Sweet and Creamy Tropical Fruit Dip Recipe

This sweet treat starts with a passion fruit cream that is delicious on its on. Then we top it with fresh whipped cream (which is easier to make than you might imagine) and some tropical fruit. Close your eyes, and you’ll feel like you’re visiting a tropical island, the sun shining on your face.

Now let’s get right to the good stuff…

how to make creamy tropical fruit dip

INGREDIENTS:

Gather your ingredients and get ready to make this amazing dip, perfect as a light and refreshing dessert. This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Passion fruit base:

• 8 oz. package cream cheese-softened
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup passion fruit curd
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• Passion fruit (diced)
• Milk

Whipped cream topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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.
• Ricotta cheese: This is a soft and mild Italian cheese that adds such a unique flavor to dishes. You will notice that it’s almost impossible to get the creamy layer totally smooth when using this, but that’s to be expected. Don’t fight it. If you don’t have ricotta on hand, you can skip this (though I don’t recommend it) or blend cottage cheese in a food processor. It will have a similar flavor. You’ll notice that it has a lot of moisture. We just used a slotted spoon to transfer some to a measuring cup so that we didn’t get too much liquid.
• Passion fruit curd: Passion fruit curd is a food of the gods. It’s creamy and delicate and sweet and tart. We had trouble finding it in our local grocery store and ended up buying it on Amazon, which you can find HERE.
• Vanilla: A quality vanilla really does elevate any recipe. Skip the imitation and use a quality vanilla extract instead.
• Milk or cream: The milk in this recipe is only used if you need to alter the consistency of the creamy base. You can use any type of unflavored milk or cream for this.
• 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.
• Heavy whipping cream: aka heavy cream is a rich, high-fat dairy product that makes the most delicate and delicious whipped cream with very little effort. If you don’t want to make homemade whipped cream, you can substitute it with Cool Whip.

instructions:

Stick around to the end, and I’ll tell you how to make fun fruit fries to go with your tropical fruit dip.

1. Prepare the whipping cream by first putting the bowl and hand mixer beaters into the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Pour the heavy whipping cream, vanilla and 2 Tbsp powdered sugar into the cooled bowl and beat with the hand mixer until there are stiff peaks. Set it aside.
3. With a hand mixer, blend together cream cheese, ricotta cheese, passion fruit curd and vanilla.
4. Then slowly mix in 1 cup of powdered sugar, adding a splash of milk or cream as needed, until smooth and creamy.
5. Spread the mixture into the bottom of a deep pie dish.
6. Layer the fresh whipped cream on top of the creamy passion fruit mixture.
7. Garnish with some fresh passion fruit pieces

my recipe tips

• Topping with Ease: For the final touch on this tropical fruit dip, you of course need to add some tropical fruit. In our grocery store, there was no passion fruit to be found, and all of the other “tropical” fruits didn’t look too keen. So, I went to the canned section and simply got those individual cups of diced tropical fruit. After draining it, it was perfect for finishing things off.
• Whipped cream: Homemade whipped cream is a taste sensation all it’s own, but I totally understand if you want to skip the time it takes for this step. Instead, just grab some Cool Whip.

recipe video

🍽️ serving ideas

There are lots of things that you can dip into this delicious tropical fruit dip, but our favorite is more fruit, like mango, pineapple and strawberries. You can also choose sweet items like Nilla wafers, shortbread cookies or graham crackers.

If you’re having a get together with lots of appetizers, this dip recipe is great alongside this chili cheese dip and this classic cheese ball. Then there will be a little something for everyone.

how to make HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM

Making homemade whipped cream is so simple if you follow these few steps:

1. Start with very cold heavy whipping cream. Also, cool down the bowl and beaters in the fresher for about 15 minutes prior to whipping.
2. In the bowl place 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 Tbsp sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
3. Begin beating the cream with your hand mixer. However, don’t overwork the cream. Once you see the heavy cream start to thicken, pay close attention. As soon as it reaches the right consistency, stop whipping.

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.

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 3 to 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as it may affect the texture.
• Dip prep: You can prepare this dip the day before. Though wait until serving time to add the diced fruit for garnish.