📝 Introduction
If you love cherry pie but don’t feel like turning on the oven or making a crust from scratch, this Cherry Pie Dip is the perfect shortcut. Made with a creamy cheesecake-like base and topped with sweet-tart cherry pie filling, it’s easy, no-fuss, and always a hit at parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
This dip is:
- Quick to prepare (5–10 minutes)
- Rich and creamy like cheesecake
- Perfect for serving warm or cold
- Crowd-friendly and versatile
Whether you serve it as part of a dessert board or just dig in with a spoon, this is comfort food at its finest.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Base:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (adds tang)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (or more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 tsp almond extract (pairs beautifully with cherries)
For the Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (store-bought or homemade)
For Serving:
- Graham crackers
- Vanilla wafers
- Cinnamon-sugar pita chips
- Pretzels (for a sweet-salty combo)
- Sugar cookies
- Sliced apples or strawberries (for a fresher option)
👨🍳 Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Make the Creamy Base
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add sour cream (or Greek yogurt), powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract.
- Mix until fully combined and creamy.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
🔹 Step 2: Assemble the Dip
Option 1: Cold Dip (no baking)
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in a serving dish or pie plate.
- Spoon cherry pie filling over the top and spread evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until ready to serve.
Option 2: Warm Dip (baked)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the cream cheese mixture in an oven-safe dish.
- Spoon cherry pie filling over the top.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until warm and slightly bubbly.
- Serve warm with your favorite dippers.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve in a small casserole dish or mini pie dish for charm.
- Add crushed graham crackers or streusel on top for a crust-like crunch.
- Serve as part of a dessert board with various dippers.
- Drizzle with white chocolate or melted dark chocolate for extra decadence.
🔄 Variations
🥧 Cheesecake-Inspired:
Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice to the cream cheese base and a crushed graham cracker crust layer on the bottom.
🍫 Black Forest Style:
Top with cherry pie filling + chocolate chips or chocolate drizzle.
🍓 Berry Swap:
Use blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry pie filling instead of cherry.
🍰 Lighter Version:
Use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt, and skip the powdered sugar or use a sugar substitute.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it 1–2 days in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge and serve cold or reheat before serving if preferred warm.
2. What’s the best way to soften cream cheese?
Let it sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes, or microwave it (unwrapped) in a bowl for about 15–20 seconds.
3. Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Absolutely. Homemade is delicious if you have fresh or frozen cherries. Just be sure it’s thick enough to sit on top without running.
4. Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is naturally gluten-free, but check labels on cherry pie filling and choose gluten-free dippers (like GF graham crackers or fruit).
5. How long will it last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir before serving if it separates slightly.
6. Can I freeze it?
Not recommended. Cream cheese can become grainy when frozen and thawed.
🌟 Pro Tips
- For best flavor, let the cold version chill for at least an hour.
- Always taste and adjust the sweetness of the cream cheese base to your liking.
- Want extra cherry flavor? Add 1 tablespoon of cherry juice or liqueur to the filling.
Would you like me to include:
- A homemade cherry pie filling recipe?
- A printable card for this recipe?
- A version for individual mini servings in jars or cups?
Let me know!
