Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dip is a luscious, creamy dessert dip bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for entertaining, it pairs wonderfully with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, and fresh fruit. Easy to prepare and chilled to perfection, this dip makes for an irresistible sweet treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree (from fresh or frozen strawberries)
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs, plus more for topping
- Fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish
- Optional: A few drops of red food coloring (for a more vibrant color)
For Serving
- Graham crackers
- Vanilla wafers
- Pretzels
- Fresh fruit (strawberries, apple slices, etc.)
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries: Wash and hull about 1 cup of fresh strawberries. If using frozen strawberries, allow them to thaw slightly to make blending easier.
- Make strawberry puree: Place the strawberries into a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth, ensuring a silky texture.
- Strain the puree: Pass the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and achieve a smoother consistency. This step is optional but recommended for the best texture.
- Measure puree for dip: Set aside 1/4 cup of the strawberry puree to use in the dip. You can save any extra for other recipes or uses.
- Cream the cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until smooth and lump-free.
- Add sugar and vanilla: Incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese, beating gently until well combined and smooth without overmixing.
- Mix in sour cream: Stir in the sour cream to add a tangy note and lighten the dip’s texture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in strawberry elements and crumbs: Carefully fold in the strawberry puree, chopped strawberry jam or preserves, and graham cracker crumbs, maintaining some texture without overmixing.
- Add food coloring (optional): If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring to enhance the dip’s pink hue, adjusting to your preferred shade.
- Chill the dip: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to allow flavors to meld and the dip to thicken slightly.
- Stir before serving: Give the chilled dip a good stir to reincorporate any settled ingredients.
- Transfer and garnish: Spoon the dip into a serving bowl and garnish with fresh sliced strawberries and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs.
- Serve with dippers: Offer the dip alongside graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, fresh fruit slices such as strawberries and apples, or your favorite dippers.
Notes
- For the smoothest dip, straining the strawberry puree is highly recommended but can be skipped if you prefer a chunkier texture.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of powdered sugar and jam according to taste.
- Using full-fat cream cheese and sour cream will give the richest flavor and texture.
- Red food coloring is optional and purely for aesthetic purposes.
- Prepare the dip a few hours ahead to allow flavors to meld for best results.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert Dip
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
