Simple Creamy Salted Caramel Dip Recipe

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There are few flavors on earth tastier than salted caramel. This delicious dip starts with a creamy base topped with ooey and gooey salted caramel. The best part is how quickly it goes together. We dipped in our homemade donut holes for the ultimate sweet treat.

Now let’s get right to the good stuff…

how to make salted caramel dip

INGREDIENTS:

Gather your ingredients and get ready to make this amazing dip, the perfect sweet treat. This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • 1 8oz package cream cheese-softened
  • 3 Tbsp salted butter-softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Milk or cream
  • Caramel topping
  • Flakey salt

ingredient information:

  • Cream cheese: We prefer using Philadelphia brand cream cheese for this dip, though any brand will work. If you haven’t had a chance to leave it out to soften, just pop it in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds.
  • Salted butter: Use whatever butter you have in your fridge, which for me happened to be Kerrygold salted butter.
  • Milk or cream: The milk in this recipe is only used if you need to alter the consistency of the creamy base. You can use any type of unflavored milk or cream for this.
  • Powdered Sugar: This is not to be confused with white sugar. It’s very finely milled and combined with a small amount of an anti clumping agent so that it appears like snow. It melts into the cream cheese to form the perfect creamy base to take on other flavors.
  • Vanilla: A quality vanilla really does elevate any recipe. Skip the imitation and use a quality vanilla extract instead.
  • Brown sugar: Brown sugar is simply white sugar mixed with molasses that gives it that caramel coloring. We chose light brown sugar for this recipe, but you can also use dark brown sugar with little difference in the overall flavor. Be sure to pack it down when measuring.
  • Salted caramel: We used our favorite salted caramel ice cream topping for this dip, but you can also make your own salted caramel from scratch if you’re to the task. Here’s a recipe to try from our friends at Brown Eyed Baker.
  • Flakey salt: We used the kosher salt that we had on hand for this recipe.

instructions:

Stick around to the end, and I’ll tell you how to make the best dippers for this yummy dip.

  1. With a hand mixer, blend together cream cheese, butter, brown sugar, and vanilla.
  2. Then slowly mix in the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add milk or cream as needed to reach desired consistency.
  4. Spread the mixture into the bottom of a deep pie dish.
  5. Spoon the caramel sauce on top and spread out.
  6. Sprinkle lightly with flakey salt.
  • adding cream cheese to the mixing bowl
  • adding butter to the mixing bowl
  • adding brown sugar to the mixing bowl
  • adding vanilla to the mixing bowl
  • adding powdered sugar to the mixing bowl to make salted caramel dip
  • mixing the ingredients with a hand mixer to make salted caramel dip
  • transfer the base for your salted caramel dip from a bowl to a serving dish
  • spreading out the creamy mixture for the base of the salted caramel dip in a pie plate
  • adding caramel topping to the top of the salted caramel dip
  • spreading out the caramel sauce on top of the salted caramel dip
  • adding a pinch of salt to the top of the salted caramel dip
  • simple salted caramel dip served on a homemade baked donut hole

my recipe tips

  • Cool it down: This isn’t in the instructions but try popping the creamy base into your fridge for an hour or two before spreading on the caramel topping. I skipped this step but felt that it would have improved the overall look of the dip.
  • Add some chocolate: If you are a chocolate lover, you can add some chocolate to this caramel dip recipe. First melt about 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 Tbsp coconut oil in the microwave, stirring in between 10 to 15 second spurts of microwaving. Let it cool slightly and then, prior to adding the caramel, drizzle it over the base and use a spoon to incorporate ribbons of chocolate. For an easier approach to getting some chocolate into this recipe, just sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top.
  • Give it a coffee kick: A flavor that pairs well with salted caramel is coffee. To give this a coffee kick, replace the milk in the recipe with strong, dark brewed coffee.

recipe video

🍽️ serving ideas

There are lots of things that you can dip into this delicious salted caramel dip, but our favorite are some homemade donut holes. I have the perfect recipe that you can check out HERE. Note that the donuts are best when served fresh and warm. You can also use cookies, graham crackers, pretzels or pretzel chips. Go another direction with some fruit for dipping, like apples, pears, bananas and strawberries.

If you’re having a get together with lots of appetizers, this dip recipe is great alongside this crockpot chili cheese dip and this pickle dip. Then there will be a little something for everyone.

start with the right tools

The main kitchen tool that you’ll need to make this dip is a simple hand mixer. I think that we still have the one that we received as a wedding gift 30 years ago now. Those things last forever. However, if you’re looking to buy your first ever or just want an upgrade, check out THIS ONE or THIS ONE. They’re both reasonably priced, work great and add a little style to your dip making experience. Pair it with this set of mixing bowls that comes in a variety of colors.

do we have a preferred cream cheese brand?

Yes!!! I understand that this is a personal preference, but I always use Philadelphia cream cheese (even though Philly is our sports rival here in Pittsburgh). There’s just something about the taste. That being said, any cream cheese brand will work just fine. So, stick with your favorite brand when making this dip.

simple salted caramel dip served on a homemade baked donut hole

recipe notes

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best results for this super yummy dip.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers (if you even have any) covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as it may affect the texture.
  • Dip prep: You can prepare this dip ahead, though I think it’s best when the caramel and salt are added just before serving.

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