Description
This Strawberry Cheesecake Dip is a luscious, creamy dessert dip that perfectly balances sweet strawberries with tangy cream cheese and sour cream. Ideal for parties or a fun family treat, it pairs delightfully with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, or fresh fruit. Quick to whip up and requiring no baking, this dip offers a vibrant, flavorful twist on traditional cheesecake in an easy-to-serve format.
Ingredients
Scale
Dip 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
- Optional: A few drops of red food coloring (for a more vibrant color)
For Garnish and Serving
- Fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish
- Graham crackers
- Vanilla wafers
- Pretzels
- Fresh fruit (strawberries, apple slices, etc.)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash and hull about 1 cup of fresh strawberries. If using frozen, let them thaw slightly to soften.
- Make Strawberry Puree: Place the strawberries in a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth.
- Strain Puree: Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds for a smoother dip. This step is optional but recommended.
- Measure Puree: Measure out 1/4 cup of the strawberry puree for the dip; reserve any extra for other uses like smoothies or toast.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and beat again until well combined and smooth, taking care not to overmix.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream to add tanginess and lighten the texture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Strawberry Mixture: Gently fold in the strawberry puree, chopped strawberry jam, and graham cracker crumbs carefully to maintain texture.
- Add Color (Optional): Add a few drops of red food coloring for a more vibrant pink hue, starting with a small amount and adjusting to preference.
- Chill the Dip: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and thicken.
- Stir Before Serving: Give the dip a good stir to refresh texture and combine before serving.
- Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with sliced fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. Serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, and fresh fruit as dippers.
Notes
- Straining the strawberry puree removes seeds for a smoother dip but is optional.
- Using softened cream cheese ensures a creamy texture without lumps.
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to taste, depending on sweetness preference of your strawberries.
- The dip thickens as it chills, so refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Red food coloring is optional and purely for aesthetics; natural strawberry puree provides color.
- Any leftover strawberry puree can be used in smoothies, cocktails, or as a spread.
