This Caramel Apple Dip takes minutes to make and is so delicious it won't last long! It's a rich, sweet caramel that's perfect for dipping apple slices.
This easy caramel recipe gives you a creamy, gooey dip for your seasonal treats. Perfect for Easter, Halloween or Christmas, this dip is the ideal backup bowl for any party!
This recipe is so simple that it only has 3 steps: pour, heat and stir. So if you have some sugar, cream and butter in the house, you can have some ready in a matter of moments. The toughest part is waiting for it to cool so that you can dive in!
You can buy caramel sauce at the store, of course, but nothing compares to freshly made cinnamon caramel. And this recipe for Caramel Apple Dip is so easy, you'll be tempted to make it every week.
To make it, you'll simply pour everything into a saucepan, heat it until the sugar dissolves, boil for 2 minutes, and then let it cool.
Once it's ready, your ingredients will have thickened into a golden, creamy caramel.
I love dipping slices of Granny Smith apples into my Caramel Apple Dip, but it works with pretty much any fruit, biscuit or cake. You could even eat it with savoury snacks like pretzels or use it in an ice cream sundae!
So if you want to give this Caramel Apple Dip a try, the ingredients and method are listed below. I've also included some step-by-step pictures so you can see how your caramel should look as it cooks.
Happy cooking!
Ingredients
- 225 ml (7.6 floz) double cream (heavy cream)
- 140 g (4.9 oz) unsalted butter
- 140 g (4.9 oz) soft dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) salt
Instructions
Put the cream, butter, sugar, cinnamon and salt in a non-stick pan over a medium heat.
Stir until the butter has melted and the sugar doesn't feel grainy on the bottom of the pan.
Bring to the boil and cook for 2 minutes.
Take off the heat and allow to cool for 30 minutes.
Pour into a suitable container to cool completely.
You can enjoy dipping apple slices by transferring a little to a dipping pot while it's warm or cold.
The caramel should be stored in a sealed container in the fridge. As it chills, it will become very thick, so you may wish to gently warm the caramel to loosen it again when serving.
Pointers, tricks and troubleshooting tips for the perfect dip Caramel Apple Dip
Is Caramel Apple Dip easy to make?
With a cooking time of 5 minutes and only 4 ingredients, this Caramel Apple Dip is ridiculously easy to make!
The only cooking you'll do is bring the ingredients to boil in a saucepan. Then you just let it cool into a creamy, thick caramel sauce - perfect for dipping apples, crackers (or spoons!)
Will I need any special equipment to make this dip recipe?
You will need a saucepan and either a bowl or container to pour the caramel into once it's cooled. I like to use a glass jar so I can see how much is left!
You might also want to get some cute dipping bowls or pots if you're planning on serving this Caramel Apple Dip at a party.
There's always a complete list of suggested equipment on the recipe card below my recipes if you're in doubt.
I also always include links to example products, to show exactly what I used to make each recipe.
How can I tell if butter has gone off?
When you're melting the butter for this Caramel Apple Dip recipe, be sure to check that it's fresh and safe to use.
Butter can go rancid pretty quickly - especially if it's not stored properly. If your butter smells sour or has a strange texture, it's best to bin it and start again.
Fresh butter should have a clean, slightly nutty smell and should be a pale yellow colour. So if your butter smells sour, looks dark or has translucent patches, it's time to throw it out.
How can I tell if cream has gone off?
Cream can also go bad pretty quickly - especially if it's not stored properly. If your cream is sour-smelling it's off. Double cream naturally separates even when it's fresh, but if it has separated to the point that the liquid part is clear, it's best to bin it.
Fresh cream should have a clean, buttery smell and should be a pale yellow colour. So if your cream smells sour, looks strange or has mould growing on it you need to bin it!
Can I use another kind of sugar?
You can use a different kind of sugar, but for best results you should use dark brown soft sugar.
Soft sugar still contains natural molasses so it melts more easily than granulated sugar. The molasses also gives dark brown soft sugar a more rich flavour and colour.
So you can still use light brown sugar or granulated sugar but it will take longer to melt and the texture and colour won't be as rich.
Is Caramel Apple Dip suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! But if you're cooking for veggies, don't forget to check anything extra that you intend to serve with your dip.
Is Caramel Apple Dip suitable for vegans?
No, this recipe contains butter and cream, so it isn't vegan. I'm not sure if using vegan butter and cream would work well for this recipe, as they tend to contain more water and the oils used to behave differently in caramel. So it might be best to find a recipe specifically designed for use with vegan ingredients.
Is Caramel Apple Dip gluten-free?
Yes! But remember to check anything extra that you intend to serve with this dip.
Is Caramel Apple Dip keto-friendly?
No, sorry! This is full of sugar, the archenemy of the ketogenic diet.
Is Caramel Apple Dip suitable for those on a FODMAP diet?
If you are following a FODMAP diet, then you'll need to use a sugar-free alternative. I would recommend using a brown sugar replacement like this one. You'll also need to use a lactose-free cream.
Is Caramel Apple Dip healthy?
This dip is pretty much entirely made from sugar and fat, so it's not very healthy. However, there's nothing stopping you from enjoying it in moderation!
Is Caramel Apple Dip safe to eat while pregnant?
This recipe is very high in sugar, so it's best if you enjoy it in moderation if pregnant. Pregnant people are generally more sensitive to changes in blood sugar levels.
In some cases, pregnant people are at risk of developing Gestational Diabetes. So it's fine to enjoy a bit of Caramel Apple Dip as a treat, but not on your toast every morning!
A Mummy Too does not offer medical advice. Please seek help from a medical professional if you need further information or have any concerns.
Is Caramel Apple Dip suitable for babies and toddlers?
No, this dip is 90% sugar, so it isn't suitable for children under the age of 5.
A Mummy Too does not give medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns please speak to a health professional.
The NHS has some fantastic resources on their website on what to feed babies and young children.
What goes well with this dip?
If the name didn't give it away - apples! This dip is inspired by the classic Halloween treat of caramel apples. But feel free to dip any other fruit, cookies or even crackers into it.
Can I make this Caramel Apple Dip without sugar?
No, sorry! This dip is mainly made with sugar and relies on it for its texture.
How should I store Caramel Apple Dip?
This Caramel Apple Dip recipe uses brown butter and cream, so it's best to store it in a sealed container in the fridge.
If you find that the caramel is too thick after chilling, simply microwave it for a few seconds to loosen it up or leave the sealed container out on the counter for an hour before serving.
This Caramel Apple Dip will last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Can I make Caramel Apple Dip ahead of time?
Yes! This Caramel Apple Dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you're ready to use it.
Can I leave Caramel Apple Dip out on the counter?
While sugar is a natural preservative, I wouldn't recommend leaving this dip out. It will attract insects and the butter or cream might still spoil. So it's best to keep it in the fridge until you want to serve it.
Can I keep Caramel Apple Dip in the refrigerator?
Yes, the best place for your dip is in the fridge in a sealed container.
Can I freeze this Caramel Apple Dip?
No, I wouldn't recommend freezing this Caramel Apple Dip as the texture will be affected.
What is the best way to reheat Caramel Apple Dip?
If you find that your Caramel Apple Dip has gotten too thick, simply microwave it for a few seconds to loosen it up before serving.
Can I make Caramel Apple Dip in a different quantity?
Sure, if you want to make more or less of this recipe then go right ahead. This recipe uses equal quantities of sugar and butter and 1.6 x the amount of cream. So you can make as much or as little as you like by using equal quantities of butter and sugar, then multiplying the amount of butter/sugar by 1.6.
For example, if you used 500g sugar and 500g butter, you would multiply 500 by 1.6 and use that amount of cream (800g.)
Can I make Caramel Apple Dip in a stand mixer such as a KitchenAid or Kenwood Mixer?
Nope, you'll only need a saucepan and a spoon for this recipe.
Can I make Caramel Apple Dip with a food processor?
No, there's no point in the recipe that requires a food processor.
How can I make sure my Caramel Apple Dip turns out perfectly?
The key to making perfect Caramel Apple Dip is to make sure that you don't overcook the sugar. Cook it over a low heat and be patient - it might take a while but it'll be worth it in the end!
Make sure you let it cool (or mostly cool) before serving so it's safe to eat and thickens up.
If you find that your Caramel Apple Dip is too thick, simply microwave it for a few seconds to loosen it up before serving.
If you have any other questions or tips, please feel free to leave them in the comments below!
Why did my Caramel Apple Dip turn out gritty?
If your Caramel Apple Dip is gritty then it means that the sugar hasn't dissolved properly. Make sure to cook it over a low heat and stir frequently until all of the sugar has dissolved.
My Caramel Apple Dip is too runny, what can I do?
If your Caramel Apple Dip is too runny and it's still warm, don't worry. Just let it cool down and it should thicken up nicely.
If it's completely cool and still runny then it sounds like the ingredient ratio is incorrect. The fat in the butter and the sugar should both set firmly once cooled - so I'm not sure how the dip could be runny unless you added extra liquid.
How can I add/change the flavours in this dip?
Salted caramel is the easiest way to change up the flavour of this Caramel Apple Dip. Simply add a pinch of salt to the sugar before you start cooking it. I like to use smoked salt for a more seasonal bonfire flavour, but regular salt will work just fine too.
You could also add a teaspoon or two of vanilla extract, or any other flavourings that you think would go well with caramel and apples. Take care not to add too much liquid to the caramel, or it can affect the way it sets.
Where is the origin of caramel?
Caramel is thought to have originated in Arabia (now Western Asia), and it's been used in European cuisine since the 18th century. The name caramel most likely comes from the Latin word "carramellus" meaning "little lump of sugar".
Print this Caramel Apple Dip recipe
Caramel Apple Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 225 ml (7.6 floz) double cream (heavy cream)
- 140 g (4.9 oz) unsalted butter
- 140 g (4.9 oz) soft dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) salt
Instructions
- Put the cream, butter, sugar, cinnamon and salt in a non-stick pan over a medium heat.
- Stir until the butter has melted and the sugar doesn't feel grainy on the bottom of the pan.
- Bring to the boil and cook for 2 minutes.
- Take off the heat and allow to cool for 30 minutes before pouring into a suitable container to cool completely.
- You can enjoy dipping apple slices by transferring a little to a dipping pot while it's warm or cold.
- The caramel should be stored in a sealed container in the fridge. As it chills, it will become very thick, so you may wish to gently warm the caramel to loosen it again when serving.
Nutrition
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