Light, simple, and naturally flavored with fresh berries! This “healthier” Simple and Light Strawberry Cheesecake dip will have you eating it by the spoon! Perfect for a summer pool party, a festive holiday spread, or backyard charcuterie board on a sunny spring day! This fresh and delicious fruit dip is sure to be a hit!
The “Healthier” type of Strawberry Cheesecake Dip
Unlike many cheesecake dip (or fruit dip) recipes out there, this one is relatively low in sugar and packs a punch of protein! As such, I consider this dip one of my “healthy” dessert recipes. Maybe that’s a stretch, but maybe it’s just the excuse you need to make it for lunch on a random Tuesday!
Instead of marshmallow cream than many fruit dips are based on, this dip uses greek yogurt as it’s base. Cutting the sugar, and throwing in some protein!
I have used vanilla and coconut greek yogurt in this recipe and both have turned out great in their own unique way! The vanilla is ideal for a standard dip that highlights the flavors of the fresh berries. The coconut is my preference for a hot summer day as it adds a fun tropical kick!
Naturally Flavored Cheesecake Dip with Fresh Strawberries
Another thing that sets this delicious and simple cheesecake dip recipe apart, it is naturally flavored! As such, this recipe is so versatile and is a perfect canvas for any vibe or flavor you’re seeking!
In order to yield the perfect fresh strawberry flavor that is subtle enough to enjoy with any fruit/cracker/cookie, I muddle up two very ripe strawberries.
Some of you might be wondering how you can cut back the sugar content from the flavored yogurt and modify this recipe to be an almost entirely naturally flavored strawberry dip. While I prefer the added flavor and sweetness of the vanilla yogurt, you can cut back some of that added sugar and flavor for a more natural variety! Here’s how:
How to Modify Recipe to be Naturally Sweetened with Reduced Sugar Content:
Much of the sugar content of this recipe comes from the flavored greek yogurt base (vanilla). In order to balance out the cream cheese, some sweetener is necessary. And I find it convenient to use a sweetened greek yogurt to accomplish this balance. But if you’d prefer to cut back some of that added sugar and yield a more natural flavor, try the following:
- Sub plain Greek yogurt for vanilla (to cut out much of the sugar content and artificial flavor).
- Double the strawberries (maybe even triple if you feel like it still needs something extra).
- Optional: Add a bit more sugar – 1 teaspoon at a time – to taste
And there you go! A truly naturally flavored cheesecake dip with all the delicious cheesecake flavors you know and love! This route definitely requires a bit of “taste as you go” to get it the way you want it. Some people prefer more of a raw, cheesy flavor while others prefer the sweetness. That is the wonderful thing about this recipe – it is totally adaptable!
Can I Use Other Berries to Flavor my Cheesecake Dip?
Absolutely! I used about 2 large ripe strawberries in this recipe, which would be about 1/4 cup. Whatever berry flavor you’re craving, simply muddle up 1/4 C of those! Just make sure the berries are fresh and ripe! Here are a few of my favorite berries to use in place of strawberry:
- Blueberry
- Blackberry
- Raspberry
- Mulberry
- Cherry
- Any combination of these!
We have a mulberry tree that grows in our backyard and I’m always looking for ways to put those sweet little berries to use! I recently made this dip with about 1/4 c of those mulberries and it was so fresh and delicious. Truly a homemade treat!
What do I Need to make the Simple and Light Strawberry Cheesecake Dip?
Not much! Here’s a list of what you’ll need to prepare this dip.
- Vanilla Greek yogurt (or coconut/plain)
- Lowfat Cream Cheese
- Sugar
- Fresh Berries of Choice (optional)
Only 3 required ingredients here – and so many fun ways to take this simple recipe up a notch or three! I actually like to sprinkle some fresh fancy coconut shreds over the top for some added flavor and texture.
What to Serve the Simple and Light Strawberry Cheesecake Dip With?
Oh, the fun part! Setting your spread! I love setting up an array of dipping agents to surround my cheesecake dip. Here are a few of my family’s favorite dippers:
- Graham Crackers
- Fruit (strawberries, melon, pineapple, apple, kiwi, blackberries, etc.)
- Oreos
- Chocolate wafer cookies (or any flavor)
- Chocolate Squares
- Vanilla Wafers
- Sugar Cookies (try my simple homemade recipe)
- Pretzels
- Muffins or cake
There are so many ways to enjoy this dip! If you’re serving at a kids party, add a bowl of sprinkles nearby to further decorate your spread and make the options truly limitless!
More Appetizers and Desserts the Family will Love
Desserts and Dips are basically my love language! So naturally I have a plethora recipes to share! You can always browse my “appetizers” and “desserts” menu’s on my blog. Here is a refined list of a few of my recent favorite recipes I’ve shared of these two categories!
- S’mores Bars
- Torchy’s Copycat Queso
- Dark Chocolate Whiskey Mousse
- Double Dark Chocolate Cheesecake
- Perfect Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Skillet Cookie Cake
- Fresh Zesty Corn Dip
- Southern Deviled Eggs
If you try any of my recipes, I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on instagram (@kelsiebrownblog) so I can see what you’ve created! Alright, you’ve waited long enough – Here is my fresh and simple cheesecake dip recipe!
Simple and Light Strawberry Cheesecake Dip
Equipment
- electric mixer
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 C Vanilla Greek Yogurt (or coconut greek yogurt ~ 2 single serve individual cups)
- 4 oz Lowfat Cream Cheese (1/2 block)
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1/4 C Fresh Strawberries (or berries of choice)
Instructions
- Place yogurt, cream cheese (softened to nearly room temperature), and sugar in a mixing bowl. Mix with a handheld mixer until smooth. You can use chilled cream cheese but beating until smooth may take longer to remove the clumps!
- Muddle up your fresh berries in a separate bowl, and then fold into your cheesecake dip! You can also puree the fruit if you prefer more of a smooth consistency. I like the "fresh pulp" texture!
- Chill until you're ready to serve! I like to garnish with unsweetened coconut flakes for added texture! Serve with graham crackers, wafer cookies, fruit, chocolate, pretzels, anything that sounds tasty! Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Enjoy!
With Love,
Kelsie
