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I call this Baked Apple Cheesecake Dip my “holiday peace treaty.” Seriously. Someone once brought mashed potatoes to my Friendsgiving and called it a Thanksgiving apple dessert… yeah, no comment. So now, I always show up with this dreamy Apple cheesecake dip and boom—instant forgiveness. This recipe hits all the fall feels. Imagine caramelized apples melting into creamy vanilla cheesecake dip, all baked into one warm bowl of happiness. I serve it with graham crackers, and everyone crowds the table like it’s Black Friday. If you’ve ever wanted warm apple dip that works for Thanksgiving treats, Christmas parties, or midnight snacking (I won’t judge), this is it. It tastes like apple pie cheesecake dip and looks fancy enough to pretend you spent hours making it—spoiler: you didn’t. I love this recipe because I can whip it up ahead of time (we love a good make-ahead Thanksgiving dessert), bake it before serving, and the entire house suddenly feels like a cinnamon candle commercial. Ever wondered why apples and cream cheese feel like soulmates? Same. And IMO, nothing beats a cozy fall dessert dip when you’re curled up with friends and pretending the dishes wash themselves. Let’s get into the magic of this holiday cheesecake dip—creamy, apple-y (yes that’s a word today), slightly sweet, and loaded with cozy spices. 🙂
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples, peeled & diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 egg
- Graham crackers or apple slices for serving
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Sauté until soft and caramelized, about 6–8 minutes. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla, sour cream, and egg. Mix well.
- Pour half the cheesecake mixture into a small baking dish.
- Top with half the caramelized apples.
- Pour remaining cheesecake mixture over the apples.
- Top with remaining apples.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until slightly golden.
- Serve warm with graham crackers or fruit slices.
Variations
I jump between flavor twists depending on my mood—don’t judge:
- Salted Caramel Apple: Drizzle caramel on top. Try not to eat the whole thing alone.
- Pecan Crunch: Add chopped pecans for extra texture.
- Maple Apple: Swap sugar for maple syrup for deeper fall flavor.
Serving & Tips
Serve this oven-baked apple dip straight from the dish with graham crackers, pretzels, or apple slices. You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days—they reheat perfectly. Want cute hosting vibes? Serve it on a wood board with nuts, berries, and crackers—instant holiday aesthetic.
Final Thoughts
This creamy Baked Apple Cheesecake Dip tastes like fall wrapped in a hug. It feels like apple cheesecake without the stress of baking a whole pie. I make it every year, and honestly, everyone thinks I’m some cozy baking wizard (I just smile & nod). Whether you bring it to a Thanksgiving party or enjoy it Netflix-style on your couch—no judgment—it works. Just promise you’ll save yourself a spoonful before the crowd destroys it!
FAQs
Can I make this cheesecake dip ahead of time?
Totally! Prep it, store it, and bake when needed. It makes planning easy for Thanksgiving treats.
What apples work best?
Honeycrisp or Gala taste best, but any sweet apple works for sweet apple recipes.
Can I make it without sour cream?
Yes—swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter dessert dip with apples.
What do I serve with it?
Graham crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples make this the best dip for holidays.
