Cinnamon-Maple Yogurt Dip with Apples and Pretzels

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 5 ingredients, no cooking, and ready in 10 minutes.
• Thick, creamy Greek yogurt balanced with warm cinnamon and real maple.
• Kid-friendly snack that also feels elegant for entertaining.
• Versatile: great with apples, pretzels, and other fruit or cookies.

Grocery List

• Produce: 3 crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady), 1 lemon (for juice)
• Dairy: Plain Greek yogurt (2 cups)
• Pantry: Pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, fine sea salt, mini pretzels

Full Ingredients

Cinnamon-Maple Yogurt Dip

• 2 cups (480 g) plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk for best texture)
• 3 tbsp pure maple syrup, plus 1 tsp for drizzling
• 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon, plus a pinch for garnish
• 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
• Optional garnish: 2 tbsp toasted chopped pecans or walnuts

For Serving

• 3 medium crisp apples (about 1 1/4 lb / 570 g), cored and sliced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice + 1 cup cold water (to prevent browning)
• 6 oz (170 g) mini pretzels

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the apple anti-browning bath

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup cold water with 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Core and slice the apples into 1/4-inch wedges. Submerge slices in the lemon water for 3 minutes. Drain and pat dry thoroughly with a clean towel so excess moisture doesn’t thin the dip.

Step 2: Measure and set up

Add the Greek yogurt to a medium mixing bowl. Measure the maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and fine sea salt. Having all ingredients ready helps you whisk the dip quickly and evenly.

Step 3: Whip the yogurt

Whisk the yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt together vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth, glossy, and slightly aerated, about 45–60 seconds. The goal is a thick yet creamy dip with no streaks of spices.

Step 4: Fine-tune the flavor

Taste the dip. If you prefer sweeter, whisk in up to 1 additional teaspoon maple syrup. For a warmer spice profile, add a pinch more cinnamon. The salt amount should be subtle—just enough to make the maple and vanilla pop.

Step 5: Bowl, swirl, and garnish

Transfer the dip to a shallow serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a loose swirl on top. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon maple syrup into the grooves and dust with a whisper of cinnamon. Sprinkle toasted chopped nuts if you like extra crunch and a nutty aroma.

Step 6: Arrange and serve

Place the apple slices and mini pretzels around the bowl on a platter. Serve immediately, chilled at 40°F/4°C or below for best texture and food safety. If not serving right away, cover and refrigerate the dip for up to 24 hours before garnishing, then swirl and garnish just before bringing it to the table.

Pro Tips

• Use 2% or whole-milk Greek yogurt for a creamy, stable dip. If your yogurt is loose, strain it in a fine-mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter for 30–60 minutes.
• Maple syrup blends best at room temperature—cold syrup can thicken and streak.
• Dry the apple slices well so water doesn’t dilute the dip on the platter.
• For a thinner, drizzleable dip, whisk in 1–2 tsp milk, as needed.
• Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes to intensify flavor before chopping.

Variations

• Pumpkin-Spice Dip: Add 2 tbsp pumpkin puree and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice; reduce cinnamon to 1/2 tsp.
• Honey-Cinnamon Swap: Use honey in place of maple for a floral sweetness (same measurements).
• Mocha-Maple: Whisk in 1 tsp instant espresso powder for a coffeehouse twist.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Refrigerate the dip in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Whisk briefly before serving to restore smoothness. Slice apples the day you serve and hold in lemon water up to 4 hours, then drain and dry well. Keep pretzels sealed at room temperature; add them to the platter just before serving so they stay crisp.

Nutrition (per serving)

Approximate for 1/4 cup dip (using 2% Greek yogurt): 75 calories; 6 g protein; 7 g carbs; 1.5 g fat; 0.1 g fiber; 65 mg sodium. Dippers not included. Values are estimates.