So, I’m a fruit nut and the strawberries are not totally disgusting this time of year. But anyway, here is a basic dip that does not include corn syrup. A wide number of fruit dips include cream cheese mixed with marshmallow creme. Though delicious, I’m trying to go for something a little less processed.
The first is your basic fruit dip. I love it because it tastes like cheesecake… without all the baking and 1000+ calories.
**Just tried off-brand cream cheese and I would advise to go with Philadelphia brand. The off-brands do not have consistent results for me. **
Cheesecake Fruit Dip
yield 8oz.
1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened (aka leave it on your counter for 20 minutes)
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Mix it all up! Dip with berries, pineapple, cantalope, kiwi, graham crackers or oreos. Whatever you normally would eat with a cheesecake. Or even spread it on sugar cookies. Drool.
Variation: instead of vanilla extract use a mix of lime zest/juice, or lemon juice/zest/extract
Skinny Cheesecake Fruit Dip
yield 8 oz.
1 (8 oz.) package of 1/3 less fat cream cheese, room temperature (also called Neufchatel)
1/4 cup Splenda or alternative no calorie sweetener
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Mix it all up!
Yes, you COULD sub all the sugar for Splenda, but then it starts to give it a nasty wang. Blah.
You can change up the flavor for this next version. I was trying to experiment and make my own Key Lime Cheeseball Dip and it didn’t taste quite like the mix we buy at the local store. But it did taste very limey! I’m sure you could try different flavors like lemon or orange. Since there is gelatin involved, simply roll into a ball in plastic wrap and fridge for 2-3 hours to shape into a ball.
Lime Cheesecake Fruit Dip
yield 8 oz.
1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese
7 Tbs. Lime Flavored Jello (you will need the larger 6 oz. box)
2-3 tsps. lime juice
1/2 cup crushed graham crackers (optional)
Mix it all up except the graham crackers! Adjust the jello and juice to taste. You really gotta like the jello flavor to like this one! Sprinkle the crushed graham crackers on top, or roll the cheeseball in them.
