Description
Easy and delicious Strawberry Cheesecake Dip! Creamy, sweet, swirled with strawberry jam and fresh strawberries, perfect for parties or a quick dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, finely diced
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs, plus more for topping
- Optional: A few drops of red food coloring (for a more vibrant color)
- For serving: Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, fresh strawberries, or other dippers of your choice
Instructions
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. You can leave it out on the counter for about an hour or two, or if you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it in 15-second intervals, checking in between, until it’s soft but not melted.
- Combine Cream Cheese and Powdered Sugar: In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until they are completely smooth and well combined. Start on low speed to avoid a powdered sugar explosion, then increase the speed to medium. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream: Gradually add the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to mix on low speed. Be careful not to add too much at once, as you don’t want the dip to become too runny. You’re aiming for a thick, but easily dippable consistency.
- Optional: Add Food Coloring: If you want to give your dip a more vibrant pink color, add a few drops of red food coloring at this stage. Mix well until the color is evenly distributed. Remember, a little goes a long way, so start with just a drop or two and add more until you reach your desired shade.
- Prepare the Strawberry Jam: In a small bowl, give your strawberry jam or preserves a quick stir to loosen it up. This will make it easier to swirl into the cream cheese mixture. If your jam is particularly thick, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it slightly.
- Add Strawberry Jam to the Cream Cheese Mixture: Gently dollop spoonfuls of the strawberry jam over the cream cheese mixture. Don’t mix it in completely! We want to create a beautiful swirl effect.
- Swirl the Strawberry Jam: Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the strawberry jam into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this will turn the entire dip pink. You want to see distinct swirls of strawberry jam throughout the dip.
- Incorporate Fresh Strawberries: Sprinkle the finely diced fresh strawberries over the top of the dip.
- Add Graham Cracker Crumbs: Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the top of the dip.
- Cover and Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This will allow the dip to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish (Optional): Before serving, you can garnish the dip with additional graham cracker crumbs, fresh strawberry slices, or a drizzle of strawberry jam.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the strawberry cheesecake dip with your favorite dippers, such as graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, fresh strawberries, or apple slices.
Notes
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the dip to avoid a runny or dense texture.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more or less powdered sugar.
- Make it ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Get creative with toppings!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes