Looking for a delightful, easy-to-make snack or dessert? This Apple Slices with Cinnamon Cream Dip recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without a lot of fuss. It’s simple, delicious, and a total crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Apples: Any crisp, sweet-tart apple like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji works best.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat for the creamiest dip, but light cream cheese can work too.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for smooth sweetness in the dip. Granulated sugar will make the dip grainy.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is key for that warm, comforting flavor. Nutmeg can be a nice addition if you like.
- Milk: Just a splash helps achieve the right dip consistency. Any milk (dairy or non-dairy) is fine.
Ingredients:
For the Dip:
* 4 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup powdered sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1-2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
For the Apple Slices:
* 2-3 medium apples, like Honeycrisp or Gala
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Servings: 2-4
- Tools Needed: Mixing bowl, whisk or hand mixer, paring knife or apple slicer
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Apples
Wash your apples thoroughly. Core them and slice them into even, bite-sized pieces. You can leave the skins on for extra fiber and color!
2. Soften the Cream Cheese
Make sure your cream cheese is softened. If it’s straight from the fridge, you can microwave it for about 10-15 seconds to make it easier to mix. This ensures a smooth dip.
3. Combine Dip Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and ground cinnamon. Start whisking these ingredients together until they are well combined.
4. Adjust Dip Consistency
Gradually add milk, one tablespoon at a time, to the cream cheese mixture. Whisk until the dip is smooth and creamy, reaching your desired dipping consistency. You might not need all of the milk.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange your fresh apple slices on a platter around a small bowl of the cinnamon cream dip. It’s ready to enjoy right away as a delicious snack or light dessert.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover cinnamon cream dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Apple slices are best eaten fresh, as they can brown quickly, but you can toss them with a little lemon juice to slow this if preparing ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I make the dip ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dip up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before serving.
- What kind of apples are best? Crisp, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith are perfect for slicing and dipping.
- Can I add other spices to the dip? Absolutely! A tiny pinch of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract would be lovely additions.
- How do I prevent the apple slices from browning? Toss them lightly with a tiny bit of lemon juice or a fruit preservative (like Fruit-Fresh) after slicing.
- Is this recipe good for kids? Yes, it’s a fantastic, healthy, and fun snack for kids. They often love the sweet dip with apple slices.
- Can I use a different sweetener for the dip? Powdered sugar works best for a smooth texture. Other granulated sweeteners might make the dip grainy.