Save It A luscious creamy dip blending warm spiced apples with a sweet praline crunch is perfect for fruit cookies or graham crackers.
The first time I made this dip for my family it quickly became a fall favorite. Watching everyone reach for seconds reminds me how a homey dessert can bring everyone together.
Ingredients
- Apples: 2 medium peeled cored and finely diced
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp for apples & 1 tbsp for praline
- Brown sugar: 2 tbsp for apples & 1/4 cup for praline
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
- Ground cloves: Pinch
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Salt: Pinch (divided)
- Pecans: 1/2 cup coarsely chopped
- Cream cheese: 8 oz (225 g) softened
- Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Heavy whipping cream: 1 cup cold
Instructions
- Prepare the Spiced Apple Layer:
- In a medium skillet over medium heat melt butter. Add diced apples brown sugar cinnamon nutmeg cloves lemon juice and salt. Cook stirring occasionally until apples are tender and syrupy (about 7 minutes). Transfer to a bowl and cool completely.
- Make the Praline:
- Wipe out the skillet and add butter. Add chopped pecans brown sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly over medium heat until sugar melts and coats the nuts (about 3 minutes). Transfer to parchment paper to cool then break into small clusters.
- Prepare the Whip:
- In a large bowl beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl beat heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
- Assemble the Dip:
- Spread half the cream cheese whip in a serving dish. Top with half the spiced apples and half the praline. Repeat layers. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving for best texture.
Save It This dip made our autumn movie night extra special surrounded by laughter and the comfort of sweet treats. It is always the first dish empty by the end of the evening!
Serving Suggestions
Pair with sliced apples pears graham crackers or ginger cookies for dipping. Try spreading it on toast for a brunch treat.
Allergen Information
The recipe contains dairy and pecans. Check all packaged ingredients before serving to guests with allergies.
Tool Tips
A sturdy spatula and an electric mixer guarantee the whip is light and airy. Use a clear dish for pretty visible layers.
Save It Chill the completed dip for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy the sweet layers for any festive snack table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make the apple layer taste brighter?
Add a bit of lemon juice when cooking the apples for tangy freshness and balance to the sweetness.
- → Is it possible to substitute pecans in the praline?
Yes, walnuts or almonds work well. Each nut brings a unique flavor and texture to the praline topping.
- → Can I use light cream cheese and whipped topping?
Absolutely. Light cream cheese and non-dairy whipped topping can make the dip less rich and lower in calories.
- → What can I serve with this creamy dip?
Sliced apples, pears, ginger cookies, or graham crackers all pair deliciously with this spiced whip dip.
- → How do I ensure the whip is fluffy?
Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form separately, then gently fold into the cream cheese mixture for the best texture.
- → Is this dip suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, provided you use gluten-free dippers such as gluten-free crackers or fruit slices for serving.