Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese

Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese is a delightful, refreshing spread that combines the tangy creaminess of cream cheese with the sweet, fruity flavors of strawberry and lemon. This simple yet indulgent treat is perfect for snacking or entertaining. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer or a sweet dip, this cream cheese spread offers the perfect balance of flavors and is a breeze to make. The combination of smooth cream cheese, fruity strawberry jam, and zesty lemon juice creates a spread that’s both creamy and tart, with just the right amount of sweetness. Paired with crackers, fresh bread, or fruit, it becomes an irresistible snack that will delight your taste buds.

Ideal for summer gatherings or any time you need a light, flavorful appetizer, this Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese spread is a must-try. It’s so simple to prepare—requiring no cooking—and it only takes about 10 minutes to make, plus a quick chill in the fridge. This recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a refreshing strawberry lemonade in a creamy, spreadable form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese spread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The combination of creamy cream cheese, sweet strawberry jam, and tangy lemon juice offers a refreshing burst of flavor that everyone will love. It’s incredibly versatile, working as a dip for crackers, fresh fruit, or toasted bread. The balance between sweet and tart makes it a refreshing treat, perfect for warm weather gatherings or any time you want to add something a little special to your snack table. Plus, it’s quick to make and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient and delicious addition to your next party or family get-together.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Strawberry jam
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Variations

While this recipe is delicious as is, you can make some tweaks to suit your taste:

• Add Fresh Strawberries: For a more natural strawberry flavor, use fresh strawberries instead of strawberry jam. Simply puree them and strain to remove excess liquid before adding to the cream cheese.
• Herbs: Add a touch of fresh mint or basil for a refreshing twist on the classic flavor.
• Sweeteners: If you prefer less sugar, you can substitute the powdered sugar with honey or maple syrup.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger for a warm spice undertone that complements the fruit and cream cheese.
• Dairy-Free: To make this spread dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative like cashew or almond cream cheese.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Stir in the Jam and Lemon

Stir in the strawberry jam, lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully incorporated into the cream cheese mixture. Ensure the ingredients are well-blended.

Step 4: Chill the Mixture

Transfer the cream cheese spread to a serving bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the spread to firm up.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, serve the Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese with your favorite crackers, fresh bread, or fruit for dipping. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing. This will ensure a smooth texture and easier incorporation of the other ingredients.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter spread, feel free to add more powdered sugar or a little extra strawberry jam. Taste and adjust as needed.
• Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling step—this allows the flavors to blend and gives the spread the perfect consistency.
• Make Ahead: This spread can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly to maintain its freshness.

How to Serve

Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with:

• Crackers: Serve with a variety of crackers, from simple salted ones to more flavorful options like rosemary or garlic.
• Bread: Spread it on slices of fresh bread, toast, or bagels for a delicious snack or breakfast treat.
• Fresh Fruit: Pair it with fresh fruit like strawberries, apple slices, or even grapes for a healthy, flavorful combination.
• Dip for Snacks: Use it as a dip for pretzels, chips, or even raw vegetables for an unexpected treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The spread may firm up in the fridge, so let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to bring it back to a spreadable consistency.

Freezing

This cream cheese spread does not freeze well due to its texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled spread, there’s no need to reheat. Simply allow it to come to room temperature before serving if it has been stored in the refrigerator.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different fruit jam?

Yes, you can use any fruit jam you prefer, such as raspberry, blueberry, or even peach. Each jam will give the spread a unique flavor.

2. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?

Yes, you can puree fresh strawberries and add them to the cream cheese. Be sure to strain the puree to remove excess liquid for the best texture.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this spread a day or two in advance. Just keep it stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this spread is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

5. How long can I store the leftover spread?

Leftover Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

6. Can I add more lemon zest?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more lemon zest for a stronger lemon flavor if you prefer a more citrusy kick.

7. Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?

Powdered sugar is recommended for a smooth, creamy texture, but if you don’t have any, you can use regular granulated sugar. Just be sure to beat the mixture thoroughly to ensure it’s fully dissolved.

8. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free or plant-based cream cheese alternative to make this spread dairy-free.

9. Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?

While lemon juice is traditional, lime juice can work well for a slightly different citrus flavor. You can also combine both for a more complex taste.

10. Can I serve this spread at room temperature?

Yes, serving this spread at room temperature can make it a little easier to spread and enjoy. Just let it sit out for a few minutes before serving if it’s been stored in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Strawberry Lemonade Cream Cheese is a simple yet flavorful spread that combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the sweetness of strawberry jam and the zing of fresh lemon. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to entertaining guests. It’s quick to make, can be customized to suit your taste, and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether served with crackers, bread, or fruit, this spread is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

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