This Hot Cocoa Cheesecake Dip is a warm and creamy treat that’s perfect for snacking! It’s made with chocolate cream cheese and marshmallow fluff, giving you that cozy hot cocoa flavor.
What’s better than having dessert in a dip? I love to grab some graham crackers or fruit for dipping. Warning: sharing might be hard because it’s just too delicious! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its rich and creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened before mixing. For a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the dip nicely without the graininess of granulated sugar. You can substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative if you’re looking to reduce sugar intake.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for that rich chocolatey flavor. If you’re short on cocoa, you can use chocolate syrup, but it will change the texture, so adjust the other liquids accordingly.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This creates a light, fluffy texture in the dip. If you want a lower-fat version, you could use whipped topping or low-fat cream, but keep in mind the taste will differ slightly.
Mini Marshmallows: These add a fun texture and enhance the hot cocoa vibe. You can swap them for whipped cream for a different presentation or use vegan marshmallows if needed.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Whipped Cream?
Whipping cream properly is key for a fluffy dip. Follow these steps for best results:
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 10 minutes before whipping. This helps the cream whip up better.
- Pour cold heavy cream into the bowl, and start mixing on low speed, increasing to high as it thickens.
- Watch for stiff peaks to form. This means when you lift the beaters, the cream holds its shape. Stop mixing once you get there to avoid buttering the cream.
Folding gently into the cream cheese mixture helps maintain that airy lightness, so be careful not to overmix!
How to Make Hot Cocoa Cheesecake Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini marshmallows, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips, plus extra for garnish
For Serving:
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Graham crackers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dip takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare and is best enjoyed right after you make it. However, you can refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together a bit. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. This might take a couple of minutes, so be patient! You want it to be fluffy.
2. Add Dry Ingredients:
Next, sprinkle in the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Mix these together until everything is well combined and smooth. The chocolatey aroma will be amazing!
3. Whip the Cream:
In a separate chilled bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Use a hand mixer to whip it to stiff peaks. This might take a few minutes, just be sure to stop when you can lift the beaters and the whipped cream holds its shape.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula to combine them; this helps keep the dip fluffy and light. Fold just until everything is incorporated and no white streaks remain.
5. Add Marshmallows and Chocolate:
Now it’s time to add the fun stuff! Fold in the mini marshmallows and chocolate shavings (or mini chocolate chips) to give the dip an extra boost of flavor and texture.
6. Transfer and Garnish:
Carefully transfer the dip to a serving bowl and smooth the top with a spatula. For a polished look, you can garnish with extra mini marshmallows and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the dip immediately with chocolate chip cookies or graham crackers for dipping. Enjoy the cozy, chocolatey goodness of this Hot Cocoa Cheesecake Dip!
This dip is perfect for both festive gatherings and cozy movie nights. Sharing might be hard, but it’s so delicious that you won’t want to miss a bite! 😊
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese for regular cream cheese. It will slightly alter the texture, making it less rich, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Make This Dip Vegan?
To make a vegan version, use a plant-based cream cheese alternative and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a vegan whipped topping. Check that your marshmallows are also vegan-friendly!
Can I Prepare This Dip in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to add any toppings right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What Can I Use for Dipping Instead of Cookies or Crackers?
If you want to mix it up, try using fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas, pretzels for a salty-sweet combo, or even apple slices for a healthier option!