Creamy Fruit Dip
This easy fruit dip is cool, lightly sweet, and ready in about 10 minutes. Serve it with sliced apples, berries, grapes, melon, or any fruit that needs a little creamy sidekick.
Total
10 min
Servings
About 2 cups, enough for 8 servings
Level
Easy
Fruit dip is one of those simple recipes that makes a plate of fresh fruit feel more inviting. It is great for after-school snacks, brunch tables, picnics, and party trays.
This version uses cream cheese for body, Greek yogurt for tang, and honey for sweetness. A little vanilla and lemon zest make it taste fresh instead of heavy.
You do not need any special equipment beyond a bowl and a hand mixer. If you do not have a mixer, you can still make it with a sturdy spoon and a few extra minutes of stirring.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
8 items · About 2 cups, enough for 8 servings
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, preferably whole milk or 2%
- 3 tablespoons honey, plus more to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/8 teaspoon fine salt
- Fresh fruit, for serving, such as apple slices, strawberries, grapes, pineapple, melon, orange segments, or pear slices
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Soften the cream cheese
Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until it feels soft when pressed. Soft cream cheese blends smoothly and helps prevent lumps in the dip.
2. Beat the cream cheese
Place the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for 30 to 60 seconds, until smooth and fluffy. If mixing by hand, press and stir it with a sturdy spoon until creamy.
3. Add the yogurt
Add the Greek yogurt to the bowl. Beat or stir until the mixture looks smooth and evenly combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula so no cream cheese pockets remain.
4. Sweeten and flavor
Add the honey, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Mix again until the dip is creamy. Taste it and add another teaspoon or two of honey if you want it sweeter.
5. Chill briefly
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for at least 15 minutes if you have time. This helps the texture firm up slightly and gives the lemon and vanilla time to blend in.
6. Prepare the fruit
Wash and dry the fruit. Cut larger fruit into easy dipping pieces. If using apples or pears, toss the slices with a little lemon juice to slow browning.
7. Serve cool
Spoon the fruit dip into a serving bowl and set it on a platter with the prepared fruit. Keep it chilled until serving, especially if it will sit out for a party.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: You can make this fruit dip up to 2 days ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator and stir before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Do not leave the dip at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- For a sweeter party dip: Use 4 to 5 tablespoons honey, or replace the honey with powdered sugar. Powdered sugar blends in more smoothly than granulated sugar.
- For a lighter dip: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and 2% Greek yogurt. Fat-free versions work, but the dip may taste tangier and feel less creamy.
- Flavor swaps: Try orange zest instead of lemon zest, add a pinch of cinnamon, or stir in 1 tablespoon of peanut butter for a nutty version.
- If the dip is lumpy: The cream cheese was probably too cold. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, then beat again until smooth.
Cook's note
This dip is thick enough for sturdy fruit like apples and strawberries. If you prefer a looser dip, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk or orange juice just before serving.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Can I make fruit dip without cream cheese?
Yes. For a no-cream-cheese version, use 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt and sweeten it with honey to taste. It will be tangier and less thick, but still good with fruit.
What fruit goes well with this dip?
Strawberries, apples, grapes, pineapple, melon, pears, peaches, and orange segments all work well. Choose fruit that is firm enough to dip or serve small spoons for softer fruit.
Can I freeze fruit dip?
Freezing is not recommended. Cream cheese and yogurt can separate after thawing, which makes the dip watery and grainy.
How do I keep apple slices from turning brown?
Toss apple slices with a little lemon juice, pineapple juice, or a mixture of 1 cup water and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Drain and pat dry before serving.
Can I use flavored yogurt?
Yes, vanilla or honey Greek yogurt works. Taste before adding the honey, since flavored yogurt is already sweet.
05Keep cooking
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