This sweet cream cheese dip is the perfect sweet treat for any occasion! Serve it up with a fruit tray, or as a sweet dip for crackers, cookies, pastries, etc.
It also makes a really good cheesecake dip or canoli dip with just a few modifications!
This cream cheese fruit dip recipe is SO easy to make with just 4 ingredients! It tastes amazing and is the perfect no bake dessert dip.
A potluck favorite, this recipe always wins rave reviews. We love it, our guests love it, and I know you will too!
Why You'll Love It:
- Sweet and creamy. Perfect for dipping summer fruits, pastries, graham crackers, and more!
- Simple ingredients. This creamy dip is perfect for when you want an easy dessert dip that doesn't have a long list of ingredients.
- Family favorite. This sweet cream cheese fruit dip is always a huge hit, especially when served with your favorite fruits on a beautiful fruit tray!
Psst! If you love this recipe, make sure to try my cream cheese caramel apple dip – it's always a hit at parties!
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Make sure to use brick-style cream cheese that has been softened at room temperature for 1-2 hours (or scroll to see more softening methods below).
- Powdered sugar: Also known as confectioners' sugar or icing sugar, this adds sweetness and texture to the dip. Do not substitute for granulated sugar!
- Butter: This adds a buttery flavor that can't be replicated. It's so good! If you don't have butter softened, you can use melted (and cooled) butter instead.
- Vanilla: Just a little touch adds the perfect flavor.
How to Make Cream Cheese Dip
- Step one: Add the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and cream cheese to a large bowl. Beat with an electric hand mixer until soft and fluffy (or use a whisk and some elbow grease!).
- Step two: Add in the powdered sugar.
- Step three: Beat on low speed, increasing to low-medium speed, and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the powdered sugar is completely incorporated and mostly lump-free.
- Serve as a delicious dessert dip with fruit, graham crackers, or pastries!
How to Soften Cream Cheese
The most reliable (and passive) method for softening cream cheese is to allow it to rest at room temperature for 1-2 hours. But if you don't have time or forgot to plan ahead, here are a few methods I've used with success.
- Ziploc bag method: Place your wrapped block of cream cheese in a large ziploc bag and seal it tightly. Fill a sink about ¼ of the way with very warm water and place the bag in the water for about 10-15 minutes, flipping it halfway through.
- Microwave method: Place an unwrapped block of cream cheese on a plate and heat for 10 seconds. Remove it from the microwave, and flip. Microwave for another 10 seconds. Check and see if it's soft enough, and if not, repeat in 10-second intervals until it is.
Flavor Variations:
Cheesecake dip recipe: Spread the cream cheese dip into a shallow bowl and top with fresh sliced strawberries (or the fruit of your choice). Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs, and serve with graham crackers on the side.
Canoli dip: Fold in 2-3 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips and serve with broken waffle cones, or stroopwaffles.
Pumpkin cheesecake dip: Stir in ⅓ cup of pumpkin puree and 2-3 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice. Serve with graham crackers or gingersnaps.
Recipe FAQs
I've tested this recipe with Greek yogurt, but it unfortunately didn't work out. If you want to make a yogurt dip, I recommend starting with vanilla Greek yogurt and stirring a little maple syrup in to taste. For a thicker dip, try straining it through several layers of cheesecloth first.
Powdered sugar contains cornstarch, which helps thicken sweet dips like this one. I do not recommend swapping it for granulated sugars like brown sugar or white sugar. It can, however, be swapped for a powdered sugar sweetener if you would like a sugar-free version.
This recipe is for a sweet cream cheese dip, and I haven't tested it with marshmallow creme. If you want to make a marshmallow fruit dip, it's best to use a specific recipe. Give classic marshmallow fruit dip from The Stay at Home Chef a try!
More Sweet Dip Recipes:
If you loved this recipe for sweet cream cheese dip, let me know by leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card or comment below! You can also tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner.
Sweet Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese softened (½ package (125g), brick-style)
- 2 tablespoons butter melted (or softened)
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar also known as confectioners' sugar
- Milk (optional), for thinning the consistency
Instructions
- Add the softened cream cheese to a medium-sized mixing bowl, then add the butter and vanilla extract.
- Beat the butter and cream cheese together using an electric hand mixer on low-medium speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Once the mixture is smooth and lump-free, add in the powdered sugar.
- Mix on low speed until the powdered sugar is fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
- Taste and check the consistency. If a thinner consistency is desired, add a small splash of milk and mix well. Add milk, a very small amount at a time, until the dip is the perfect consistency (keep in mind that it will become firm after refrigeration).
- Serve with fresh fruit, graham crackers, or your favorite dippable desserts.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Keep refrigerated.
Notes
- Cannoli dip: Add 2-3 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese dip and fold them in gently. Serve with broken waffle cones, graham crackers, waffle crisps (or stroopwaffles).
- Cheesecake dip: Top with sliced strawberries and a generous sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. Serve with graham crackers.
Nutrition
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Dorothy Bigelow
This is so good, especially with fresh strawberries! I also love it for dipping puff pastry cinnamon twists. Yum! So easy to make too.