Rich Caramel Dip for Apples: Easy Recipe! (Print Version)

Simple, rich Caramel Dip for Apples. This easy recipe brings nostalgic fall flavor, perfect for dipping fresh fruit. Quick to make!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
02 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
03 - 1/4 cup light corn syrup

→ Flavor Enhancers

04 - 1/2 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Finishing Touches

06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Optional Swirls

07 - Pinch of cinnamon or apple pie spice (optional)
08 - 1 tablespoon bourbon or rum (optional, for adult version)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get all your ingredients measured out and ready. This is called 'mise en place,' and honestly, it saves so much stress when you're dealing with hot sugar. I always forget something if I don't lay it all out, and then I'm scrambling, which is never good with a bubbling pot. Make sure your heavy cream is at room temperature; it helps everything combine smoothly. You don't want cold cream shocking the hot sugar, trust me.
02 - In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan (this is important for even heat!), melt your butter over medium heat. Once it’s fully melted, stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Keep stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This step always makes my kitchen smell like a warm bakery, it's the best. Don't walk away now, because this is where things can go wrong if you're not paying attention. Keep that spoon moving!
03 - Increase the heat slightly to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it boil for about 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly. You'll see it start to thicken and darken a bit. This is where the magic happens! Don't let it boil too vigorously, or it might scorch. I once got too excited and turned the heat up too high; the caramel got too dark, too fast. Oops, still edible, but not the rich golden color I was after.
04 - Carefully, and I mean *carefully*, pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble up quite a bit, so be ready for that! Keep stirring until it’s all incorporated and smooth again. This is where it transforms into that luscious, creamy Caramel Dip for Apples texture. It should look glossy and inviting. It's amazing how quickly it comes together at this stage, always a moment of satisfaction for me.
05 - Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Give it a good whisk until it's fully combined. The aroma of the vanilla mixing with the warm caramel is just heavenly. I always take a little sniff right here. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is also where you could stir in a pinch of cinnamon or a tiny splash of bourbon for an adult twist. Honestly, I've tried both, and they work beautifully, depending on my mood.
06 - Let the Caramel Dip for Apples cool in the saucepan for about 10-15 minutes. It will thicken as it cools. Give it a final whisk before transferring it to a serving bowl. It should be warm, thick, and perfectly dippable. Grab those crisp apple slices – Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are my faves – and dive in! The slightly warm, gooey caramel clinging to a cold, crunchy apple is just pure bliss. This is the moment you've been waiting for.

# Notes:

01 - Don't rush the stirring; low and slow prevents scorching, a lesson I learned the hard way once.
02 - This dip keeps well in the fridge for a week, just warm it gently before serving again.
03 - A splash of bourbon or vanilla bean paste takes this up a notch, trust me on that.
04 - Serve it warm, straight from the pot, with a pile of crisp apple slices – it's just the best.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Heavy-bottomed saucepan
02 - whisk
03 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 170 Calories
Total Fat: 10g
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 1g

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