Creamy Basil Strawberry Cheesecake Dip Recipe

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This sweet and satisfying dip starts with a creamy cheesecake base, topped with the most scrumptious strawberry basil compote. The combination is so good you won’t want to stop dipping in. It makes the perfect ending to any meal or a star at your next get together.

easy strawberry basil cheesecake dip served on a shortbread cookie

Now let’s get right to the good stuff…

how to make creamy strawberry basil cheesecake dip

INGREDIENTS:

Gather your ingredients and get ready to make this amazing dip, good enough to eat as dessert every night of the week. This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • 8oz package cream cheese-softened
  • 3 Tbsp salted butter-softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Milk or cream
  • 2 cups frozen strawberries
  • Fresh basil
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 3 Tbsp water

ingredient information:

  • Cream cheese: We prefer using Philadelphia brand cream cheese for this dip, though any brand will work. If you haven’t had a chance to leave it out to soften, just pop it in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds.
  • Salted butter: If you forget to soften the butter, just keep it in the package and hold it in your warm hands for a few minutes. It doesn’t take much. This ingredient is key in turning the creamy base into a cheesecake flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: This is not to be confused with white sugar. It’s very finely milled and combined with a small amount of an anti clumping agent so that it appears like snow. It melts into the cream cheese to form the perfect creamy base to take on other flavors.
  • Brown sugar: Brown sugar is simply white sugar mixed with molasses that gives it that caramel coloring. We chose light brown sugar for this recipe, but you can also use dark brown sugar with little difference in the overall flavor. Be sure to pack it down when measuring.
  • Vanilla: A quality vanilla really does elevate any recipe. Skip the imitation and use a quality vanilla extract instead.
  • Fresh basil: Adding an herb to a fruit really elevates the flavor. Basil and strawberry are a classic pairing.
  • Frozen strawberries: We used frozen strawberries in this recipe, but you can swap them out for fresh berries in a 1:1 ration. Be aware that your compote will probably cook down more quickly, and you’ll want to be careful of burning on the bottom of the pan.

instructions:

Stick around to the end, and I’ll tell you what to pair with this dip to create the perfect party.

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine half of the strawberries, water, sugar, 2 tsp fresh finely chopped basil and lemon juice. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add the remaining half of the strawberries and cook for another 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Set aside and allow the strawberry-basil compote to cool.
  4. With a hand mixer, blend together cream cheese, butter, brown sugar, and vanilla.
  5. Then slowly mix in the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
  6. Add milk or cream as needed to reach desired consistency.
  7. Spread the mixture into the bottom of a deep pie dish.
  8. Spoon the remaining strawberry compote on top and spread evenly.
  9. Garnish with a few ribbons of fresh basil.
easy strawberry basil cheesecake dip served on a shortbread cookie
  • adding the frozen strawberries to a pot to make a compote for the top of the strawberry basil cheesecake dip
  • adding sugar to a pot to make a compote for the top of the strawberry basil cheesecake dip
  • simmering strawberries and sugar over low heat to make a compote for the top of the strawberry basil cheesecake dip
  • adding butter to a mixing bowl to make the creamy base for strawberry basil cheesecake dip
  • adding powdered sugar to a mixing bowl to make the creamy base for strawberry basil cheesecake dip
  • using a hand mixer to mix and make the creamy base for strawberry basil cheesecake dip
  • transferring the creamy base for strawberry basil cheesecake dip to the serving dish
  • spreading the creamy base for strawberry basil cheesecake dip in the serving dish
  • spreading the strawberry compote on top of the creamy base to create the strawberry basil cheesecake dip
  • easy strawberry basil cheesecake dip served on a shortbread cookie

my recipe tips

  • To herb or not to herb?: Not everyone is a fan of basil with strawberries. It’s a classic pairing, but you can feel free to leave it out. The strawberry compote on its own is simply delicious with or without it.
  • Perfect compote: Strawberry compote is super simple to make, but it’s important that you don’t leave it unattended. It quickly goes from frozen berries to delightful jam in the blink of an eye. Cook it over a medium heat and stir it often with a wooden spoon as it has a tendency to burn on the bottom. You’ll know it’s done when it begins to coat the spoon. Place it in the fridge to cool. It will thicken even more during this process.
  • Hold up: Don’t be too hasty to layer the strawberry compote on top of the cheesecake cream. Give it plenty of time to cool down before spooning it on top.

recipe video

🍽️ serving ideas

There are lots of things that you can dip into this delicious strawberry basil cheesecake dip, but our favorite is simple shortbread cookies. You can make your own using this recipe from our friends at Preppy Kitchen or buy your favorite brand at the grocery store. Other dippers that pair well with this dip include chunks of angel food cake or shortcake, chocolate cookies, more fruit, or graham crackers.

If you’re having a get together with lots of appetizers, this dip recipe is great alongside this creamy blueberry and lemon dip and this cheesy pickle dip. Then there will be a little something for everyone.

start with the right tools

The main kitchen tool that you’ll need to make this dip is a simple hand mixer. I think that we still have the one that we received as a wedding gift 30 years ago now. Those things last forever. However, if you’re looking to buy your first ever or just want an upgrade, check out THIS ONE or THIS ONE. They’re both reasonably priced, work great and add a little style to your dip making experience. Pair it with this set of mixing bowls that comes in a variety of colors.

do we have a preferred cream cheese brand?

Yes!!! I understand that this is a personal preference, but I always use Philadelphia cream cheese (even though Philly is our sports rival here in Pittsburgh). There’s just something about the taste. That being said, any cream cheese brand will work just fine. So, stick with your favorite brand when making this dip.

what if i can’t find fresh herbs?

You can always substitute dried herbs for fresh, but it will affect the flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the extra expense to grab some fresh herbs (or even grow your own). If replacing fresh herbs with dried, use only about 1/3 as much.

easy strawberry basil cheesecake dip served on a shortbread cookie

recipe notes

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best results for this super yummy dip.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers (if you even have any) covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as it may affect the texture.
  • Dip prep: You can prepare this dip ahead of time and keep it in the fridge overnight, but I wouldn’t prepare it any earlier than that. The flavor remains good, but the moisture begins to come out of the strawberries even more and impact the presentation of the dip.

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