Apple Slices Caramel Dip

Featured in: Weekend Calm-Kitchen Favorites

Enjoy a fresh and vibrant platter featuring thinly sliced apples treated with lemon juice to keep them bright. The center is filled with a smooth caramel sauce made by gently cooking brown sugar, cream, butter, and a hint of vanilla until slightly thickened. This dish balances tart fruit with sweet, velvety caramel, offering a crowd-pleasing snack or dessert that's quick to prepare and easy to serve.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:45:00 GMT
Crisp, juicy apple slices surrounding the creamy, homemade caramel dip center for this appetizer. Save to Pinterest
Crisp, juicy apple slices surrounding the creamy, homemade caramel dip center for this appetizer. | almondmist.com

A beautiful, crowd-pleasing fruit platter featuring crisp apple slices arranged around a rich, homemade caramel dip.

This recipe has become a favorite at family gatherings for its simplicity and delightful flavors.

Ingredients

  • 4 large apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala, cored and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice: to prevent browning
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar: 100 g
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream: 60 ml
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: 30 g
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt:
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract:

Instructions

Prepare the apples:
Slice the apples into thin wedges and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Arrange the slices in a circular pattern on a serving platter, leaving space in the center for the dip.
Make the caramel dip:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and salt. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Continue to cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
Cool caramel:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the caramel cool for 5 minutes it will thicken slightly as it cools.
Assemble:
Pour the caramel dip into a small bowl and place it in the center of the apple arrangement.
Serve:
Serve immediately, using apple slices to dip into the caramel.
A close-up of sweet Apple Slices with Caramel Dip showing the rich, glistening caramel ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of sweet Apple Slices with Caramel Dip showing the rich, glistening caramel ready to serve. | almondmist.com

This recipe always brings smiles and creates sweet shared moments with loved ones.

Notes

For extra flair, sprinkle chopped nuts or sea salt over the caramel dip. Substitute pears or other firm fruits if desired. Store any leftover caramel in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Required Tools

Sharp knife, cutting board, small saucepan, wooden spoon or spatula, serving platter, small bowl

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter, cream). Apples are generally allergen-free, but check caramel ingredients and labels for cross-contamination if serving to people with allergies.

The beautiful arrangement of fresh Apple Slices with the luscious caramel dip invites you to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
The beautiful arrangement of fresh Apple Slices with the luscious caramel dip invites you to enjoy. | almondmist.com

This simple yet elegant platter is perfect for any occasion and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Recipe FAQs

What types of apples work best for this dish?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples are ideal due to their firm texture and balanced sweetness, ensuring crisp slices that hold up well with the dip.

How do I prevent the apple slices from browning?

Toss the apple slices with lemon juice immediately after cutting to slow oxidation and maintain their fresh, bright appearance.

Can I prepare the caramel dip ahead of time?

Yes, the caramel dip can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving to restore its smooth consistency.

Are there any simple variations to enhance the flavor?

Sprinkling chopped nuts or a touch of sea salt over the caramel adds texture and a flavor contrast that complements the sweetness.

Is it possible to use other fruits with the caramel dip?

This dip pairs well with firm fruits like pears, providing a similar texture and flavor balance for dipping.

Apple Slices Caramel Dip

Crisp apple slices paired with a rich, creamy caramel dip for a sweet and simple treat.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Overall Time
25 mins
Recipe by Ian Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Fruit

01 4 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala), cored and sliced
02 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Caramel Dip

01 1/2 cup brown sugar (100 g)
02 1/4 cup heavy cream (60 ml)
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30 g)
04 1/8 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How-To

Step 01

Prepare the apples: Slice apples into thin wedges and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Arrange slices in a circular pattern on a serving platter, leaving space in the center for the dip.

Step 02

Make the caramel dip: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and salt. Stir constantly until it reaches a gentle boil. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.

Step 03

Finish the caramel dip: Remove saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow caramel to cool for 5 minutes to slightly thicken.

Step 04

Assemble platter: Pour the caramel dip into a small bowl and place it at the center of the apple arrangement.

Step 05

Serve: Serve immediately, using apple slices to dip into the caramel.

Equipment Needed

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Small saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Serving platter
  • Small bowl

Allergy Warnings

Check each food item for possible allergens, and speak with a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains dairy from butter and heavy cream.

Nutrition Facts (Serving Size)

Use this nutritional breakdown as a general guide—not a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 1 g