Caramel Apple Dip

This smooth, creamy caramel cream cheese dip has all the season's nostalgic flavor of caramel apples without the work. The cream cheese offsets the sugary sweetness of the caramel and addts a nice tang to the dip.

This is a good way to get your kids to eat more fruit. My 3 1/2 year old son ate 2 whole apples in one sitting because of this dip. I had to take it away from him so I would have some left for me! You can use it for dipping apples, spreading on crackers... or just eating by the spoonful (oops, did I just write that?)

There are a few variations of this recipe but you can tweak it to make it sweeter or more tangy depending on the ratio of caramel to cream cheese you put in.
Tip: You can dress it up for parties by sprinkling the top with chopped walnuts and drizzling it with some caramel sauce.

Why you must make this:
1) It's foolproof, versatile and EASY
2) It's yummy even with fat free/low fat cream cheese
3) It keeps well refrigerated - good for pot lucks and for make ahead snacks

Caramel Apple Dip I
16 individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
1/4 cup water
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, or in the microwave, melt caramels with water, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
Cream together cream cheese and sugar. Fold in caramel mixture. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Caramel Apple Dip II
1/4 cup sugar (optional)
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

Combine all ingredients with an electric mixer until smooth. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Caramel Apple Dip III
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 - 3/4 cup bottled caramel sundae sauce

Combine all ingredients with an electric mixer until smooth. Serve immediately or refrigerate.