Imagine a dessert dip so irresistibly creamy and delightful that it transforms ordinary fruit into an extraordinary treat! This Apple or Pear Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines the rich smoothness of cream cheese, the warm sweetness of brown sugar, and a delightful crunch of granola. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a quick indulgent snack, this recipe takes just 10 minutes to prepare and will have everyone coming back for more. Get ready to elevate your snacking game with a dip that's both elegant and incredibly delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granola
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 apples or pears, sliced
Instructions
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the cream cheese to make it easily spreadable.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with brown sugar, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated with no sugar granules remaining.
- Add vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and mix thoroughly to distribute the flavor evenly.
- Wash and core the apples or pears, then slice them into thin, uniform wedges or slices, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a serving bowl, creating a smooth surface on top.
- Sprinkle granola evenly over the top of the cream cheese mixture, providing a crunchy texture contrast.
- Arrange the sliced fruit around the dip or alongside the bowl for easy serving.
- Chill the dip for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and slightly firm up the mixture.
- Serve immediately, encouraging guests to dip fruit slices directly into the creamy mixture.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
- Mixing Technique: Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend cream cheese and brown sugar for maximum smoothness and to eliminate sugar granules.
- Fruit Selection: Choose firm, fresh apples or pears for the best dipping experience. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Bosc pears work exceptionally well.
- Granola Crunch: For extra flavor, try using flavored granola like cinnamon or honey-roasted to add another layer of complexity to your dip.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dip up to a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Add granola just before serving to maintain its crispness.
- Serving Suggestion: For a beautiful presentation, use a wide, shallow serving bowl and arrange fruit slices in a circular pattern around the dip.
- Dietary Modifications: For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and reduce the brown sugar slightly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
