Name: Cherry Chocolate Chip Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz light cream cheese (neufchatel), softened to room temperature; 1/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 6 tablespoons finely chopped maraschino cherries; 1/2 cup heaping mini chocolate chips

Introduction

This Cherry Chocolate Chip Dip is a delightful treat combining creamy sweetness with bursts of cherry and chocolate. Perfect for parties or a simple dessert, it pairs wonderfully with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or fresh fruit for easy dipping.

A close-up image showing a white round plate with several light brown rectangular crackers arranged in a partial circle around a white ramekin filled with a creamy pink dip that has visible bits of red and dark brown mixed inside. The crackers have a rough texture with small holes evenly spaced on their surface. The creamy dip has a swirled, soft texture with the colorful bits adding contrast. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz light cream cheese (neufchatel), softened to room temperature
1/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp almond extract
6 Tbsp finely chopped maraschino cherries
1/2 cup (heaping) mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the cream cheese and butter in a mixing bowl. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add the powdered sugar and almond extract. Continue beating until well blended and fluffy.
Step 3: Gently stir in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and serve chilled with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or fresh fruit for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier flavor, add a handful of chopped almonds or walnuts to the dip.
Replace maraschino cherries with fresh or frozen chopped cherries for a less sweet, more natural taste.
Chill the dip for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, let the dip sit at room temperature for 10 minutes and stir gently to restore its creamy texture.

How to Serve

A white small bowl filled with a creamy pink dip mixed with small dark bits, likely chocolate chips, with a smooth, slightly swirled texture on top. One rectangular golden-brown cracker is placed upright inside the dip, partially submerged and showing small holes. Around the bowl, there are several more of the same golden-brown rectangular crackers scattered on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of light cream cheese?

Yes, regular cream cheese works well and will make the dip richer and slightly creamier.

What are good alternatives for dipping besides graham crackers or vanilla wafers?

Try fresh fruit slices like apples or strawberries, pretzel sticks for a salty crunch, or even biscotti for a delightful contrast.

Cherry Chocolate Chip Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 90 reviews

This Cherry Chocolate Chip Dip is a creamy, sweet treat perfect for parties or casual snacking. Made with light cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, almond extract, maraschino cherries, and mini chocolate chips, it offers a delightful combination of tart and sweet flavors balanced by a smooth, rich texture. Serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or fresh fruit for a crowd-pleasing dessert dip.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Approximately 1 1/2 cups 1x
Category: Dessert Dip
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Base

8 oz light cream cheese (neufchatel), softened to room temperature
1/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature

Sweeteners & Flavorings

3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Add-ins

6 tablespoons finely chopped maraschino cherries
1/2 cup heaping mini chocolate chips

Instructions

Prepare the base: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened light cream cheese and softened butter. Use a hand mixer to beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
Add sweeteners and flavor: Beat in the powdered sugar and almond extract until fully incorporated and the mixture is well blended, creating a sweet and flavorful base.
Incorporate cherries and chocolate chips: Gently stir in the finely chopped maraschino cherries and mini chocolate chips evenly throughout the dip.
Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and enjoy it chilled or at room temperature with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or fresh fruit for dipping.

Notes

Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are fully softened to ease mixing and achieve a smooth texture.
For a stronger almond flavor, you can increase the almond extract slightly, but do so cautiously as it can be overpowering.
This dip is best served within 24 hours, stored covered in the refrigerator.
To reduce sweetness, adjust the powdered sugar according to taste.
Variations can include substituting maraschino cherries with fresh chopped cherries or dried cherries for different textures and flavors.

Keywords: Cherry Chocolate Chip Dip, dessert dip, cream cheese dip, party appetizer, sweet dip, snack dip