Creamy Candy Cane Cheesecake Dip
A quick, festive holiday dessert dip featuring a creamy cheesecake base, crunchy peppermint candy canes, and a touch of white chocolate. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this no-bake treat is a crowd-pleaser with nostalgic holiday flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus optional 30 minutes chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 6 regular-sized candy canes, crushed (about 3/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted (optional)
- Extra crushed candy canes, for garnish
- Graham crackers, pretzel rods, vanilla wafers, or apple slices for dipping
Instructions
- Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until softened. Alternatively, microwave on low for 10 seconds if needed.
- Place candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or heavy mug until you have a mix of fine crumbs and small shards.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
- Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between rounds. Let cool slightly, then blend into the cream cheese mixture (optional).
- Gently fold in most of the crushed candy canes with a spatula, reserving a tablespoon or two for garnish. Do not overmix.
- Cover and chill the dip for 30 minutes for best texture, or serve immediately if desired.
- Transfer dip to a festive serving bowl. Sprinkle reserved crushed candy canes on top.
- Arrange graham crackers, pretzels, vanilla wafers, and apple slices around the bowl for dipping.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or peppermint level as needed before serving.
Notes
For gluten-free, use GF graham crackers or pretzels. Dairy-free cream cheese and marshmallow fluff can be substituted. Chill for thicker texture and deeper flavor. Add milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin. The peppermint flavor intensifies overnight. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 65
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 1
Keywords: cheesecake dip, candy cane, peppermint, holiday dessert, Christmas, no-bake, party dip, festive, easy dessert, cream cheese, marshmallow fluff