Apple Dip with Marshmallow Fluff

In a world full of savory, sour cream-heavy dips, I find dessert dips such a refreshing change of pace. Take this apple dip with marshmallow fluff: It’s delicate, light, a little tangy from the cream cheese and just sweet enough without being cloying. I get lost in it, dunking apple slice after apple slice while mingling at a party or watching a Halloween movie. And with just five ingredients and no cooking or baking needed, this apple dip comes together effortlessly.

Keep it simple and arrange apple slices all around the dip, or go the extra mile and build an entire caramel apple bar, with apples, graham crackers, pretzels, vanilla wafers, figs and pears to boot.

Ingredients for Apple Dip with Marshmallow Fluff

• Cream cheese: It’s important to soften the cream cheese to room temperature so the mixer can knock out all the lumps. It’s very hard to beat cold cream cheese until it’s completely smooth, and doing so will leave unsightly lumps in the dip.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar’s caramel-molasses flavor pairs nicely with the caramel ice cream topping. You don’t need too much of the sugar since the caramel also sweetens the dip.
• Caramel ice cream topping: You can use homemade salted caramel sauce here, but store-bought caramel ice cream topping is so much quicker and easier.
• Vanilla extract: Delicate, floral vanilla extract harmonizes all the flavors.
• Marshmallow creme: Feel free to buy any marshmallow creme or marshmallow fluff brand available to you.
• Apple slices: Unless you’re buying the apples from a farmers market or straight from an orchard, take a moment to thoroughly clean the apples to wash off the wax. Then core the apples and cut them into 1/4-inch-thick slices.

Directions

Step 1: Make the dip base

In a small bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, caramel ice cream topping and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free.

Step 2: Add the marshmallow fluff

Switch to a rubber spatula and fold in the marshmallow creme until no white streaks remain. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with the spatula to ensure everything is mixed together.

Step 3: Serve with the apple slices

Place the dip on a serving platter and arrange the apple slices around it.

Editor’s Tip: I always like to transfer the dip out of the messy bowl and into a nice serving bowl. It’s a much prettier presentation.

Recipe Variations

• Add mix-ins: Fold in other treats like M&M’s Minis, mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, bits of toffee or mini marshmallows.
• Decorate the top: A really quick and easy way to make this apple dip look a little more gourmet is to decorate the top like the outside of a caramel apple. After transferring the dip to your serving dish, coat the entire top with any of your caramel apple favorites: chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, crushed toffee bits or a healthy drizzle of thin peanut butter or extra caramel ice cream topping.

How to Store Apple Dip with Marshmallow Fluff

Store leftover apple dip with marshmallow fluff covered tightly in the fridge for up to four days. The dip will harden when refrigerated, so take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before dipping so it can soften. Never leave the apple dip at room temperature for longer than two hours.

Can you freeze apple dip with marshmallow fluff?

Unfortunately, it’s best not to freeze apple dip with marshmallow fluff. Thawing will cause it to break and look very unappetizing. It’s best to whip up the dip right before enjoying it to keep it at the perfect dipping consistency.

Apple Dip with Marshmallow Fluff Tips

What else can you serve with apple dip with marshmallow fluff besides apples?

Besides apples, you can dip other fall fruits like figs, pears or even strawberries. If you can think of a fruit that would pair well with caramel, feel free to use it! You could also dip vanilla wafers, graham crackers, pretzels, chocolate-covered pretzels, popcorn balls or candied pecans.

What apples are best to eat with this apple dip?

The best apples to eat with this apple dip are tart, firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Cameo, Cortland and Pink Lady apples. Their sour flavor offsets the dip’s sweetness, and their sturdy texture is great for dipping. You can use other apples, but taste them first before making the dip. If the apples are particularly sweet, cut back on the amount of brown sugar in the dip.

How can you prevent the apples from browning too quickly?

Before arranging the apple slices on a board, toss them with the juice from half a lemon. The lemon juice prevents them from oxidizing, so the apples will keep their pale color longer (but not indefinitely). I also recommend holding off on slicing the apples for as long as possible—preferably until you’re ready to serve them.