Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow creme)
- 1 cup Cool Whip (or whipped topping), thawed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 2-4 tablespoons powdered sugar (if you prefer sweeter dip)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for a warm spice note)
For Serving:
- Fresh strawberries, hulled
- Fresh pineapple chunks
- Green and red grapes
- Apple slices (tossed with lemon juice to prevent browning)
- Mandarin orange segments
- Fresh blueberries
- Kiwi slices
- Any other favorite fresh fruits
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese. Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free dip. If you forgot to set it out ahead, carefully soften it in the microwave: remove from foil packaging, place in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat in 10-second intervals, checking after each interval until soft but not melted.
- Begin mixing. In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese for about 30-45 seconds until it’s smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining.
- Add marshmallow fluff. Add the marshmallow fluff to the cream cheese. Beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is well combined, light, and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Mix in vanilla. Add the vanilla extract and beat briefly to combine, about 15-20 seconds.
- Fold in Cool Whip. Add the Cool Whip to the bowl. Using your electric mixer on low speed (or folding gently with a spatula if you prefer), mix just until the Cool Whip is fully incorporated and the dip is uniform in color and texture. Don’t overmix at this stage, or you’ll deflate the airiness.
- Taste and adjust. Taste your dip. If you’d like it sweeter, add powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time and beat briefly to incorporate. If adding cinnamon, mix it in now.
- Chill and serve. Transfer the dip to your serving bowl. For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up slightly. Serve chilled surrounded by fresh fruit for dipping.
Notes
- Room temperature is key: Cold cream cheese will create a lumpy dip no matter how long you mix it. Always start with room temperature cream cheese.
- Stability matters: This dip can sit at room temperature for about 1 hour during serving, but keep it refrigerated otherwise for food safety and texture.
- Real whipped cream option: You can use freshly whipped heavy cream instead of Cool Whip for a more natural version, but serve immediately as it won’t stay fluffy as long.
- Customize flavors: Add almond extract, orange zest, lemon zest, or cinnamon to create flavor variations.
- Texture adjustment: If your dip is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk. If it’s too thin, add more marshmallow fluff.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 22mg