Cream Cheese Apple Dip

This cream cheese apple dip tastes like caramel cheesecake in dip form. Brown sugar and vanilla blend into softened cream cheese with just enough milk to make it smooth and scoopable. It’s one of those appetizers that disappears first at any potluck.

The serving method is what makes this one special. Slice tart Granny Smith apples, dip them into the sweet cream cheese, then press the coated side into crushed peanuts. You get crisp apple, creamy dip, and crunchy nuts in every single bite.

Granny Smiths work best because their tartness balances the sweet dip. A sweeter apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp makes the whole thing cloyingly sweet.

Pro Tips

• Bring the cream cheese to room temperature before blending. Cold cream cheese leaves lumps no matter how long you mix.
• Toss the sliced apples in a little lemon juice to keep them from browning, especially if you’re prepping ahead for a party.
• Crush the peanuts coarsely, not into powder. You want pieces big enough to add real crunch.

Variations

• Roll in toffee bits or mini chocolate chips instead of peanuts.
• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dip for a snickerdoodle twist.
• Use this as a filling between two apple slices for a handheld snack kids go crazy for.