My apple pie dip with cream cheese has all of the cozy flavors of classic apple pie and turns them into a delicious dip. A sweet, cream cheese base is topped with a simple, homemade apple pie mixture. Scoop it up with homemade cinnamon pie chips, graham crackers, cookies, or even fruit for a dessert your friends will love.
There is something about the combination of apples and cinnamon that can’t be beat. I think that’s why people, including myself, love apple pie so much. One thing I’m not scared to admit, is that I don’t make the best pie crust. That’s why I love this apple pie dip, no crust required! You still get the cozy flavors of apple pie, just in dippable form.
During the holidays, this recipe has become one of my go to desserts. It’s easy to whip up for a holiday party and I know that people always love it. My youngest daughter even requests that I make it for her birthday as a special treat.
This dip really is easy to make and can be prepared in about 30 minutes. If you don’t like cream cheese, you can even serve the apple mixture as a dip without the cream cheese.
My favorite dippers for this dessert dip are ginger snaps, graham crackers, and my cinnamon pie crust chips, but it’s also great with crackers and fresh fruit.
If you have more apples on hand be sure to try this cream cheese caramel apple dip, caramel apple salad, and toffee apple dip.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Apple pie flavor, no crust required. If you are craving the comforting flavors of apple pie, this is a simple recipe to make without having to use a crust.
- Easy to make. Simple ingredients are used to make the recipe.
- Great appetizer or dessert. Serve this apple dip as an appetizer or dessert for parties, holidays, and more.
- Can be made ahead of time. This dip can be prepared ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator and served when ready.
Ingredients
This is a wonderful recipe to use any fresh apple you might have on hand.
- Apples – I recommend using a crisp apple like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala apples. These apples tend to hold their shape when they are cooked.
- Lemon juice – Helps prevent the apples from browning while also balancing the flavors.
- Brown sugar – Adds sweetness to the dip.
- Spices – I like using classic apple pie spices nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon.
- Vanilla extract – Just a little splash ties everything together.
- Cornstarch – This helps to thicken up the apple pie topping.
- Cream cheese – The creamy base and tangy base of the dip. Make sure to set it out at room temperature to soften before mixing.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese base and blends in better than granulated sugar.
How to make apple pie dip
Here is are the steps to making this apple pie dip with fresh apples. Scroll to the bottom for the full, printable recipe.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Spread in a pie dish or small baking dish.
- Place the diced apples in a bowl. Pour lemon juice on the apples and toss to coat.
- Add the diced apples into a saucepan. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and water. Cook on medium heat until it comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Spoon about 1/2 cup of the liquid in the pot and whisk it with the corn starch. Pour back into the apple mixture and stir.
- Stir and cook another 2-3 minutes or until the mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat.
- Let the mixture cool off and then spoon on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This dip can be served warm or cold.
Heather’s recipe tips
- Dice the apples very small. Make sure to cut up the apples very small so that they are easy to dip and eat.
- Soften the cream cheese. This will help prevent any lumps in the creamy base.
- Don’t over cook the apples. The key to this apple pie topping is making sure the apples are cooked until tender but not mushy.
- Check the consistency of the sauce. After adding the cornstarch slurry, you will want to let the mixture cook until it starts to thicken. If it is still runny, let it cook longer.
- Serve warm or cold. You can serve this dip warm with the apples right off the stove or chilled in the refrigerator.
- Make it for a crowd: If you have a large crowd you can double the recipe and serve in a 9 x 13 baking dish.
Serving suggestions
Some of my favorite apple pie dip dippers include:
- Pie crust chips
- Graham crackers
- Nilla wafers
- Ginger snap cookies
- Ritz crackers
- Pretzels
Variations
- Caramel apple pie: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top of the apple mixture.
- Toffee bits: Sprinkle on some toffee bits for added rich flavor.
- Crunchy nuts: Add a little crunchy texture with chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Party presentation: Make individual dips by serving in small jars or glasses.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. This cream cheese dip does not freeze well.
Frequently asked questions
Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith tend to work the best for this recipe because they hold their shape and don’t break down easily.
It can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference.
More delicious dessert dip recipe
Let me know if you make this recipe in the comments below. I love to hear from you!
Apple Pie Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 large apples
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon allspice
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Spread in a pie dish or small baking dish.
- Place the diced apples in a bowl. Pour lemon juice on the apples and toss to coat.
- Add the diced apples into a saucepan. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and water. Cook on medium heat until it comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Spoon about 1/2 cup of the liquid in the pot and whisk it with the corn starch. Pour back into the apple mixture and stir.
- Stir and cook another 2-3 minutes or until the mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat.
- Spread the apple mixture over the cream cheese.
- Serve immediately or let chill in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Dice the apples very small. Make sure to cut up the apples very small so that they are easy to dip and eat.
- Soften the cream cheese. This will help prevent any lumps in the creamy base.
- Don’t over cook the apples. The key to this apple pie topping is making sure the apples are cooked until tender but not mushy.
- Check the consistency of the sauce. After adding the cornstarch slurry, you will want to let the mixture cook until it starts to thicken. If it is still runny, let it cook longer.
- Serve warm or cold. You can serve this dip warm with the apples right off the stove or chilled in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
