Caramel Apple Dip Favorite Family Recipes

This luscious caramel apple dip is the perfect fall appetizer for game days, Halloween holiday parties and more! The simple caramel apple dip recipe is better than anything you can buy at the grocery store and costs much less to make. It’s always a huge hit! My kids love dipping tart granny smith apples slices into this dip as an after school snack, and I love the fact that they’re getting delicious fruit in their bodies. Keep this delicious treat on hand for all kinds of occasions this fall.

Ingredients in this Easy Caramel Apple Dip Recipe

This caramel sauce comes together with just a few simple ingredients and a little patience at the stove. It’s completely worth it, once you taste the creamy, rich caramel. Here’s what you need:

Sugar – one cup white sugar. You can substitute light brown sugar or dark brown sugar for part of the sugar mixture for a deeper color. Dark corn syrup – 8 ounces of the Karo brand DARK syrup. Butter – one cup or two cubes of your favorite brand of butter. Sweetened condensed milk – 14 ounces, or one can. Vanilla Extract – one teaspoon.

Texture of Caramel Apple Dip

Homemade caramel dip can be adjusted to your desired thickness and creaminess by controlling the cooking time and temperature of the caramel. This particular caramel apple dip recipe is not thick enough to hold a shape for wrapped caramels or to cover whole apples. The texture is smooth and creamy. It should be thick but not too thick, enough so it clings to apple slices without being too runny, but it’s the perfect consistency to dip apples, pretzels, crackers, just about anything!

Directions for Making Caramel Apple Dip

Now is the time to get comfy in front of the stove for a little bit. It takes just a bit of patience to get the perfect texture and consistency, but it is well worth every single step.

How to Store Caramel Apple Dip

Store at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also keep the caramel in the fridge for up to two weeks. Remove from the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before serving. This recipe can easily be doubled if you are expecting a large crowd. Keep some on hand to serve over ice cream, or spread in layers over cookies or graham crackers.

Soft-Ball Stage

It can be tough to determine if you don’t have a candy thermometer, but it can be done, using the soft-ball stage method. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, here’s the best way to know if your caramel is at the perfect soft-ball stage:

Get a bowl of ice cold water Transfer a small amount of caramel to the cold water. If it forms a soft, pliable ball, it’s ready! If it falls apart in the water, continue to stir for a few minutes and then try again.

Caramel Dip Variations

There are numerous delicious variations you can try when making caramel dip for apples. Here are a few ideas:

What to Serve with Caramel Apple Dip

Serve a big bowl of soft caramel with a variety of sliced apples. I like using granny smith, honeycrisp, gala, or any other tart apple. Use a little lemon juice on the apples to keep them from browning on your buffet table. Make a charcuterie board with a bunch of different yummy things to dip (or to dip your caramel apples IN):

Pears graham crackers cookies pretzels bananas cheesecake bites marshmallows heath bits or toffee bits chocolate chips Pumpkin cream candies or candy corn

More Uses For Caramel Dip

Have leftovers or want to try something new with this caramel dip? Try adding a little extra heavy cream when re-heating to make a simple homemade caramel sauce! Drizzle a little over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, French toast, brownies, bread pudding, pie, apple crisp, or cobbler (YUM)! You can also add a little scoop to drinks like hot cocoa or caramel apple spice cider. There are SO many different ways you can use this delicious dip. Get creative and leave a comment with your favorite creations!

Tips for Smooth Caramel Dip (Avoid Crystallization and Grainy-ness)

Preventing caramel from crystallizing or becoming grainy requires some careful attention and the right techniques. Here are some tips to help you achieve smooth, velvety caramel: Remember that caramel can be extremely hot, so use caution when working with it. Even small splatters can cause burns. By following these tips and practicing patience, you can create smooth, silky caramel without unwanted crystallization. READ MORE: 25+ Halloween Dinner and Dessert Ideas

More Sweet Dip Recipes

Sweet dips are the perfect party treat. Serve them as an appetizer or as a dessert with sliced fruit, cookies, crackers, or sweet breads.

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