4th of July Dessert Dip

Get the party started with this easy 4th of July dessert dip! It’s quick to make, giving you more time to enjoy friends and family, as well as all the tasty food the holiday has to offer.

This fluffy mascarpone cream, topped with fresh fruit, is perfect for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any time of the year when you're feeling patriotic. It makes a showstopping centerpiece served with wafers, biscuits, or cookies.

I also love to whip up this mascarpone cream and enjoy it with sliced apples or top it onto hot chocolate when the weather cools down. ​​​​​​​Or try it with my chocolate blueberry lollies or chocolate grapes for an everyday treat that will brighten up your day.

Ingredients You'll Need

Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!

• Mascarpone - I love this soft Italian cream cheese. Be sure to drain any liquid at the top.

• Whipping cream - I use full-fat cream.

• Vanilla paste - This will add a delicious, aromatic flavor and pairs so well with the sweet cream. I love a thick, syrupy vanilla paste, but you can also use vanilla extract.

• Maple syrup - I add a tablespoon of maple syrup. The cream is not overly sweet, so definitely adjust to your taste. 

• Toppings - I use pomegranate arils, blueberries, and raspberries, but strawberries, red currants, and cherries will work too.

How to Make 4th of July Dessert Dip

1. Whip the mascarpone and vanilla paste in a bowl for 60 seconds.

2. Add the cream and whisk again until soft peaks form.

3. Fold in the maple syrup.

4. Arrange the blueberries onto the platter, followed by the cream.

5. Top with the raspberries and pomegranate arils.

6. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Ensure the mixing bowl and whipping cream are cold for the best results.

• Make sure not to overwhip the cream. You want soft peaks.

• If you do overwhip the cream, add a little milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the consistency is right.

Possible Variations

• Use honey or powdered sugar as a substitute for the maple syrup.

• Swap the fruit - Strawberries, halved cherries, red currants, or even dollops of strawberry jam would be delicious alternatives.

• Use cream cheese - Swap mascarpone for cream cheese.

• Add extras to the mascarpone cream - Puree or smash  a handful or two of berries and gently spoon the puree into the cream. You can even add finely chopped chocolate or Oreos.

• Add stars -  Use marshmallows, white chocolate, or sprinkles to make stars. A star-shaped cookie cutter can come in handy here, too.

• Not just for the holidays - You don't have to wait all year to make this, just spread the cream on a platter and top with fruit for a tasty dessert all year. You can even make this into a birthday cake. Simply write the age in berries. So fun.

FAQs

Can I make the dip ahead of time?

You can wash and dry the fruit and prepare the dip a few hours in advance. Leave the dip in the mixing bowl, cover it, and refrigerate. Arrange the platter about an hour before serving.

How long will the dip last?

Keep it covered in the fridge and enjoy it within 1 day.

What can I serve with the dip?

Any graham crackers, cookies, vanilla wafers, apple slices, or biscuits of your choice.

How large is the platter you used?

It's 22 cm (8.5 inches).

Other 4th of July Recipes

• 4th of July Salad

• Patriotic Caprese Bites

• The Pretzel Fireworks Crew

• Champagne Appetizers