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Creamy Vanilla Fruit Dip

CREAMY VANILLA FRUIT DIP

A quick and easy dessert dip made with fully softened cream cheese, vanilla, and sifted powdered sugar. This fluffy, light dip is the perfect accompaniment for a fresh fruit platter or crunchy vanilla wafer cookies.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dessert
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 adjust amount based on desired thickness
For Serving
  • Assortment of fresh fruits strawberries, grapes, apple slices, pineapple, melon
  • Graham crackers or vanilla wafer cookies optional dippers

Equipment

  • Electric Hand Mixer
  • Large Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Instructions for Preparing the Dip
  1. Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature. 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 light and fluffy and the sugar is completely dissolved.
  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 (best for serving with large fruit platters), 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.
  4. 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 (or up to 24 hours). Chilling allows the flavors to fully meld and ensures the dip firms up slightly.
  5. 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 and cookies around it. Serve immediately.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla. Always ensure ingredients, especially the cream cheese, are at room temperature before mixing to achieve the smoothest texture. If serving this dip outside for an event, do not leave it unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours for food safety.