
This Cherry Cheesecake Dip transforms the classic dessert into a scoopable, shareable treat that’s ready in minutes. Creamy, sweet, and topped with vibrant cherry filling, it’s a no-bake sensation that delivers all the flavors of cheesecake without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required – perfect for hot summer days or when you need a quick dessert
- Only 5 simple ingredients needed
- Ready in just 10 minutes from start to finish
- Great for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings
- Versatile and customizable with different toppings
- Kids and adults alike will devour it
- All the flavors of cheesecake without the long preparation time
- Perfectly dippable with graham crackers, cookies, or fruit
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese forms the foundation of this dip, providing that signature tangy cheesecake flavor and creamy texture. Make sure it’s fully softened to room temperature to avoid lumps when mixing.
- Marshmallow fluff adds a light sweetness and helps create that fluffy, mousse-like consistency that makes this dip so irresistible. It also helps stabilize the dip, giving it a perfect scoopable texture.
- Whipped topping lightens the entire mixture, creating an airy, cloud-like consistency that perfectly mimics the texture of a no-bake cheesecake. If you prefer, you can substitute freshly whipped cream, though the dip may not hold its texture quite as long.
- Cherry pie filling provides that classic cheesecake topping experience with its sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color. The contrast between the creamy white base and ruby-red topping makes for a beautiful presentation.
- Graham crackers are the perfect dipper, mimicking the traditional graham cracker crust of a classic cheesecake. Their honey-sweet flavor and crisp texture complement the creamy dip perfectly.
Directions
- In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese and marshmallow fluff until smooth.
- Add the whipped topping (Cool Whip) and combine well until creamy and fully mixed.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a 2-quart dish or plate.
- Top with the cherry pie filling, spreading it evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Keep chilled until ready to serve. Serve with graham crackers or your favorite dippers.
Servings and Timing
This Cherry Cheesecake Dip makes approximately 10 servings, with each serving containing about 181 calories. It requires just 10 minutes of prep time and zero cooking time, making it the perfect last-minute dessert option for any occasion.
Variations
- Strawberry Cheesecake Dip: Substitute strawberry pie filling or fresh strawberries macerated with a bit of sugar for the cherry topping.
- Blueberry Bliss: Use blueberry pie filling instead of cherry for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dip: Mix in 1/4 cup of cocoa powder with the cream cheese and top with chocolate chips or chocolate sauce instead of fruit.
- Lemon Cheesecake Dip: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture for a citrusy twist.
- Caramel Apple: Top with caramel sauce and diced cinnamon apples for a fall-inspired version.
- Peanut Butter Cup: Mix 1/2 cup of peanut butter into the cream cheese mixture and top with chocolate sauce and chopped peanut butter cups.
- Individual Portions: Serve in small individual cups or mason jars for a cute presentation at parties.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Cherry Cheesecake Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The texture may change slightly as it sits, but it will still taste delicious.
- Freezing: While you can freeze this dip, the texture may become slightly grainy upon thawing due to the cream cheese. If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving.
- Make-Ahead: This dip is perfect for making ahead of time! Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated until serving. Add the cherry topping just before serving for the freshest appearance.
- Reheating: This is a cold dip and does not require reheating. In fact, it should always be served chilled for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use light cream cheese or fat-free whipped topping?
Yes, you can use light cream cheese or fat-free whipped topping to reduce the calorie content. The texture may be slightly different, but the dip will still be delicious. Avoid using fat-free cream cheese as it can make the dip watery.
What can I use instead of marshmallow fluff?
If you don’t have marshmallow fluff, you can substitute 1/2 cup of powdered sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dip can be made up to 24 hours in advance. For the best presentation, add the cherry topping just before serving.
What other fruits can I use for topping?
Any pie filling works great – try blueberry, strawberry, or apple. You can also use fresh fruits like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or diced peaches macerated with a little sugar.
What else can I serve for dipping besides graham crackers?
Vanilla wafers, chocolate chip cookies, pretzels, apple slices, strawberries, or shortbread cookies all make excellent dippers for this cheesecake dip.
How can I make this dip more festive for holidays?
Add seasonal toppings like crushed peppermint candies for Christmas, orange and black sprinkles for Halloween, or red and blue berries for the 4th of July.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can make this with dairy-free cream cheese, dairy-free whipped topping, and marshmallow fluff (which is typically dairy-free). The texture may be slightly different but still enjoyable.
How do I know if my cream cheese is softened enough?
Your cream cheese should be soft enough that you can easily press your finger into it with almost no resistance. If it’s too firm, you’ll end up with lumps in your dip.
How thick should the dip layers be?
The cheesecake layer should be about 1-1.5 inches thick, with the cherry topping creating a thin layer on top, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Adjust based on your preference for the ratio of cream to fruit.
Conclusion
This Cherry Cheesecake Dip offers all the beloved flavors of a traditional cheesecake transformed into an approachable, shareable treat. With its quick 10-minute preparation time and no baking required, it’s the perfect solution when you need an impressive dessert in a hurry. The creamy, sweet base paired with the tangy cherry topping creates a delightful contrast that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or simply treating your family to a special dessert, this dip is sure to become a requested favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Decadent Cherry Cheesecake Dip
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and creamy Cherry Cheesecake Dip, perfect for parties or gatherings, served with graham crackers or your favorite dippers.
Ingredients
- 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ jar marshmallow fluff (1 jar = 7.5 ounces)
- 8-ounce tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- 14.5-ounce can cherry pie filling
- Graham crackers (for serving)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese and marshmallow fluff until smooth.
- Add the whipped topping (Cool Whip) and combine well until creamy and fully mixed.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a 2-quart dish or plate.
- Top with the cherry pie filling, spreading it evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Keep chilled until ready to serve. Serve with graham crackers or your favorite dippers.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Can be prepared a few hours in advance, but keep refrigerated.
- Feel free to experiment with other pie fillings like blueberry or strawberry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 181 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg