Apple Brickle Dip

Savor the creamy blend of cream cheese, brown sugar, and toffee bits in apple brickle dip. Perfectly paired with tart apples, it’s the go-to for any gathering.

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About Apple Brickle Dip

Out of all the dessert dips I’ve made, this apple brickle dip is one of my favorites, hands down. And that’s saying a lot, because there are plenty of dessert dips on this site and I sing all of their praises. And I still love them in their own ways… but I love this dip more.

The real secret that makes this dip stand out?

Crushed up Heath bars. Or, as they’re also commonly known, toffee bits.

Because how can you possibly go wrong with fruit and crumbled toffee bits?

What’s in apple Brickle dip?

In order to whip up the classic caramel-apple flavor combination in dip form, you’ll need to collect the following ingredients:

• Cream cheese – Used to form the creamy base of the dip.
• Light brown sugar and powdered sugar – Adds a deep sweetness to the cream cheese. Feel free to add more or less light brown sugar or substitute it for an equal amount of powdered sugar.
• Vanilla extract – Another touch of flavor to enhance the cream cheese.
• Toffee bits – A delicious blend of toffee, almonds, and chocolate, these bits of candy add a nice crunch to the dip. You can also omit this topping if you’d like.
• Apples – Because caramel apple dip is just not complete without some sliced apples.

What type of apples should you use?

While any type of apple will do, it’s best to use slightly sour and tart green apples to balance out the sweetness of the caramel. Granny Smith apples are probably the best fit.

How do you keep apples from browning?

Serving this dip with freshly sliced apples is ideal, but leaving the dip out for guests presents a common issue:

How can you stop the apple slices from browning?

There are several methods to tackle this, and I’ve outlined my top picks below. While some methods may slightly alter the apple’s taste, the impact is minimal. In my opinion, it’s a small trade-off to ensure your carefully sliced apples remain visually appealing. After all, presentation matters when you want everyone to dig in without hesitation.

• Opt for Less Browning Varieties: Some apple types are less prone to browning, like Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, and Cortland.
• Keep Slices in Cold Water: After slicing, immerse the apple pieces in a bowl of cold water until you’re ready to serve them.
• Lemon Juice Soak:
  • Place the apple slices in a large bowl.
  • Pour between 1/3 and 1/2 cup of lemon juice over the slices and toss to coat.
  • Allow them to sit for three to six minutes, then drain and store.
• Lemon Water Soak:
  • Combine 1 part lemon juice with 3 parts water in a large bowl.
  • Submerge the apple slices in this lemon water mixture.
  • Allow them to sit for three to six minutes, then drain, rinse, and store.
• Salt Water Soak:
  • Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in four cups of water.
  • Immerse the apple slices in the salt water for about five minutes.
  • Drain and rinse the slices under cool water to eliminate any salty residue.
• Honey Water Soak:
  • Combine two tablespoons of honey with one cup of water.
  • Submerge the apple slices in this honey water mixture.
  • Let them soak for 30 seconds, then drain and store.
• Club Soda Soak:
  • Place the apple slices in a large bowl and submerge them in club soda.
  • Allow them to sit for three to six minutes, then drain, rinse, and store.

What else can you serve with this dip?

While this dip is designed to be served with fresh apples, don’t let that limit you – there are plenty of other options! Here are some of my favorites:

• Graham Crackers: The mild sweetness and crunch offer a traditional yet delightful dipping experience.
• Nilla Wafers: Light and buttery, these wafers complement the creamy base of the dip.
• Pretzel: The salty crunch provides a contrasting yet harmonious flavor profile.
• Strawberries: Their juiciness adds a fresh element that pairs well with the richness of the dip.
• Candied Bacon: For those who enjoy the sweet and savory combo, this is an indulgent choice.
• Ladyfinger Cookies: These light and airy cookies bring a European flair to the table.
• Cubes of Pound Cake: Their dense and buttery texture acts like a sponge, soaking up the dip.
• Rice Krispie Treats: A textural delight that offers both chewiness and crispiness.
• Cinnamon Tortilla Chips: A unique twist that adds both sweetness and spice.
• Mini Donuts: Soft and cakey, they’re essentially a dessert within a dessert.
• Pocky Sticks: Thin and crisp, they offer a playful yet elegant dipping experience.
• Cubes of Frozen Cheesecake: A luxurious bite that’s rich and creamy.
• Ritz Crackers: Their buttery and salty nature adds a savory twist.
• Marshmallows: A cloud-like experience that’s fluffy and sweet.
• Brownie Bites: A double dose of indulgence for chocolate lovers.
• Mini Pancakes: Where breakfast meets dessert, especially if you’re into maple-flavored dips.

Can you make this dip in advance?

Yes, you totally can!

Once prepared, transfer the dip to a sealed container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three to five days.

This dip will firm up once chilled, so before serving, allow the dip to return to room temperature by letting it sit on the counter for about 30  minutes.

How long is it good for?

Once prepared, this dip can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three to five days.

Can you freeze apple brickle dip?

Due to the cream cheese in this recipe, I cannot recommend freezing this dip. The freezing and thawing process causes the texture of cream cheese to change, and in most cases, it will ruin the smooth creaminess of this dip.

How long can you leave out a dessert dip?

Dips are designed to be a “serve it and forget it” type of snack, but be sure you’re also following food safety guidelines.

For most foods, the general rule of thumb is that a perishable item should not be in the “danger zone” for more than two hours. And by “danger zone,” this is usually at or just above room temperature. This dip will be served at about room temperature, and that should give you a maximum of two hours to leave it out, depending on any outside factors, such as the temperature of the room.

As the party goes on, you can return the dip to the refrigerator once you get past the two-hour mark. If your guests still want more dip, let it chill for at least 30 minutes before bringing it back out again.

Want to dig deeper into food safety? Take a look at the USDA’s Food Safety Basics, especially the part about the above-mentioned “danger zone.”

Notes & tips for apple brickle dip

• This dip is made using softened cream cheese to make mixing easier, and it also makes for an especially creamy dip. However, if you’d like the dip to be a bit firmer, put it in the serving bowl of your choice and refrigerate for 30 minutes, checking the consistency until it’s as firm as you’d like it to be.
• If you can’t find toffee bits in-store, you can shop for them online.
• As an alternative to toffee bits, try crushed and crumbled Heath bars. This will give the dip a combination of toffee, chocolate, and almonds.

Other great dessert dips

More great recipes featuring apples

How to make apple brickle dip

This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. If you’re looking for the full recipe measurements and instructions, scroll down to Recipe Details.

Step 1 – Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer + large bowl), add the cream cheese, brown sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Whip them together on medium-high speed until ultra creamy.

Step 2 – Turn off the mixer and pour in the toffee bits. Use a spatula to thoroughly fold and mix the candy in with the cream cheese.

Step 3 – Serve and enjoy!