Citrus Creamy Fruit Dip
By Emma
Certified Culinary Professional
•
Recipe tested & approved
Cream cheese base with reduced quantities of honey and yogurt, swapped lemon zest for lime zest, and lemon juice for lime juice. Added a touch of vanilla extract and a hint of fresh grated ginger for a spicy twist. Mix steps reordered with extended chilling time to meld flavors better.
Prep:
7 min
Cook:
0 min
Total:
7 min
Servings:
500 ml
#fruit
#dessert
#dip
#easy recipe
#yogurt
Cream cheese and honey, a simple base. But lime zest swaps in for lemon. Tartness and brightness with a kick from ginger. Vanilla sneaks in quietly, rounds out the flavor. Greek yogurt, tangy and thick, reduces total volume but ups creaminess. Chill before dipping. The longer, the better. Fruits wait. Apples, pears. Citrus segments if bold. Contrast with the creamy citrus punch, the spicy warmth hidden beneath. Five minutes prep now extended; patience for depth. No fuss. No sugar overload. Natural sweetness. Just enough. A twist on a classic fruity dip.
Ingredients
- 160 g softened cream cheese
- 50 ml honey
- grated zest of 1 lime
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
- 180 ml plain Greek yogurt
About the ingredients
Reduced cream cheese amount by 30% from original to lighten richness. Honey cut down similarly, to avoid overpowering sweetness. Lime zest replaces lemon or orange for an exotic flavor profile, with fresh lime juice complementing. Added vanilla extract to lend warmth, and fresh ginger for subtle heat and complexity. Greek yogurt switched from plain regular to Greek style - thicker, creamier texture and higher protein. Quantities adjusted to maintain smooth consistency, slightly less liquid overall, balancing the thicker yogurt and extra flavor agents. Ensures dip clings nicely to fruit pieces, not runny or overly stiff.
Method
- Use a mixer to beat cream cheese until creamy.
- Add honey, lime zest, lime juice, vanilla, and grated ginger.
- Whip at medium speed until combined and smooth.
- Lower speed and stir in Greek yogurt until just mixed.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 10 minutes before serving to develop flavors.
Cooking tips
Mixer steps reorganized: cream cheese softened first until spreadable. Then add honey with zest and juice plus vanilla and ginger. Medium speed blending combines flavors better. Lower speed folding in Greek yogurt prevents overmixing, keeps airy texture. Chilling time bumped up from 5 minutes to minimum 10 minutes for flavors to meld and dip to firm up slightly, ideal for serving. No cooking involved; quick whip-and-chill. Ideal when prepared a little ahead. Stir briefly before serving if separated. Avoid high speeds when adding yogurt to maintain thick consistency. Presentation easy: room temp fruits ready to dunk.
Chef's notes
- 💡 Keep cream cheese at room temperature. A softened base blends easier. Use a mixer. Beat until creamy smooth. This is key for consistency. Honey adds sweetness, adjust to taste if needed. Remember, lime zest adds bright flavor. Fresh lime juice brings it on. Ginger, finely grated, gives a spicy warmth. Adjust! Reserve extra. Chill time can be a game changer. Longer chilling melds flavors best. Perfect dip with fruits. Apples? Pears? Citrus for boldness.
- 💡 Greek yogurt thickens up the dip. Swap regular yogurt to make it creamier, higher protein too. Vinegar's acidity helps balance flavors. Don’t skip this step. Fold in yogurt gently. Avoid overmixing. Keep that airy texture! Consistency counts. A runny dip won’t cling to fruits. Adjust honey to control sweetness balance. Too much? It can overpower other flavors. Always taste as you go. Basic prep, just needs mixing and chilling.
- 💡 Prepping ahead works well. Ideal to prepare before parties. Give a chance for flavors to develop. Store covered in the fridge. Can last a few days. Don't let it sit out too long. Serve with room temperature fruits, better texture. If it separates, stir briefly. Simple serving tip. Presentation matters too. A decorative bowl enhances appeal. Make it look inviting! Guests will notice the details.
- 💡 Cut down on cream cheese and honey. This reduces richness. Balances flavors nicely. Less is often more. Simplicity is key. Add zest and juice last step. They brighten flavors significantly. Adjust as needed for tartness. Ginger brings a hint of heat. It's subtle but effective. Experiment! Tweak to your preferences. Don’t forget cooling time. Essential for the best flavor. Dip quality improves with patience. Worth the wait.
Common questions
How can I make this dip sweeter?
Add more honey little by little. Test as you go. Too sweet masks other flavors. Balance is everything. A light hand helps.
Can I use a different citrus?
Absolutely, orange or grapefruit could work. Pleasantly different taste. Lime brings boldness though. Citrus complements well, keep that in mind.
What if the dip is too runny?
Add more cream cheese or yogurt. Mix slowly until it thickens. Ensure it chills properly. Serving cold helps hold texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container. Refrigerate immediately. Good for few days. Not suitable for freezing though. Texture changes after thawing.
