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Creamy Vanilla Fruit Dip

The Best 5-Minute Creamy Vanilla Fruit Dip

This easy, luscious dip combines fully softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and rich vanilla, creating a light and fluffy accompaniment perfect for pairing with fresh fruit platters, graham crackers, or vanilla wafers. It's incredibly quick to prepare and ideal for parties or a simple sweet snack.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Dip Base
  • 1 8 ounce block full-fat cream cheese completely softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar sifted (also known as confectioners' sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional, but highly recommended
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream or whole milk
For Serving
  • Assortment of fresh fruits strawberries, grapes, apple slices, pineapple, melon
  • Graham crackers or vanilla wafer cookies optional dippers

Equipment

  • Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

Mixing the Dip Base
  1. Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened. If it is cold, the final dip texture will be lumpy. Place the softened cream cheese into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until it is perfectly smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar into the mixing bowl, one-third at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Once all the sugar is mixed in, add the vanilla extract and the ground cinnamon (if using). Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat the mixture for an additional 1 minute until the dip is noticeably light and fluffy.
  3. Pour the heavy whipping cream or whole milk into the bowl, starting with 2 tablespoons. Beat the mixture for about 30 seconds. Assess the consistency. If you desire a thinner, runnier dip, add the remaining cream/milk one teaspoon at a time until your desired dipping consistency is reached. If you prefer a thick, stand-alone frosting-like dip, use less liquid.
Chill and Serve
  1. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface of the dip to prevent a skin from forming. Transfer the bowl to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to fully meld and ensures the dip firms up slightly, making it perfect for dipping.
  2. Before serving, stir the dip briefly to ensure it is smooth. Transfer the Creamy Vanilla Fruit Dip to a decorative serving bowl and arrange a platter of fresh, clean, and pre-cut fruit around it. Serve immediately.
  3. Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If the dip seems too stiff after refrigeration, let it sit out at room temperature for 10 minutes or add a teaspoon of milk and stir vigorously until smooth again.

Notes

For the best flavor and texture, make sure you use full-fat cream cheese. If you forget to soften the cream cheese, you can microwave the block for 10-15 seconds, flipping halfway through, until it is pliable. This dip is excellent for holiday entertaining and pairs wonderfully with slightly tart fruits like Granny Smith apples or fresh raspberries.