Description
Easy, sweet, and salty caramel cream cheese dip that’s perfect for parties. Pairs well with apples, graham crackers, and pretzels.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- Optional toppings: chopped pecans, toffee bits, sea salt flakes
- For serving: apple slices, graham crackers, pretzels, gingersnaps
Instructions
- Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and softened butter. Use an electric mixer to cream them together on medium speed until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add Brown Sugar: Gradually add the packed light brown sugar to the cream cheese and butter mixture. Continue mixing on medium speed until the brown sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Incorporate Vanilla and Salt: Add the vanilla extract and sea salt to the mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Whip in Heavy Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while mixing on low speed. Gradually increase the speed to medium and whip the mixture until it is light, airy, and slightly thickened. Be careful not to overwhip.
- Fold in Caramel Sauce: Gently fold in the 1/4 cup of caramel sauce using a spatula. Avoid overmixing.
- Chill the Dip: Transfer the caramel cream cheese dip to a serving bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours.
- Garnish (Optional): Before serving, you can garnish the dip with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include chopped pecans, toffee bits, and sea salt flakes. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top for an extra touch of decadence.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the caramel cream cheese dip with your favorite dippers, such as apple slices, graham crackers, pretzels, and gingersnaps.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are properly softened.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by reducing the amount of brown sugar.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm flavor.
- Make it boozy with a tablespoon or two of your favorite liqueur.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes