Cream cheese fruit dip is a light, creamy, and irresistibly sweet treat that pairs perfectly with your favorite fruits. With just a few simple ingredients, this dip comes together in minutes, making it ideal for parties, snacks, or an easy dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes with minimal effort.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of fruits, cookies, or crackers.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Customizable: Adjust flavors and sweetness to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
- Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or zest of 1 lemon for added flavor
Directions
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract, and optional cinnamon or lemon zest, if using.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold in the whipped cream or whipped topping until fully incorporated and light.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and pair with your favorite fresh fruits like strawberries, apples, grapes, or pineapple.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 1.5 cups, serves 6-8
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
Variations
- Chocolate Lover’s Dip: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
- Citrus Delight: Use orange or lime zest for a bright and tangy flavor.
- Honey Sweetened: Replace powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons of honey for a natural sweetener.
- Yogurt Blend: Substitute half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix in a few tablespoons of peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: This dip is served cold, so simply stir if separation occurs before serving again.
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese works well and keeps the dip lighter.
2. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
3. What fruits go best with this dip?
Strawberries, apple slices, grapes, pineapple, kiwi, and melon are all excellent choices.
4. Can I use whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, homemade whipped cream adds a fresh, light texture. Ensure it’s whipped to stiff peaks before folding in.
5. Is this dip suitable for crackers or cookies?
Definitely! Serve it with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or shortbread cookies for a delicious pairing.
6. Can I make this dip dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping to make it suitable for a dairy-free diet.
7. How do I make it thicker?
Add more cream cheese or reduce the whipped topping for a thicker consistency.
8. Can I freeze this dip?
Freezing isn’t recommended as it may change the texture once thawed.
9. What’s a good substitute for vanilla extract?
Almond extract or maple syrup can be used for a unique flavor twist.
10. Can I add food coloring?
Yes, add a drop or two of food coloring for a fun, festive look.
Conclusion
Cream cheese fruit dip is a simple yet delightful recipe that elevates any fruit platter. With its creamy texture and sweet flavor, it’s perfect for gatherings, snacks, or as a healthy dessert alternative. Customize it to your liking and enjoy dipping into this irresistible treat!
PrintCream Cheese Fruit Dip
This creamy and sweet fruit dip is made with cream cheese and marshmallow fluff, making it the perfect pairing for fresh fruits like strawberries, apples, or pineapple. It’s a crowd-pleaser for gatherings or an easy snack at home!
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow fluff (marshmallow creme)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar (for extra sweetness)
- Optional garnish: grated orange zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the marshmallow fluff and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined and fluffy.
- Adjust Sweetness (Optional):
- Taste the dip and, if desired, add powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Beat until fully incorporated.
- Serve:
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with orange zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Serve with an assortment of fresh fruits.
Notes
- Suggested fruits: strawberries, apple slices, grapes, pineapple chunks, or melon.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a citrus twist, substitute the vanilla with fresh orange or lemon juice.