Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure PolicyThis Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread is a delicious fall treat that you can make in under five minutes. It makes the perfect afternoon snack or quick weeknight dessert!
I recently shared some of my favorite cozy fall decor ideas. It was fun to show you around how I decorate my home for the season. I hope you picked up a few ideas for your space too. I also hope you enjoyed some of my favorite fall eats including the Baked Pumpkin Donuts, Fall Harvest Pasta Salad, and Apple Pie Sangria.
Today we’re making the Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread. Late last fall, I had this delightful treat at a friend’s house. Since then I’ve been looking to making and sharing it with you.
You know how much I love a simple recipe, and it doesn’t get much easier than this. With only four ingredients and less than five minutes of prep time, this seasonally tasty idea is perfect for any impromptu gathering.
The caramel and apples are quintessentially fall. Toss in crunchy toffee bits and cream cheese, and it’s a match made in heaven.
While You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Peasy: Literally, this is a ‘throw-together’ kind of treat. Softened cream cheese, caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of toffee bits. Boom! You’re done.
- Fall in Every Bite: This spread is like diving headfirst into a pile of golden autumn leaves… but you know, the edible version! Those classic caramel apple vibes will have you feeling all the fall feels.
- Versatile Snack or Dessert: Having friends over for a movie night? Check. Need a quick treat for the kiddos after school? Check. Halloween Party? Check. Date night at home? Double check. This spread has got you covered.
And if this sounds good, you may also want to check out my recipe for Red Pepper Jelly. Served over a block of cream cheese, it’s another easy and delicious snack for the holidays. But honestly, I’d eat it any time of the year.
Ingredients
Before we dive right into making our delicious Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Spread, let’s chat about the all-stars that make this dish a fall favorite. Each one plays its part to give you that perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and crisp.
- Cream Cheese: This is our smooth and creamy foundation. Opt for the full-fat version to truly relish the richness it brings to the table.
- Caramel Sauce: Ah, the glossy and gooey delight! I’ve gone for a store-bought sauce (because convenience is queen, right?). Just a little tip: pick one that’s a tad thicker so it holds its own atop the cream cheese.
- Toffee Bits: Think of these as the little bursts of sweet joy that add a delightful crunch. It’s like a mini celebration with every bite.
- Fresh Apples: Our trusty sidekick! These provide that crisp freshness which perfectly contrasts the lush spread. I love using a mix of green and red apples for a vibrant serving palette. Plus, they’re nature’s spoons, ready to scoop up all that caramel-y goodness.
With these ingredients at hand, you’re all set to whip up a treat that’s bound to become a staple in your fall festivities. Enjoy!
How to Make
Making this Caramel Apple and Cream Cheese Spread is very simple. I’ll walk you through the steps below. For your convenience, I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Place a block of cream cheese on a serving plate.
- Then, using the back of a spoon, create a small well in the top of the cheese to hold caramel sauce. This is an important step because otherwise all of the caramel will just run off the cream cheese and pool on the plate.
- Next, spoon on your caramel.
- Then finish off with a sprinkle with toffee bits.
I did include the amounts in the recipe below. However, you can add as much or as little caramel and toffee as you like.
And that’s it my friend! I told you this was a simple and easy recipe!
Serve with thinly sliced apples and pears, and you’re in business. It’s the flavors of fall at their finest.
Recipe Variations
Sometimes we all get that little itch to be a culinary Picasso and paint our own flavor masterpiece. So, if you’re feeling a tad adventurous or maybe you just want to shake things up a bit, here are some tasty twists you can add to our Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread. These variations are all about personalizing the dish and making it your very own!
- Nutty Delight: Chopped nuts can bring a delightful textural contrast. Think walnuts or pecans. They add a crunchy element, and their earthy flavors harmoniously dance with the sweetness of the caramel. Toasting them can amplify their flavor profile even more.
- Chocoholic’s Dream: Who said mini chocolate chips are strictly for cookies? Sprinkle them over the top for a little sweet surprise. Caramel and chocolate? It’s a match made in dessert heaven.
- Graham Cracker Galore: Need a crunchy pal for your creamy spread? Graham crackers got your back. Their honey-touched sweetness and crisp texture fit the bill. And if you want a little extra crunch, crumble them on top!
- Spice It Up: Warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can kick up those autumnal vibes a notch. Just a sprinkle can add depth and warmth, making your spread even cozier.
Feel free to dive in and mix, match, and modify to suit your taste buds. Remember, it’s all about having fun and savoring the delicious results.
More Apple Recipes You’ll Love
- Caramel Apple Martini
- Apple Streusel Cake
- Frosted Apple Cider Cookies
- Homemade Apple Strudel
- Caramel Apple Muffins
The flavor and texture combination is almost magical. Be sure to give this Cream Cheese and Caramel Apple Spread a try this fall and let me know what you think. Be sure to stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.
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Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce*
- 4 tablespoons toffee bits*
- 4 apples and / or pears cored and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Place the block of cream cheese on a serving plate. Use the back of a spoon to create a small well in the top of the cream cheese.
- Spoon the caramel sauce into the well, allowing some to drip over the sides. Sprinkle evenly with toffee bits.
- Serve with sliced apple and pears.
Has anyone tried this warmed?
Beautiful presentation!! The colors go perfectly together and I’m sure this is a delicious recipe for appetizers on holidays. Great idea!
this appears to be magical. yum!
b
It just might be! 😉
xo Michael
This looks so yummy! My daughter loves anything that has caramel and apples!
Que hermosa receta que creativo muchas gracias por compartir un beso grande éxito! !!! Carolina
So excited to make this for our pumpkin carving party this weekend, thank you!!
What can I do to keep the apple from browning?
Great question! Just toss them in a little lemon juice. 🙂
xo Michael
Do you rinse the apples after tossing them with lemon juice? Thanks!
I don’t. I don’t mind the subtle flavor, but you certainly can.
xo Michael
Do you heat up the caramel sauce or pour it on cold?
Room temperature.
xo Michael
You could also use fruit fresh. It’s sold in the baking isle by the caning stuff. It preserves the fruit without the lemon flavor (which I don’t like)
Be still my heart! This looks amazing!
I wonder if you took a bamboo shiskbob stick once you made the well. And poked the cream cheese 5 or 6 times of the Carmel would soak in a bit and if there were leftovers could use it on toast or beagles the next morning yum
I love simple recipes like this one! We have a fall party this weekend and I can’t wait to make this to share!
Hello… love your blog!!…I’m assuming you’re using the caramel sauce like for ice cream? Or did you make it from the caramel squares or bits?
Yep, I just used store-bought caramel. I believe Hershey’s Salted Caramel (sold near the ice cream toppings). However, you can use your favorite brand or make your own. 🙂
xo Michael
I made this a few nights ago for a small gathering with friends. It was a hit! And so easy to make. Thanks for the recipe!
Wow sounds delicious!
Curious what drink were you having? That also looks amazing!
I’ve made another version of this from Pinterest which just poured the caramel over the top of the cream cheese. I like the idea of making the well. Also, I topped with chopped pecans and also used pretzels along with the apples.
Yummy! This is such an easy and attractive dish ~ thanks for sharing! I love serving cream cheese with red pepper jelly, especially during the holidays.
i just told my daughter “we are going to eat this!” she asked “don’t you mean we are going to make this?” and i told her since it is SO easy with your instructions, we aren’t considering it making it. lol
Hahaha. It’s so true. I call these non-recipe recipes.
Enjoy!
xo Michael
Michael, going to try this soon. I’ve had it with red pepper jelly. Have you tried cream cheese topped with Jezabel sauce? Yummy.
That looks so yummy! I’m going to make that for a ladies get-together this coming Saturday! I know everyone will love it.
Michael, I enjoy your blog and all your ideas! You are so creative….
This looks and sounds yummy. I’m going to try it with various “versions”. I wonder how Brie would work instead of cream cheese? Also, I think finely chopped nuts would make a good topping for the very sweet caramel sauce. Apple slices would be perfect!
Thanks again….
I cannot wait to make this!! I’ll add it to the other recipes of yours that I love! Thanks for sharing.