Sweet Dessert Dip with Cream Cheese for Cookies, Crackers, and Fruit

You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! If you have a question you don’t see listed below, please drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 

Plain cream cheese is the traditional ingredient in dessert dips. However, you can play around with different flavors of cream cheese, like cinnamon, honey pecan, blueberry, strawberry, or even pumpkin spice. But please note, if you are using flavored cream cheeses, you may want to consider reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to lighten this cookie dip up, swap out the regular cream cheese for Greek cream cheese, which has four-times more protein and half of the fat!

And, if you’re looking for alternate cheeses all together, try mascarpone cheese, Neufchâtel cheese, or a thick, strained yogurt like Greek Yogurt.

Tip: No matter what cheese you select, be sure to soften it to room temperature before making this dessert dip recipe. This step ensures a smooth and creamy texture.

Not necessarily. A stand mixer or hand mixer will make easier work out of whipping the cream cheese with the other ingredients and ensures a smoother, fluffier consistency. However, you can use a wooden kitchen spoon and some elbow grease or try the food processor instead.

If you’re looking for a thinner consistency, simply add a little bit of heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk – one tablespoon at a time – until you reach the consistency you’re looking for.

I don’t see why not! This recipe as written calls for both brown sugar and confectioner’s sugar. While I have not experimented with sugar substitutes in this recipe and therefore can’t guarantee the success of these swaps, I will always encourage experimenting with recipes and playing around in the kitchen. Here are some alternatives you can try:

• Maple Syrup: While still high in sugar, maple syrup is a natural source of sugar and will provide a robust, cozy, distinct sweet flavor to the cream cheese dip.
• Raw Honey: Naturally sweet honey will lend a slight floral flavor to the dip.
• Blackstrap Molasses: This byproduct of raw sugar can is bittersweet and quite intense in flavor. If you know what dark molasses tastes like, blackstrap is actually darker, thicker, and richer in flavor. So, if you’re wanting to add this sticky liquid, just be sure to use a very small amount in addition to another sweetener.

Toppings are (arguably) the best part of cheesecake dips. Not only are they a great way to add your own personal flare, but they can also really transform your dip into to full-blown decadent dessert experience!

Bonus: If you are serving this dip at a party, try setting up a toppings bar so your guests can experiment with a combination of toppings. To set up a toppings bar, set small cups or individual bowls on the left of the dip and arrange the toppings in individual bowls on the right. And, don’t forget to set out dippers or spoons and plenty of napkins at the end of the table so your guests can grab them before devouring their dip.

• Chocolate: Most people will say chocolate makes everything better, especially cream cheese dips. Try using your favorite variety of chocolate chips (dark, white, milk or semi-sweet) as your mix-in. And for toppings, try chocolate shavings, melted chocolate, or chocolate dipping sauce.
• Caramel: Silky smooth caramel sauce makes a delicious topping, while caramel baking chips make a delicious mix-in.
• Fresh Fruit: Use your favorite fresh, seasonal fruit to add colorful flare. Fruits like strawberries, raspberries and blackberries make beautiful toppings, while harder fruits, such as chopped apples, make a delicious mix-in.
• Fruit compotes and sauces: Thick, fruity compotes and preserves make a delicious topping for cheesecake dip. Try using your favorite canned pie filling (cherry, blueberry, strawberry, etc.), fresh strawberry topping, blueberry butter sauce, or lemon curd.
• Nut Butter: Your favorite flavor or variety of nut butter makes a fabulous addition and topping for this sweet dip.
• Candy Bars: Roughly chop up your favorite candy or any leftover Halloween candy bars and use it as a fun topping and mix-in! My family loves Snickers, Butterfingers, Twix and Ferrero Rocher along with M&M’s and Reese’s Pieces!
• Toffee Bits: Toffee bits or chopped Health bars are the perfect way to add a bit of crunchy texture, as well as sweet and nutty flavor to cheesecake!
• Oreos: If you are a fan of cookies and cream, crush up Oreos for a fun dessert topping.
• Whipped Cream: Fluffy whipped cream is a classic topping option.
• Sprinkles: Colorful sprinkles are perfect if you’re looking for a full-on celebration.
• Nuts: Nuts are a wonderful way to add a welcoming crunch and nutty flavor, especially if you toast or candy your nuts.

You can absolutely make cream cheese fruit dip in advance! In fact, I recommend making the dip ahead of time, so the flavors have a chance to develop, mix and meld!

For the best flavor, I recommend making this dip at least 8 hours, or up to overnight in advance. However, you can make it up to 3 days in advance without sacrificing the texture!

To make in advance, transfer the dip to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If you are using any fresh fruits as a mix-in, wait to stir them in until the day you are planning on serving. Also, make sure you hold off on adding any toppings and garnishes until just before serving.

This dip is made with dairy products, such as cream cheese; therefore, it should not remain at room temperature for more than 2 hours, maximum! If you are bringing this dip to an outdoor event, such as a picnic or football party, I recommend keeping it in a cooler until serving time. Upon serving, I recommend serving the dip from a shady or covered area to avoid any direct sunlight and harsh heat!