Strawberry Cream Cheese Dip

You only need ten minutes and four simple ingredients—cream cheese, fresh strawberries, honey and vanilla extract—to whip up a delicious dessert dip. This is the kind of dip I could eat straight off a spoon. With its light and fluffy texture and fresh strawberry flavor, don’t be surprised if you find yourself doing the same!

Pair this strawberry cream cheese dip with graham crackers for a fun afternoon snack or after-dinner sweet treat. If you’re entertaining, turn this cream cheese dip recipe into a sweet snack board, served with crackers, cookies, pretzels and other goodies for dipping.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Dip

• Cream cheese: Cream cheese is the base of our dip, so choose a high-quality cream cheese brand. I like full-fat cream cheese for a richer flavor, but you could use reduced-fat to make a lighter version of the dip. You’ll need an 8-ounce package of cream cheese; I recommend the block-style packages so you don’t have to scrape it out of a tub. Soften the cream cheese to room temperature so it’s easier to mix.
• Honey: Just two tablespoons of honey lightly sweetens this dip and balances out the tanginess of the cream cheese while maintaining a smooth texture. If you reach for your honey and it’s thick, don’t toss it! Honey doesn’t go bad, and crystallization can be reversed by warming your container of honey in a pan of simmering water or under a hot faucet.
• Vanilla: A bit of vanilla extract enhances the flavor and aroma of the dip. For the best taste, use pure vanilla extract.
• Strawberries: Fresh strawberries deliver fruity flavor, natural sweetness and a lovely pink hue to our strawberry cream cheese dip. You’ll need a pint of strawberries that have been cleaned, hulled and sliced.
• Graham crackers: We recommend serving this dip with cinnamon graham crackers for a strawberry cheesecake vibe, but when it comes to dippers, you do you! You could use honey or chocolate-flavored grahams, or switch it up and serve the dip with vanilla wafers, pretzels or fresh fruit.

Directions

Step 1: Beat the cream cheese

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, honey and vanilla until smooth.

Editor’s Tip: You can beat the cream cheese by hand, but I recommend using a hand or stand mixer to get more air into the cream cheese for a light and fluffy texture.

Step 2: Add the strawberries

Add the sliced strawberries to the cream cheese mixture and beat them together for one minute. Serve the dip with graham crackers.

Editor’s Tip: You can serve the strawberry cream cheese dip right away or cover the bowl and chill it until you need it. If you’re making the dip more than a few hours in advance, transfer it to an airtight storage container and refrigerate it.

Ellie Crowley for Taste of Home

Strawberry Cream Cheese Dip Variations

• Garnish with extra berries: Slice or chop a few extra strawberries to sprinkle on the plated dip.
• Use assorted berries: Replace some of the strawberries with fresh blueberries, raspberries or blackberries—or all three—for a creamy mixed-berry dip.
• Add a citrus twist: Zest a lemon or orange into the cream cheese mixture to add brightness and a fresh, citrus flavor that pairs well with the berries.
• Serve with assorted dippers: Set out a selection of dippers in addition to the graham crackers to create a sweet dip board or charcuterie-style dessert board. Pretzel sticks, vanilla wafers, animal crackers, apple wedges, squares of pound cake and fudgy brownies are all fantastic options for swirling through this luscious cream cheese dip.

How to Store Strawberry Cream Cheese Dip

Strawberry cream cheese dip can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days. Before serving, let the dip sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes to soften a bit; it’ll be easier to dip, scoop and spread.

Can you freeze strawberry cream cheese dip?

I don’t recommend freezing cream cheese-based dips because dairy ingredients tend to separate and become grainy after thawing. Skip the freezer and enjoy this strawberry cream cheese dip fresh.

Can you make strawberry cream cheese dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dip a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Dip Tips

Ellie Crowley for Taste of Home

Can you make strawberry cream cheese dip with frozen strawberries?

This dip is best prepared with fresh strawberries, but you can use frozen berries in a pinch or when fresh strawberries aren’t in season. Thaw the frozen strawberries and drain them well in a colander. Blot any excess moisture with paper towels. If the strawberries are too soft to slice or chop, use a blender to combine them with the other ingredients for a smooth and creamy dip.

How do you thin out strawberry cream cheese dip that’s too thick?

If your dip is too thick, thin it with a splash of extra liquid. Stir a small amount of milk, cream or water to the dip. Add just a teaspoon of liquid at a time to avoid thinning it out too much. Repeat until the strawberry cream cheese dip reaches your desired consistency.

What other ways can I serve strawberry cream cheese dip?

Beyond using it as a dip for crackers and fruit, you can use strawberry cream cheese dip as a filling for cupcakes, cream puffs, mini pies and tart shells. You could even pipe the dip into whole strawberries, similar to these cheesecake-stuffed strawberries. You could spread it on cakes in place of traditional cream cheese frosting, or spread it on bagels, waffles and toast.