprinkle with toffee bits.

I did include the amounts in the recipe below. However, you can add as much or as little caramel and toffee as you like.

Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread - quick and delicious recipe! (9)

And that’s it my friend! I told you this was a simple and easy recipe!

Serve with thinly sliced apples and pears, and you’re in business. It’s the flavors of fall at their finest.

Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread - quick and delicious recipe! (10)
Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread - quick and delicious recipe! (11)

Recipe Variations

Sometimes we all get that little itch to be a culinary Picasso and paint our own flavor masterpiece. So, if you’re feeling a tad adventurous or maybe you just want to shake things up a bit, here are some tasty twists you can add to our Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread. These variations are all about personalizing the dish and making it your very own!

  • Nutty Delight: Chopped nuts can bring a delightful textural contrast. Think walnuts or pecans. They add a crunchy element, and their earthy flavors harmoniously dance with the sweetness of the caramel. Toasting them can amplify their flavor profile even more.
  • Chocoholic’s Dream: Who said mini chocolate chips are strictly for cookies? Sprinkle them over the top for a little sweet surprise. Caramel and chocolate? It’s a match made in dessert heaven.
  • Graham Cracker Galore: Need a crunchy pal for your creamy spread? Graham crackers got your back. Their honey-touched sweetness and crisp texture fit the bill. And if you want a little extra crunch, crumble them on top!
  • Spice It Up: Warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can kick up those autumnal vibes a notch. Just a sprinkle can add depth and warmth, making your spread even cozier.

Feel free to dive in and mix, match, and modify to suit your taste buds. Remember, it’s all about having fun and savoring the delicious results.

Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread - quick and delicious recipe! (12)
Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread - quick and delicious recipe! (13)

More Apple Recipes You’ll Love

  • Caramel Apple Martini
  • Apple Streusel Cake
  • Frosted Apple Cider Cookies
  • Homemade Apple Strudel
  • Caramel Apple Muffins

The flavor and texture combination is almost magical. Be sure to give this Cream Cheese and Caramel Apple Spread a try this fall and let me know what you think. Be sure to stop back andleave a comment and a 5-star rating below.

Want more from Inspired by Charm?Join theIBC Mailing Listfor inspiration in your inbox! Follow along onInstagramandTikTokfor daily updates and behind-the-scenes looks at my processes. There’s even more inspiration onFacebookandPinterest!

Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread - quick and delicious recipe! (14)

Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread

This Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread is a delicious fall treat that you can make in under five minutes. It makes the perfect afternoon snack or quick weeknight dessert!

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: caramel apple, cream cheese, cream cheese spread, apples, fall, autumn

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 people

Calories: 218kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce*
  • 4 tablespoons toffee bits*
  • 4 apples and / or pears cored and thinly sliced

Instructions

  • Place the block of cream cheese on a serving plate. Use the back of a spoon to create a small well in the top of the cream cheese.

  • Spoon the caramel sauce into the well, allowing some to drip over the sides. Sprinkle evenly with toffee bits.

  • Serve with sliced apple and pears.

Notes

*These are recommended amounts, but feel free to use more or less to suit your tastes.

Caramel sauce: I used store-bought. It makes this recipe really easy! However feel free to make your own with whatever recipe you like best.

Nutrition

Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 148mg | Potassium: 148mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 528IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread - quick and delicious recipe! (2024)

FAQs

Should apples be cold before dipping in caramel? ›

Prepare your apples first.

To get the most caramel adhesion, we have two tips: Chill the apples overnight: Dipping cold apples will help the caramel set up immediately, rather than sliding off the apple. Sand the apples: Yep, you read that right. You're going to use some fine-grit sandpaper from the hardware store.

Why doesn't caramel stick to apples? ›

The apples in the grocery store generally have a very thin edible wax on them, which helps to preserve them. This wax interferes with the caramel sticking to the apples and requires some effort to remove.

What are the best apples for dipping in caramel? ›

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.

Is apples and caramel a healthy snack? ›

The apple you are eating provides numerous healthy benefits you won't get from other sweet treats like candy and cookies. In addition, caramel apples offer protein, antioxidant phytonutrients, and dietary fiber. The average caramel apple has 160 calories and about 28 grams of sugar.

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.

Do you refrigerate caramel apples after dipping? ›

Here's the general rule: If you don't plan on eating a caramel apple within two hours of making it, put it in an airtight container and pop it into the fridge. Per Penn State, caramel apples can go bad surprisingly quickly and cause serious health issues, so they should always be stored correctly.

What is the best way to package caramel apples? ›

If you're storing your caramel apples in the fridge, then make sure you place them into an airtight container or a ziplock bag. This helps to keep in even more freshness!

Why do caramel apples need to be refrigerated? ›

The Importance of Refrigerating Caramel Apples

Putting Caramel Apples in the refrigerator helps protect them from bacterial growth and maintain their quality.

What is the difference between a taffy apple and a caramel apple? ›

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 is the difference between a caramel apple and a toffee apple? ›

Caramel is also made from sugar but with the addition of butter and cream, which creates a soft, chewy coating around the apple that doesn't harden. A lot easier to bite for little teeth (or old!). Toffee, on the other hand, is predominantly made with sugar which results in a hard crack coating around the apple.

What is the difference between candied apples and caramel apples? ›

Although they are quite similar, the biggest difference between candy apples and caramel apples is that candy apples have a hard candy coating made from sugar and corn syrup while caramel apples have a caramel coating made from brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and corn syrup.

What happened to Kraft caramels? ›

In a deal that touches the taste buds of several generations, Kraft Foods Inc. will sell the business that makes its familiar cube-shaped caramels. An investment group made up of Texas Pacific Group of Fort Worth and InterWest Partners of Menlo Park, Calif. will buy the Kraft caramel and marshmallow businesses.

Is an apple healthier than a candy bar? ›

Since fiber (usually found in a fruit's peel) drastically slows the digestion of sugar, eating an apple probably won't lead to the same sugar spike as a rapidly digested candy bar or a can of sugary soda.

Is apple a good snack for diabetics? ›

Are apples good for diabetes? Apples can be a good snack for people with diabetes. Their fiber may help prevent spikes in blood sugar, and insulin levels, and fructose may be more beneficial for insulin levels than glucose. Apples also contain many nutrients.

Should apples be room temp for caramel apples? ›

Tips on Temperature – It's important to keep the apple at room temperature. If it is cold, it can cause moisture drops, which will make the caramel run. The proper temp for heating caramel apple dip is 175–185 degrees F. Candy apple dip should be heated at 295–300 degrees F.

How long do you soak apples for candy apples? ›

Instructions
  1. Soak your apples in very hot/boiling water for 10-15 seconds to melt wax coating off the skins. ...
  2. Remove the stems from the apples.
  3. Before you begin cooking the sugar, secure sticks into apples. ...
  4. In a heavy bottom saucepan, combine the sugar, syrup, and water.
Sep 21, 2021

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