Buzz
While creamy, savory dips often steal the spotlight, dipping shouldn't just be reserved for savory treats. Sweet dessert dips make fruit more exciting and are, surprisingly, easier to prepare than their savory counterparts. You only need a creamy cheese and an electric mixer.
A basic creamy dessert dip can be made with just one ingredient. Pick up a soft, flavored goat cheese—like Trader Joe’s honey chèvre or one with cranberries—and whip it until it’s smooth enough to dip a strawberry in. If plain cream cheese is all you have, that's fine too—just whip it with a tablespoon of powdered sugar, a teaspoon of almond or vanilla extract, or even some cocoa powder. (Mix and match to taste.)
Those options will taste delicious, but if you want a sweet and creamy dip that's as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds, try adding freeze-dried fruit. Pulverize a handful in the food processor until it’s a fine powder—just a tablespoon of freeze-dried berries will add a tangy kick and a burst of color to your dip. To make a cheesecake-inspired dessert dip, you'll need:
8 ounces of full-fat, room-temperature cream cheese
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
1 tablespoon of pulverized freeze-dried fruit (I prefer blueberries and strawberries.)
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and use a stand mixer or hand mixer to whip until it reaches a soft, dippable consistency and a smooth, uniform color. Serve with fruit, pretzels, cookies, and your choice of expression (smile or scowl; never let anyone dictate when to smile).
