This fun Apple Pie Dip is a sweet treat that combines creamy goodness with chunks of tender apples. Served with crunchy cinnamon tortilla chips, it’s perfect for sharing!
Who doesn’t love dessert you can dip? I could eat those tortilla chips all day, especially when they’re warm and dusted with cinnamon. Yum! 😋
Making this dip is super simple. Just mix the ingredients, bake a bit, and enjoy! It’s perfect for parties or a cozy night in with friends and family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base for your dip. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt. It will change the flavor slightly, but it adds a nice tang!
Brown Sugar: It adds a deep, rich sweetness. If you’re out, you can use white sugar mixed with a touch of molasses to mimic the flavor. You can also try coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are perfect for this recipe due to their tartness, which contrasts nicely with the sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter dip, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work well too.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are traditional, but you can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version. Just adjust cooking times as they may crisp differently!
How Can I Perfectly Caramelize the Apples?
Caramelizing the apples is key to achieving that classic pie flavor in your dip. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat to avoid burning.
- Make sure to peel and dice your apples evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Cook them with butter until they get soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid sticking.
- Add sugar and cinnamon towards the end to coat the apples without burning the sugar.
This step brings out the natural sweetness of the apples, making your dip even more delicious!
Apple Pie Dip With Cinnamon Tortilla Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Pie Dip:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apples, peeled and diced (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apples)
For the Cinnamon Tortilla Chips:
- 6 flour tortillas
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15-20 minutes of prep time and another 10-12 minutes for baking the chips. Total time is around 30 minutes, so it’s a quick and easy treat you can whip up for gatherings or family nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Firstly, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cinnamon tortilla chips bake perfectly crispy!
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Tortilla Chips:
Take your flour tortillas and brush both sides with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the tortillas. Now, stack the tortillas up and cut them into 8 triangular chips each. Lay the chips out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake them for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crisp. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool.
3. Prepare the Apple Topping:
While the chips are baking, get your skillet ready over medium heat and melt the butter. Add in the diced apples, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Once they’re ready, remove the skillet from the heat and set the apples aside to cool slightly.
4. Make the Apple Pie Dip:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until it’s nice and smooth and creamy. It should be easy to spread!
5. Assemble the Dip:
Transfer the creamy mixture into a serving bowl. Now, spoon the warm caramelized apples right over the top of the dip. It looks delicious already!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your apple pie dip immediately with the crunchy cinnamon tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy this sweet, creamy, and crunchy treat with family and friends!
Dig in, and savor every bite of this delightful apple-inspired dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness that complements the sweet dip, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or any other apples you enjoy. Just be aware that sweeter apples may alter the overall flavor of the dip.
How Do I Store Leftover Dip and Chips?
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Unfortunately, the tortilla chips will lose their crispness, so it’s best to keep them in a separate container at room temperature. Enjoy them within a couple of days to maintain their texture!
Can I Make the Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the dip ahead of time! Prepare and cover the cream cheese mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add the warm caramelized apples on top just before serving for the best flavor!
What Can I Serve Instead of Tortilla Chips?
If you’re looking for alternatives, consider serving the dip with apple slices, graham crackers, or even pretzel chips for a fun twist. Each option offers a different flavor that pairs well with the creamy dip!