Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip is the ultimate no-bake party treat creamy cheesecake filling topped with luscious caramel and a sprinkle of salted peanuts for crunch. Served with crisp apple and pear slices, it’s like a caramel apple meets cheesecake, all in one irresistible dip.
This dip comes together in minutes, requires no oven time, and is perfect for fall gatherings, game day spreads, or holiday dessert tables. The combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy makes it addictively good be ready for it to disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip delivers all the rich flavors of cheesecake and caramel apples without the hassle of baking. It’s fast, versatile, and can be customized to suit your taste or the season. Whether you’re making it for a holiday celebration, a cozy night in, or a last-minute sweet fix, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- ½ cup crushed graham crackers (about 6 halves)
- 12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 ounces Marzetti’s Old Fashioned Caramel Dip, warmed according to package directions
- 4 ounces whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- ⅓ cup salted peanuts, chopped
- Sliced apples and pears, for dipping
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the base layer
Spread the crushed graham crackers evenly across the bottom of a shallow serving dish or pie plate. This creates a sweet, crumbly base that complements the cheesecake filling.
Step 2: Make the cheesecake layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and salted butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until well combined. Fold in the whipped topping gently to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the dip
Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the graham cracker base. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface this layer will hold the caramel and toppings beautifully.
Step 4: Add the caramel
Warm the Marzetti’s Old Fashioned Caramel Dip according to package directions. Pour it over the cheesecake layer, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface.
Step 5: Garnish with peanuts
Sprinkle the chopped salted peanuts evenly over the caramel layer. The salty crunch offsets the sweetness and adds irresistible texture.
Step 6: Serve with fruit
Arrange sliced apples and pears around the dip for serving. Choose firm, crisp apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith to balance the sweetness, and pears that are ripe but still hold shape when sliced.
Expert Tips for Success
-
Bring cream cheese to room temp: Softened cream cheese blends smoothly with other ingredients, avoiding lumps.
-
Fold, don’t overmix: Folding in the whipped topping preserves its airy texture and makes the cheesecake layer lighter.
-
Prevent fruit browning: Dip sliced apples and pears in a mixture of water and lemon juice to keep them fresh-looking on your serving platter.
-
Serve soon after assembling: While you can make the cheesecake layer ahead, add the caramel and peanuts just before serving for maximum freshness.
-
Make it portable: Layer the dip in a disposable pie tin for easy transport to potlucks and parties.
Tasty Variations to Try
-
Nut-free version: Skip the peanuts or replace them with toffee bits or chocolate chips.
-
Pumpkin spice twist: Blend 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree and ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice into the cheesecake layer for a fall-flavored version.
-
Chocolate lover’s dip: Drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel for an extra layer of decadence.
-
Salted caramel pretzel topping: Replace peanuts with crushed pretzels for sweet, salty crunch.
-
Berry topping: Swap apples and pears for fresh strawberries or grapes for a spring or summer variation.
Serving Ideas
-
Fall dessert table: Add as part of a holiday spread with pumpkin pie, apple crisp, and cookies.
-
Game day snacks: Pair with savory dips for a sweet balance.
-
After-school treat: Serve with apple slices for a snack kids will love.
-
Potluck favorite: Easy to transport and guaranteed to impress a crowd.
-
Sweet platter: Include graham crackers, pretzels, and marshmallows for dipping beyond just fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake filling and store it separately in the fridge. Assemble the dip with caramel and peanuts up to 2 hours before serving to keep the layers fresh.
Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Absolutely. A rich, homemade salted caramel will make this dip even more decadent. Just be sure it’s slightly cooled before layering over the cheesecake filling.
What kind of cream cheese works best?
Full-fat cream cheese delivers the richest flavor and creamiest texture. Reduced-fat versions work but can be slightly softer.
How do I keep apple slices from browning?
Store-cut apples in lemon water (1 tablespoon lemon juice per cup of water) until serving. Drain and pat dry before arranging.
Can I substitute the fruit?
Certainly! Serve with sliced bananas, strawberries, grapes, or even shortbread cookies and pretzels for variety.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy no-bake cheesecake dip layered with caramel and topped with salted peanuts, paired perfectly with crisp apple and pear slices. Sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy all in one indulgent fall dessert dip.
Ingredients
- ½ cup crushed graham crackers (about 6 halves)
- 12 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 oz caramel dip (such as Marzetti’s Old Fashioned), warmed
- 4 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- ⅓ cup salted peanuts, chopped
- Sliced apples and pears, for serving
Instructions
- Spread crushed graham crackers evenly in bottom of a shallow serving dish or pie plate.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy. Gently fold in whipped topping until light and fluffy.
- Spread cheesecake filling evenly over graham cracker base; smooth the top.
- Pour warmed caramel dip over cheesecake layer; spread gently to cover.
- Sprinkle chopped salted peanuts across caramel layer.
- Arrange apple and pear slices around dip. Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.
Notes
Use softened cream cheese for smooth texture without lumps.
Fold whipped topping gently to keep cheesecake layer airy.
Dip apple and pear slices in lemon water to prevent browning.
Add caramel and peanuts just before serving to maintain crispness.
Transport easily by layering in disposable pie tin.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Dessert, Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake dip, no bake dessert dip, party appetizer dessert, fall cheesecake dip, caramel fruit dip, apple party recipe
