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Apple Cheesecake Dip with Caramel and Vanilla Wafers Recipe

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4.1 from 40 reviews

This luscious Apple Cheesecake Dip combines creamy full-fat cream cheese with sweet caramel sauce and brown sugar, folded together with extra creamy Cool Whip for a smooth, indulgent dessert dip. Perfectly chilled and topped with flaky sea salt and more caramel, it’s ideal for serving with vanilla wafers, graham crackers, apple slices, or pecans, making it a crowd-pleaser for parties or casual get-togethers.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients

Dip Ingredients

  • 8 oz. full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp. vanilla bean paste
  • Pinch kosher salt
  • 8 oz. extra creamy Cool Whip
  • 16 oz. caramel sauce (like Ghirardelli), divided

For Serving

  • Vanilla wafers
  • Graham crackers
  • Apple slices
  • Pecans (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional for topping)

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, dark brown sugar, 1 cup of caramel sauce, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of kosher salt.
  2. Beat Until Smooth: Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and fully combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
  3. Fold in Cool Whip: Gently fold the creamy Cool Whip into the whipped mixture to maintain a light, airy texture throughout the dip.
  4. Chill the Dip: Transfer the dip into a ceramic or decorative serving dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the dip to firm up slightly.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the dip and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top if desired. Serve with vanilla wafers, graham crackers, apple slices, and optional pecans for dipping.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumps in your dip.
  • Using vanilla bean paste in place of vanilla extract gives a richer vanilla flavor and flecks of vanilla throughout the dip.
  • The Cool Whip adds lightness; folding carefully preserves the airy texture.
  • Chilling the dip improves flavor mingling and dip consistency.
  • Feel free to substitute caramel sauce brands or make your own homemade caramel for variation.
  • Flaky sea salt on top enhances the caramel’s sweetness with a pleasant salty contrast.
  • Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian