You’ll never buy store-bought fruit dip after making this simple 3-ingredient Cream Cheese Fruit Dip served with all your favorite fruit platters! Healthier, but just as creamy, made without Marshmallow Fluff or Cool Whip.
1/4cuppowdered sugardo not add sugar if using Cool Whip or whipped topping.
1teaspoonvanilla extracttry other extracts too, see post for ideas
1 1/2cupsheavy whipping creamor 8 ounces of whipped topping (3 cups) such as Cool Whip
Fruit and dippers for dippingblueberries, melon, pineapple, grapes, any of your favorite or seasonal fruit, crackers, graham crackers, marshmallows and more. See post for loads of ideas.
In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the whipped cream until stiff peaks form. Store in fridge until ready to use in the recipe.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until blended and creamy.
Fold in the whipped cream and stir until everything is combined. You can use the mixer on low to assist in getting the ingredients blended well.
Serve immediately with fruit, or chill until ready to serve.
Notes
Go to the post for fruit dipper ideas and non-fruit-dipper ideas. You may want to decrease or eliminate the sugar if you use whipped topping (such as Cool Whip) instead of whipped cream.Storage TipsRefrigerate - Keep leftover fruit dip in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, sealed in an airtight container. To serve again, remove from fridge for 20 minutes, whisking or stirring until soft and fluffy. Do not freeze.Pro Tips
Soften the cream cheese: For that smooth and creamy texture, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before using it. It’s best to leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can microwave it in short 10-second bursts, checking often.
Chill before serving: After preparing the fruit dip, allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Chilling enhances the flavors and helps the dip thicken slightly, making it easier to dip and enjoy.
Use powdered sugar: Powdered sugar dissolves more easily and gives a smoother texture than granulated sugar.
Garnish for presentation: Consider adding a few fresh fruit slices or a mint leaf to garnish the fruit dip before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
Hint of Citrus: Put a subtle twist on this easy recipe with a pinch or two of lemon zest or orange zest and a sprinkle of salt to enhance the flavor of the creamy dip.
Fruity Fruit Dip: Add a fruity flavor with fruit puree to the cream cheese mixture. Try mango or strawberry puree, and be sure to strain it beforehand or swirl in a little strawberry jam.
Fall Flavors: Make a great Autumn dip by adding warm spices like cinnamon (½ -1 tsp) and nutmeg (¼ tsp).
Chocolate Fruit Dip: If preferred, make a chocolatey fruit dip perfect for banana and apple slices by mixing in unsweetened cocoa powder; check out my chocolate dip for fruit recipe.
Flavored Cream Cheese: Try using flavored cream cheese instead of plain cream cheese. Add a tablespoon of strawberry jam and use strawberry cream cheese.
Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Fruit Dip | Mix in ½- ⅔ cup pumpkin puree and 1 tsp pumpkin spice mix.