Creamy Mascarpone Fruit Dip

I’ll be honest, I’m generally a purist when it comes to fresh fruit and desserts.

You know, following the usual delicacy of chocolate-covered strawberries, apple crisps, and strawberries on ice cream (ok I have a thing for strawberries). But let me tell you…

This is the best creamy fruit dip you’re ever going to have. And not to sound dramatic, but it’s true.

If you, too, are a fan of strawberries and vanilla ice cream, then this is going to rock your world.

And if you’re not? Then your world is still going to be rocked, because this dip is creamy, indulgent, bursting with real vanilla bean, and truly is the best dang fruit dip around.

What is Mascarpone Cheese?

Mascarpone cheese is a soft Italian cheese, similar to cream cheese. It is made from cream and is acid-set. It’s most commonly known for its use in the popular dessert Tiramisu.

Because it’s a soft cheese, it’s easy to spread, again, similar to the texture of cream cheese, although even slightly softer.

It’s mild in flavor, yet rich, creamy, and honestly luxurious. It’s slightly sweet and acidic, which makes it a wonderful addition to both sweet and savory recipes.

My preference when it comes to mascarpone is sweet recipes (are you surprised?). So once you fall in love, I suggest you try it in raspberry pastries, lemon strawberry pancakes, or red wine cupcakes.

Where to Find Mascarpone Cheese

Find it at most grocery stores in the specialty cheese area, or refrigerated deli section. It comes in a plastic tub, usually in 8-ounce containers.

Fruit Dip Ingredients

We’ve got the main ingredient down, and there are just a few additional ingredients to make this delectable dip!

• Mascarpone Cheese – taking the place of cool whipped or cream cheese you often see in other fruit dip recipes.
• Heavy Cream – we’re not whipping it (unless you want to make the whipped version, see below) but rather it helps create the smooth, luxurious texture
• Vanilla Bean Paste – packed with all the flavor of using real vanilla beans, without all the hassle. I highly recommend using it both for flavor and the gorgeous bean specks throughout the dip, however, if you need to you can substitute vanilla extract. *Ok, Ina Garten*
• Powdered Sugar – for a little extra sweetness; sifting the sugar will ensure you have a smooth dip.
• Almond Extract – it’s optional, but adds such a lovely slightly fruity, rich flavor if you want to mix it up!

How to Make Mascarpone Dip

Friends! This easy fruit dip recipe is so simple it’s basically a non-recipe.

But since we’re here for recipes let’s go with it. It’s so easy and ready in less than 5 minutes with no special equipment (yes, there is no mixer required!).

I recommend bringing the mascarpone out of the fridge about 5-10 minutes before you want to make the dip so that it can warm up slightly.

Mascarpone is already so creamy and smooth that this isn’t super necessary, but taking it out to soften slightly does make it a little easier to stir. It’s so soft that it doesn’t take long outside of the fridge to soften.

While it’s resting, whisk together the remaining ingredients until combined, then stir in the mascarpone until it is completely combined.

You will need to start stirring gently, and once it’s combined it will be smooth, creamy, and drippy. To make it thinner, add additional cream.

Make it Whipped Fruit Dip!

If you are a fan of lighter whipped dips, you can quickly adapt this recipe to make it just that.

To make this a whipped dip, whip the heavy cream using a hand mixer (or stand mixer) in a cold metal bowl for the best results.

Whip it for several minutes until soft peaks form. It’s easier to stop a little earlier rather than later at this point so that the cream isn’t too whipped.

Add in the extract(s) and powdered sugar, then use the mixer to gently stir in the mascarpone until combined. Et voila! Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This dip is elegant and easy enough to make for potlucks, baby showers, bridal showers, holidays, and more. It’s beautiful at spring and summer parties, and Easter celebrations, because of its brightness, but truly it can work year-round.

What Fruits to Serve with the Dip

If you’re wondering what fruits to serve with this dip, the answer is… the ones you love!

Honestly, serve the dip on a fruit board and let your guests pick and choose their favorites. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• strawberries
• blackberries
• raspberries
• blueberries
• mango
• pineapple
• grapes
• kiwi
• peaches
• bananas
• cantaloupe or other melons

Yes, it’s a fruit dip, but it would also be great served on a dessert board, dipped with graham crackers, cookies, pretzels, and pound cake.

Enjoy leftovers with berries and granola in the morning for a delicious breakfast.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Easily make this dip one day ahead of time. Mascarpone is best when it’s fresh, so I would recommend making it as close to the day of serving.

Stir it well before serving, if you’ve made it ahead of time, to ensure it’s nice and smooth again.

To store the dip: place it in an airtight container in the fridge and use it within 3-4 days.

Freezing: freezing is not recommended as it does not thaw well.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!