Whipped Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
Most fruit dips are thick enough to stand a spoon in. This one is closer to a mousse, thanks to a cup of heavy cream whipped separately and folded into the cream cheese. The result clings to a strawberry without dragging it down, and it stays light even after half an hour in the fridge.
Two bowls do the work. In the first, softened cream cheese gets beaten for a couple of minutes until it is completely smooth; any cold lumps left now will stay in the finished dip. In the second, cold cream whips to soft peaks, then powdered sugar goes in a little at a time until the peaks turn stiff. Fold the cream into the cheese gently, add vanilla and, if you like, the zest of a lemon, and chill.
In my book, the lemon zest earns its place. Without it the dip tastes mostly of sweet dairy; with it, the fruit seems brighter and the whole bowl less rich. Orange or lime zest works too, and changes the mood depending on the fruit you set out. Watch the cream as it whips, because going past stiff peaks makes it grainy fast. Strawberries, pineapple chunks and apple slices are a good mix for dipping.
Planning a whole spread? My party appetizers have more ideas.
PrintWhipped Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
Cream cheese lightened with sweetened whipped cream and flavored with vanilla and lemon zest, chilled and served with fresh fruit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Assorted fresh fruits (strawberries, pineapple chunks, apple slices, etc.)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.
- In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form, 4-5 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream and keep beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese.
- Stir in the vanilla and the lemon zest, if using, just until combined. Taste and add a little more powdered sugar if needed.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes. Serve with fresh fruit on a platter.
Notes
Orange or lime zest can replace the lemon. Soften the cream cheese fully before beating to avoid lumps, and stop whipping the cream once it holds stiff peaks so it does not turn grainy.
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