Lemon Bar Dip is a bright, tangy, and creamy treat that captures the essence of classic lemon bars but in a quick and easy dip form. It’s perfect for parties, casual get-togethers, or just a sweet snack at home. The smooth cream cheese base blends beautifully with zesty lemon curd and a touch of vanilla, creating a fresh, irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
Optional: crushed graham crackers for topping
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add powdered sugar, lemon curd, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix everything together until the dip is light and fluffy.
Spoon the mixture into a serving bowl.
If desired, sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top for added texture and flavor.
Chill the dip for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and improve the texture.
Serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or fresh fruit for dipping.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 6 to 8 people as a dessert dip. It takes roughly 10 minutes to prepare, plus chilling time of 30 minutes for best flavor.
Variations
I like to experiment with this dip by adding a bit of fresh mint or swapping lemon zest with orange zest for a different citrus twist. Another variation is to fold in a little whipped cream to make the dip even lighter and fluffier. For a more decadent option, drizzle melted white chocolate on top before serving.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover dip covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because it’s a cold dessert dip, I don’t reheat it — instead, I just give it a quick stir before serving again.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare this dip a few hours ahead or even the day before. Chilling it allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
What can I use if I don’t have lemon curd?
If I’m out of lemon curd, I sometimes substitute with lemon jam or marmalade, but lemon curd gives the best tangy sweetness.
Is this dip gluten-free?
The dip itself is gluten-free, but be sure to serve it with gluten-free crackers or fruit if you need it to be entirely gluten-free.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
I prefer full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture, but low-fat will work—it might be a bit less rich.
How do I make homemade lemon curd?
Homemade lemon curd involves cooking lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter until thickened. I can share a recipe if you want to try making it from scratch!
Conclusion
Lemon Bar Dip is one of my favorite quick and fresh desserts that brings the classic lemon bar flavor into a convenient, shareable form. It’s easy to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether served with cookies or fresh fruit, this dip offers a perfect balance of creamy sweetness and citrus zing that I never get tired of.
Recipe:
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Lemon Bar Dip
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Bar Dip is a bright, tangy, and creamy treat that captures the essence of classic lemon bars in a quick and easy dip form, perfect for parties or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
Optional: crushed graham crackers for topping
Instructions
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar, lemon curd, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until light and fluffy.
- Spoon the mixture into a serving bowl.
- Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top if desired.
- Chill the dip for about 30 minutes to let flavors meld and improve texture.
- Serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or fresh fruit for dipping.
Notes
This dip can be made ahead and chilled for enhanced flavor.
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Use gluten-free crackers or fruit to keep it gluten-free.
Low-fat cream cheese can be used but results in a less rich texture.
Try adding fresh mint, orange zest, or whipped cream for variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert Dip
- Method: No-Bake, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
