We all know that strawberries are a delicious fruit, but did you know they also make the perfect ingredient for an easy-to-make dip? This strawberry cream cheese dip is perfect for Valentine’s Day, whether you plan to dip fruit, cookies or pretzels.
Best of all, it takes just minutes to prepare. Making homemade cream cheese dips is a great way to prep party food on a budget, or you can just enjoy it at home as a fun Valentine snack.
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Get your Valentine’s Day celebration off to a delicious start with this easy-to-make strawberry cream cheese dip! This smooth and creamy dip is sure to be a hit at any gathering, and all it takes is a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
This strawberry dessert dip is super simple and only has four ingredients. See the recipe card below for exact quantities. You’ll need:
- Cool Whip topping (I use the store brand)
- cream cheese
- fresh strawberries
If you’d like to tint the dip pink, you’ll also need a couple of drops of pink or red food coloring.
How to soften cream cheese
It’s important to start this recipe (or any dip recipe) with softened cream cheese. This recipe uses a whole block (8 ounces) of cream cheese, so the easiest thing to do is unwrap it, chop it into blocks, and put it in the bowl you plan to use. Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
How to make strawberry cream cheese dip
Dice the fresh strawberries into bite-sized pieces. If you’d like, leave one strawberry whole to use as a garnish on top when serving.
With a hand mixer, blend the softened cream cheese with the Cool Whip topping. It should be fluffy! It takes about 5 minutes.
If you’d like to tint the dip, use a couple of drops of pink or red food coloring. Mix well with the hand mixer.
With a rubber spatula, gently mix in the cut strawberries. Then, scoop the finished dip into a serving bowl. Garnish with cut strawberries and a whole strawberry, if desired.
Can this strawberry dip be prepared ahead of time?
It’s super smart to do your party prep ahead of time. It’s much more fun to spend time with your guests and family than in the kitchen!
Because of the dairy in the cream cheese, this dip does need to be refrigerated. I like to use glass storage containers.
I recommend only making this dip about 24 hours ahead of serving. After one day, the Cool Whip starts to flatten a bit. You’ll want to fluff it back up with a whisk before serving.
More dessert dip recipes
Dessert dips are so fun! Try some of our other easy recipes like Caramel Apple Dip and Yogurt Dip with Fruit Salad.
You can even make an entire Dessert Dip Board (like a dessert charcuterie)!
For something even simpler, try this pretty red, white and pink Jello Parfait.
Using cream cheese in desserts
If you’re a big fan of cream cheese (like I am), you’ll want to start adding it to everything. For example, using it in these cream cheese chocolate chip cookies gives you an amazing texture and a slight tang.
You can also “dress up” a basic pumpkin pie recipe with sweetened cream cheese, like in our pumpkin cream cheese swirl pie.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Dip
This easy dessert dip takes just a few ingredients for a creamy Strawberry Valentine treat.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. Cool Whip topping (I use store brand)
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 10 strawberries
- red or pink food coloring, optional
Instructions
- Dice all strawberries except one. You'll use that for garnishing the top.
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to combine softened cream cheese with cool whip topping.
- If using food coloring, add 1-2 drops to tint the mixture pink.
- Add in most of the strawberries and mix gently. Scoop into a serving bowl.
- Top with diced strawberries and one whole strawberry.
- Serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or fruit.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 152Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 93mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 0gSugar: 5gProtein: 2g
