becky
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclosure policy to learn more.
Thank you for supporting this blog!
Made with real whipped cream, cream cheese, and homemade hot chocolate mix, this hot cocoa dip recipe offers a cool summertime alternative to the classic cold-weather beverage.
Why Make This Homemade Hot Cocoa Dip Recipe?
Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, and parties, this hot cocoa dip features all of the flavors of a mug of hot chocolate, in the form of an easy-to-make chilled treat.
Smooth and creamy with a rich chocolate flavor, my hot cocoa dip requires just a handful of ingredients, and comes together in about 20 minutes from start to finish. And other than a mixer, you won’t need any fancy tools to prepare this recipe, so it’s easy to whip up for impromptu events or last-minute guests.
This hot chocolate dip makes a fun alternative to traditional fruit dips or sweet hummuses. Serve it with marshmallows, pretzels or berries for a sweet summer appetizer. It’s also a nice accompaniment to other homemade treats, like marshmallows or animal cookies. Although honestly, this stuff is so good that you can skip the cookies and fruit and straight-up eat it with a spoon. Don’t ask me how I know.
Ingredients for Making Hot Cocoa Dip
This cocoa dip requires just five ingredients. You’ll need:
Whipping cream – a.k.a. heavy cream, in the US. Unlike dip recipes which call for artificial whipped topping, my version contains real whipped cream.
Hot chocolate mix – I made developed this recipe using my homemade hox cocoa mix, but store-bought will work, too. See my notes below.
Spreadable cream cheese – Or soft cheese, in the UK. The soft, spreadable kind works best to create the creamy texture. Plus, no softening required.
Confectioner’s sugar – Also known as icing sugar or powdered sugar. This soft, fluffy sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the cocoa dip. (Resist the urge to add more; the cocoa mix itself already contains sugar!) For best results, pass the sugar through a fine mesh strainer to remove any lumps or clumps.
Vanilla bean paste – You can use extract in a pinch, but I think it’s worth breaking out the good stuff for this recipe.
In addition, I suggest having plenty of mini marshmallows on hand to garnish the dip. You’ll also need an assortment of berries or sliced fruit; pretzels; cookies; jumbo marshmallows, or other snacks, for dipping. I’ve included some serving suggestions below.
Notes on Hot Chocolate Mix
I developed this cocoa dip using my own homemade hot cocoa mix recipe. The homemade kind comes together in a couple of minutes, and only requires four ingredients (dry milk powder, confectioner’s sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch). If you haven’t made your own hot chocolate mix before, I suggest starting with that recipe. It stores especially well—I love to keep a jar in the cabinet for whenever a hot cocoa craving hits.
Although I personally prefer to create “scratch” versions of recipes rather than those requiring lots of pre-made mixes or artificial products, you can certainly prepare this recipe using store-bought hot chocolate mix. Just be sure to choose a brand without marshmallows or other mix-ins; these won’t hold up well in the dip.
What to Serve With Hot Chocolate Dip
This cocoa dip makes a great summer appetizer or sharing dessert. Scoop the dip into a large bowl, garnish with mini marshmallows, and serve alongside dipping options like:
- Jumbo marshmallows
- Pretzels or pretzel crisps
- Graham crackers, digestive biscuits, animal crackers, or vanilla wafers
- Grapes or berries (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries)
- Sliced fresh fruit (bananas, apples, pineapple)
Make-Ahead and Storage Suggestions
This dip is fluffiest and freshest on the day it’s made. It only takes about 20 minutes to prepare, so I suggest whipping up your hot cocoa dip just before you serve it. However, the leftovers will keep well in the refrigerator for an additional 3-4 days. Store in an airtight container and use as desired.
Other recipes you might enjoy:
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
Vanilla Bean Marshmallows
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Three Ingredient Fudge with Mini Marshmallows
And if you do make these, or any of my recipes, don’t forget to tag me @bastecutfold or use the hashtag #bastecutfold on Instagram. I always love to see what you’re making!
Hot Cocoa Dip
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 450 grams 1x
Description
A rich, creamy hot cocoa dip recipe made with real whipped cream, cream cheese, and homemade hot chocolate mix.
Ingredients
225 milliliters whipping cream (1 cup)
125 grams hot chocolate mix (store bought or homemade) (1 cup)
115 grams soft cheese, or spreadable cream cheese (4 ounces)
35 grams confectioner’s sugar (3 tablespoons)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Mini marshmallows, to decorate
For dipping: Sliced fruit, pretzels, cookies, or jumbo marshmallows
Instructions
Add the whipping cream to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
With a fine mesh sieve, sift the confectioner’s sugar to remove any lumps or clumps.
In a second large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, mix hot chocolate mix, soft cheese, confectioner’s sugar, and vanilla bean paste on medium-high speed until well combined.
With a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture.
Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with mini marshmallows.
Serve immediately, alongside sliced fruit, cookies, pretzels, or jumbo marshmallows.
Store leftover hot chocolate dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Appetizers