This easy Chocolate Fruit Dip whips together cream cheese, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and Cool Whip in about 10 minutes for just $4.03 total, or $0.34 for serving. There’s no chocolate to melt, it tastes like a light chocolate cheesecake, and it’s perfect for holiday fruit trays.
Chocolate Fruit Dip is a fun way to get everyone gathered around the table. I love setting out a platter of strawberries, apple slices, and other fresh fruit with this dip when we have family over. It gives everyone something sweet to snack on while visiting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- No melting. Cocoa powder gives rich chocolate flavor without melting chocolate, so there’s nothing to scorch or seize.
- Light and fluffy. Cool Whip folded in at the end keeps it airy and easy to scoop with soft fruit.
- Budget friendly. Five pantry and fridge staples — cocoa powder costs pennies per batch compared to bars of chocolate.
- Make-ahead. It actually tastes better after a night in the fridge.
After 14 years of making desserts for my family, I love finding simple ways to satisfy a chocolate craving. This Chocolate Fruit Dip tastes rich and indulgent for just $0.34 for serving.
You may also like to try Strawberry Cheesecake Dip and Oreo Dip.
Why Cocoa Instead of Melted Chocolate?
Most chocolate dips call for melted chips, which can scorch in the microwave, and if the chocolate is still warm it thins out the Cool Whip. Cocoa powder skips all of that. Just mix it in, and the dip stays thick and fluffy.
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese. Softened to room temperature so the dip is smooth, not lumpy.
- Powdered Sugar. Sweetens and dissolves completely.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. Gives deep chocolate flavor. Use baking cocoa, not hot cocoa mix, which has sugar and powdered milk added. Sift it if it’s clumpy.
- Vanilla Extract. Rounds out the chocolate flavor.
- Cool Whip. One 8-ounce tub, thawed, for a light, fluffy dip.
You can see the entire ingredient list at the bottom of the page.
How To Make Chocolate Fruit Dip
Step 1. First, add the cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature so it will be easier to mix together.
Step 2. Beat until smooth and creamy. On low speed, add the cocoa powder a little at a time (so it doesn’t puff out of the bowl), then the vanilla, and mix until no streaks remain.
Step 3. Gently fold in the Cool Whip by hand with a spatula until combined. Using the mixer here would deflate it.
Step 4. Chill for at least 30 minutes so the dip firms up, then serve with fresh fruit.
Expert Tips
- Lumpy dip? Your cream cheese was too cold. Let it sit out 30–60 minutes, or microwave the unwrapped block for 10–15 seconds before beating.
- Gritty dip? Sift the cocoa powder and powdered sugar before adding.
- Keep apples and bananas from browning. Toss slices in a little lemon juice or lemon-lime soda before arranging the tray.
- Too thick or too thin? Chill it 30 minutes to firm it up. For a softer, more dippable texture, stir in a tablespoon of milk at a time.
What to Dip
- Fruit: Strawberries, bananas, pineapple chunks, grapes, and cantaloupe. Sturdy fruit works best for thick dip.
- Crunchy dippers: Pretzels, graham crackers, and vanilla wafers make it a dessert board.
- Holiday idea: Arrange strawberries and green grapes around the bowl for a red and green Christmas tray.
For a fluffy, marshmallow version, make our easy Booty Dip.
Storage
Make-ahead and storage: Make it up to 1 day ahead — the flavor is even better. Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. We don’t recommend freezing; the texture turns grainy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, use about 2 cups of whipped cream, but serve it the same day — it doesn’t hold its shape as long as Cool Whip.
Cocoa powder is easier and cheaper, but you can fold in ¼ cup mini chocolate chips for extra chocolate.
More Easy Dip Recipes
It’s your turn to try this chocolate fruit dip recipe. Please leave a comment once you do.
Chocolate Fruit Dip
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened at room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz whipped topping Cool whip
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a large mixing bowl with a hand held mixer or stand up mixer.
- Then mix in the cocoa powder and the vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
- Next fold in the whipped topping into the chocolate cream cheese mixture until combined.
- Chill until you are ready to serve. Serve with your favorite assorted fruits and enjoy!
