We're wrapping up our flavors of fall series with an apple party! I'm a big apple fan...especially when its paired with caramel!  Caramel apples are often my splurge when on vacation, but when I'm at home, I love to put a twist on the classic.  Today, I'm sharing my recipes for baked caramel apples, caramel apple cider and one of my favorite dips, too!

Apple Toffee Dip

This dip begins with cream cheese and brown sugar -- but toffee bits take it over the top! Adjust the amounts to your personal taste...I tend to add a good bit of brown sugar, but if you prefer tangy over sweet, just add until your heart is content!

Ingredients:

Cream Cheese (room temperature)

Brown Sugar

Heath Bits of Brickle Toffee Bits

Directions: Mix cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth. Add toffee bits and stir. 

Baked Caramel Apples

This twist on the classic is a quick and easy dessert and is delicious when served piping hot...with or without a scoop of ice cream!

Ingredients:

2 Apples (Serves 4)

4 Caramel Candies

8 Tablespoons Flour

4 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

1 teaspoon Cinnamon

Sprinkle of Nutmeg

2 Tablespoons Melted Butter

Optional: Caramel topping

Directions:  Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease 8X8 glass dish with cooking spray and set aside. Cut apples in half down center (so that you are cutting by the stem). On the skin side of the apple halves, cut a small slice off so the apple halves sit flat in the baking dish. Using a spoon or small melon baller, remove seeds and create small "well" in each apple half. Place unwrapped caramel in hole.  In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg together. Gradually add melted butter to mixture and combine until a crumbly streusel is formed. If you have extra melted butter, brush on the open face of the apple. Sprinkle streusel mixture over tops of apples. Place in baking dish and bake at 400 degrees for 25-35 minutes or until streusel is brown, apples are tender and caramel is melted. Serve while still warm with caramel drizzle over the top if desired. 

Caramel Apple Cider 

This recipe has been a long-time favorite of my family and comes from Southern Living Christmas with Southern Living, 2010.

Ingredients:

1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

1 tsp. vanilla extract

4 cups apple cider

Garnishes: whipped cream, caramel sauce, ground cinnamon

Directions:

Stir together brown sugar and whipping cream in a large saucepan.  Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat 2 minutes or until bubbly.  Stir in vanilla and apple cider. Cook 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring often. Garnish, if desired. 

I hope you all have enjoyed celebrating the flavors of fall as we celebrated the launch of our sweet fall Ts! To see the collection, you can shop it here. 

From my home to yours...happy baking and happy treat making!