Salted Caramel Cheesecake Dip

This dip is cream cheese beaten with powdered sugar, lightened with whipped topping and swirled with salted caramel sauce. It takes 15 minutes from start to serving, there is no cooking, and it makes 2 cups. Crushed graham crackers on top give it the feel of a cheesecake crust.

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You can also make it a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator, which suits a party. Serve it with apple slices, pretzels or cookies and let people dip.

What Goes in the Dip

Six ingredients, and the full amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom. The quality of each one shows, because there is nothing to hide behind in a no-cook dip.

• Cream cheese (8 ounces): the tangy base that balances the caramel. Let it soften to room temperature first so it mixes without lumps.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): it dissolves more easily than granulated sugar, so the dip stays smooth and light.
• Whipped topping (1 cup): this keeps the texture fluffy and gives a dessert feel without whipping any cream.
• Salted caramel sauce (1/2 cup): the main flavor, buttery with a little salt to balance the sweetness. Store-bought is the convenient choice, and homemade gives a richer taste.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): rounds out the flavor.
• Crushed graham crackers (1/4 cup): sprinkled on top for crunch and a hint of the crust you would find on a cheesecake.

Getting the Texture Right

• Soften the cream cheese fully. For a smooth, velvety dip there should be no lumps. If you are short on time, cube it and microwave it for about 10 seconds.
• Fold the whipped topping gently. Use a spatula and fold until it is just combined. Overmixing deflates the topping and leaves the dip denser.
• Add the caramel last. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, fold in the topping, then mix in the caramel and vanilla until smooth. Move it to a serving bowl and add the graham crackers.
• Adjust to taste. A pinch of sea salt or a sprinkle of cinnamon changes the flavor a little. Homemade salted caramel sauce adds more depth than store-bought.

Ways to Change It

• Chocolate: add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for a chocolate caramel flavor. Serve it with chocolate graham crackers or brownie bites.
• Nuts: fold in finely chopped pecans or walnuts for texture, and scatter some crushed nuts on top with the graham cracker crumbs.
• Other flavors: add a teaspoon of almond extract, or mix in pumpkin spice for a seasonal version.

What to Dip

Apple slices are the best match. They are crisp, and their tartness cuts the sweetness of the dip. Pears and strawberries work the same way. Pretzels add salt, and graham crackers echo the cheesecake flavor. For cookies, buttery shortbread, chocolate chip and ginger snaps all go well, and chocolate-covered pretzels are a fun swap. A few kinds of dippers on one board also make an easy dessert spread for a gathering.

Time and Nutrition

Prep is 15 minutes and that is also the total time. The work is beating the cream cheese and sugar, folding in the topping, and mixing in the caramel and vanilla. Making it a day ahead lets the flavors blend in the refrigerator.

A serving is 1/4 cup and has approximately 210 calories, 12 grams of fat, 20 grams of sugar and 2 grams of protein. The dip is vegetarian, since it is made from cream cheese and whipped topping with no meat products.

FAQ

What goes well with salted caramel cheesecake dip?

Apple slices, pretzels, graham crackers and cookies all work. Graham crackers are the classic choice.

Can I make it in advance?

Yes. It can be made a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator. The flavors blend as it chills, so it tastes better when you serve it.

How long does it last in the fridge?

In an airtight container it lasts three to five days. Give it a quick stir before serving to bring back the creamy texture.

Is it vegetarian?

Yes. It contains no meat or meat by-products.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us