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Lightened-Up Christmas Tree Cake Dip with Sprinkle Cookies

Christmas tree cake dip - featured image
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A creamy, nostalgic dessert dip that tastes just like the center of a Christmas tree cake, but lighter and fresher. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this easy no-bake recipe comes together in minutes and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces light cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/4 cup white chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup white chocolate chips, melted (for drizzling)
  • 3 tablespoons festive sprinkles (red, green, and white jimmies or nonpareils)
  • Optional: 2-3 drops red or green food coloring (gel coloring works best)
  • 1 package sprinkle cookies (store-bought, soft frosted kind like Lofthouse cookies; or vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or fresh fruit for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take the light cream cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting. If forgotten, unwrap, cut into cubes, and microwave for 10 seconds, then another 5 seconds if needed. It should be soft but not hot.
  2. Melt the white chocolate: Place 1/4 cup white chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth (about 40-60 seconds total). Let cool for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Beat the cream cheese: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy (about 1 minute). Scrape down the sides.
  4. Add the yogurt and sugars: Add Greek yogurt, sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and pinch of salt. Beat on medium-low until combined, then increase to medium-high and beat for 2 minutes until light and airy. Add food coloring if desired and beat until evenly distributed.
  5. Fold in the melted chocolate: Pour the cooled melted white chocolate into the mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until no white streaks remain, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
  6. Chill the dip: Transfer to a serving bowl, smooth the top, and cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
  7. Add the topping: About 15 minutes before serving, melt the remaining 1/4 cup white chocolate chips as before. Let cool slightly, then drizzle over the chilled dip in a zigzag pattern. Immediately sprinkle festive sprinkles on top.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Arrange sprinkle cookies or other dippers around the bowl. Serve chilled. If the dip sits out for more than 30 minutes, return to the fridge to firm up.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are crucial for a smooth texture. Do not skip the almond extract—it gives the dip its signature Christmas tree cake flavor. Chill time is essential for the dip to set properly; overnight is even better. For dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese, yogurt, and white chocolate chips. For lower sugar, use a monk fruit-based powdered sweetener and sugar-free white chocolate chips. Leftover dip keeps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas tree cake dip, lightened-up dessert dip, holiday dip, sprinkle cookies, no-bake dessert, festive dip, easy holiday recipe

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/lightened-up-christmas-tree-cake-dip-with-sprinkle-cookies-easy-and-festive/