Cream Cheese Fruit Dip

Looking for the ultimate party pleaser that takes almost zero effort?

This cream cheese fruit dip is about to become your entertaining secret weapon.

Silky smooth, perfectly sweet, and ready in just 10 minutes, it transforms ordinary fruit platters into an irresistible dessert that everyone will hover around.

The magic of this dip lies in its cloud-like texture and balanced flavor profile. The whipped cream creates an airy base while the cream cheese adds just enough tang to complement the natural sweetness of fresh fruit.

It’s sophisticated enough for adult gatherings but playful enough that kids will be dipping strawberries double-time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• Assorted fruits for serving (strawberries, pineapple, apple slices, grapes)

Steps

1. Place the cream, ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk the ingredients together on low speed to incorporate powdered sugar into whipping cream, about 30 seconds. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and whisk mixture for 3-4 minutes or until stiff peaks form. You’ll know you’ve reached stiff peaks when the whipped cream stands straight up when you lift the beater and doesn’t flop over. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
2. Place the cream cheese in the bowl of the stand mixer, now fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat the cream cheese on high speed until whipped, about 1 minute. The cream cheese should look fluffy and have increased in volume. If your cream cheese is still cold from the refrigerator, you may need to beat it longer to achieve the right consistency.
3. Gently transfer the reserved whipped cream to the bowl with the whipped cream cheese. Use a large silicone spatula to gently fold the whipped cream into cream cheese using a figure-eight motion, being careful not to over-mix so it stays plump. You should still see some streaks of cream cheese when you’re about 75% done folding – these will disappear with the final few folds. Over-mixing will deflate your dip and make it runny.
4. Transfer the cream cheese fruit dip to a serving dish and serve immediately with fruits of choice, or store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve. If refrigerating, the dip will stay fresh for up to 48 hours, though it’s best served within 24 hours for optimal texture. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving if it’s been refrigerated.

Smart Swaps

• Mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese (1:1 ratio) – creates an even more luxurious, dessert-like texture
• Greek yogurt cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese – reduces fat while maintaining creaminess
• Maple syrup (use ⅓ cup) instead of powdered sugar – adds a warm, caramel-like flavor note
• Almond extract (¼ teaspoon) in addition to vanilla – adds a subtle nutty complexity

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Replace powdered sugar with ¼ cup powdered monk fruit sweetener plus 1 tablespoon cornstarch (reduces carbs by approximately 12g per serving)
• Use ⅓-fat cream cheese to lower fat content without sacrificing texture (saves 30 calories per serving)
• Serve with lower glycemic fruits like berries and green apples instead of higher glycemic options like pineapple and bananas
• Keep portions to 2 tablespoons per serving to maintain blood sugar control
• Pair with a small protein serving (like 1 tablespoon of chopped nuts) to slow sugar absorption

Pro Tips

• Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature (about 65°F/18°C) before starting – cold cream cheese will create lumps
• For a firmer dip that holds its shape longer at room temperature, add 1 tablespoon of instant vanilla pudding mix to the cream before whipping
• If you don’t have a stand mixer, use a hand mixer on the same speeds, just add about 1 minute to each mixing time
• For a colorful twist, fold in 2 tablespoons of rainbow sprinkles just before serving for a “funfetti” version kids love
• Serve in a hollowed-out pineapple or watermelon half for an impressive presentation that requires no extra dishes