Brownie batter dip is my go-to when I want the full brownie experience without turning on the oven—or, let’s be honest, when I want to eat brownie batter, but know it’s bad for me. Luckily, I can get my fix with this brownie batter dip! It’s creamy, rich, and tastes exactly like licking the brownie bowl clean (but way more socially acceptable to serve at a party).
Throw this brown batter dip in a bowl, pair it with some fruit, cookies, or pretzels (or, let’s be real, a spoon), and you’re done. Perfect for last-minute guests, kids who think you’re a magician, or when you just need a brownie fix but don’t want to commit to baking an actual brownie. It’s fast, indulgent, and about to be your new fav dessert-style dip.
My Brownie Batter Dip Recipe At A Glance
Number of Ingredients: 5
Total Prep Time: 10 minutes
Level of Effort To Make: Easy Peasy
(Learn more about our recipe effort levels)
5 Ingredients to Make Brownie Batter Dip
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is what makes the dip creamy and ridiculously addictive. If it’s not softened, you’re in for a mixer workout—and nobody’s got time for that. Forgot to set it out? Microwave it for 10 seconds, but keep an eye on it. Melted cream cheese = disaster.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: The sweet stuff that makes this dip taste like dessert instead of disappointment. Powdered sugar is non-negotiable—don’t even think about subbing granulated. Trust me, it’s worth the trip to the store.
- 1 cup cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives you that rich, brownie flavor we’re here for. Got Dutch-process? Use it and watch people act like you’re a culinary genius.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Vanilla is the secret weapon. It ties everything together and makes the chocolate flavor pop. No vanilla? Don’t skip it—it’s the little black dress of this recipe.
- 2 teaspoons milk (optional): This is your backup plan if the dip ends up thicker than you’d like. Add it a teaspoon at a time until you hit that smooth, scoopable consistency.
Make This Recipe Yours With Additions
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips. Double the chocolate, double the fun.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Add 3 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter and swirl it through the dip for that chocolate-peanut butter combo.
- Crushed Oreos : Fold in ½ cup of crushed Oreos for some crunch and extra indulgence.
- Sprinkles: Toss in ¼ cup of sprinkles for a fun, colorful twist. Great for kids, or just because sprinkles make everything better—fact.
- Sea Salt : Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of flaky sea salt on top for that sweet-and-salty balance that makes chocolate even better.
- Cinnamon or Espresso Powder: Add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon or espresso powder for a little oomph.
- Shredded Coconut: Mix in ¼ cup of shredded coconut. Sweetened if you’re feeling indulgent, unsweetened if you’re pretending this is healthy.
How to make Brownie Batter Dip
For detailed step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out the full recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Prep Ahead
Make It Ahead: This dip is perfect for prepping in advance. Whip it up the night before and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll be good to go for up to 2 days.
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Give It a Stir: Before serving, give the dip a quick stir to bring it back to that creamy, scoopable consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk (about 1 teaspoon at a time) and mix well.
Toppings Last Minute: Hold off on adding any toppings like sprinkles, crushed cookies, or sea salt until right before serving. This keeps everything looking fresh and fancy.
Keep It Chilled: If you’re serving it at a party, place the dip bowl on a platter of ice to keep it cool. Cream cheese-based dips don’t love sitting out for hours—keep it safe and tasty!
My Best Cooking Tips for Making Brownie Batter Dip
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Don’t skip this step. Trying to mix cold cream cheese is like trying to fold a fitted sheet—it’s messy and unnecessary. Let it sit out for 30 minutes or give it 10 seconds in the microwave (but don’t melt it).
- Sift the Cocoa Powder: If you don’t want random cocoa lumps in your dip, sift the cocoa powder before adding it. It takes two seconds and makes a big difference.
- Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder in parts to avoid a dust cloud of powder when mixing.
- Whip longer to incorporate more air for a brownie batter dip that’s lighter in color and texture.
- Add Milk Slowly: Start with 1 teaspoon at a time when adding milk to thin out the dip. You can always add more, but you can’t un-thin a soupy dip.
- Use High-Quality Vanilla: A good vanilla extract makes the chocolate flavor pop. If all you’ve got is the cheap stuff, it’ll still work—but if you’re feeling fancy, this is the place to splurge.
- Taste as You Go: Once everything is mixed, take a taste. Want it sweeter? Add a little powdered sugar. Want it richer? Toss in more cocoa powder. This is your dip—make it perfect for you.
- Keep It Chilled: This dip is happiest when it’s cool. If you’re serving it at a party, keep it in the fridge until right before you set it out—or nestle the bowl in a platter of ice to keep it creamy.
What to Eat with Brownie Batter Dip
- Apple or Pear Slices: Fancy and fresh—but really, it’s just an excuse to eat more chocolate.
- Pretzels: Salty pretzels are where it’s at. Chips, sticks, twists—if it’s salty and crunchy, it’s a yes.
- Sugar Cookies or Shortbread: Perfect for scooping, and the buttery flavor makes the chocolate taste even better. Bonus points if they’re shaped like stars, because cute always wins.
- Gingerbread or Speculoos Cookies: Bring in those warm spices for a cozy holiday vibe. Plus, they look amazing on the platter.
- Brownie Bites: Double the brownie, double the fun. No one’s complaining about too much chocolate here.
- Strawberries: Classic for a reason. They make the whole thing look fancy—even if you’re eating this in your sweatpants.
- Sugared Cranberries: Tart, sweet, and ridiculously festive. They add that “wow” factor without any extra work.
- Marshmallows: Fluffy, sweet, and made for dipping. Just make sure no one’s eating them straight out of the bag (you know who you are).
How to store Brownie Batter Dip
Fridge It: Store your brownie batter dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cream cheese base means it needs to stay chilled—no countertop lingering here.
Give It a Stir: After sitting in the fridge, the dip might firm up a bit. Just give it a good stir to bring back that creamy, scoopable texture. If it’s still too thick, add a splash of milk (1 teaspoon at a time) to loosen it up.
Freezing? Skip It: This dip isn’t a freezer fan. Cream cheese and powdered sugar don’t thaw well, and nobody wants a weird, grainy texture. Stick to fresh, and it’ll be perfect every time.
Quick Recipe Help and Common Questions
Why is my dip grainy?
Graininess can come from either the cocoa powder or the powdered sugar. To avoid this, sift both before mixing them in. And don’t rush it—make sure your cream cheese is fully softened and beat until smooth before adding the dry ingredients. A little extra effort here means a silky-smooth dip later.
Can I make this without a mixer?
Yes, but arm yourself with patience (and maybe a whisk). Mixing by hand is totally doable, but you’ll need to put in some elbow grease to get everything smooth and creamy.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, but don’t expect the same rich, creamy texture. Full-fat cream cheese is the way to go here. If you’re using low-fat, be prepared for a slightly thinner and less indulgent dip.
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Brownie Batter Dip
Never Lose This Recipe—Email It to Yourself!
Make sure you have it when you need it! Bonus: You’ll get family-approved recipes and meal-planning tips, too!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened, full fat
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 1 cup cocoa powder sifted
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons milk as needed for consistency
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat 16 ounces of softened cream cheese on medium until completely smooth and creamy. About 3-5 minutes. This is your base, so don’t rush it—smooth cream cheese is key.
- Meanwhile sift 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 cup of cocoa powder.
- Turn off the stand mixer and add about ½ cup of the sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Turn the mixer back on to low speed and mix until just incorporated. Repeat this process, pausing the mixer before each addition, to avoid a powdered sugar and cocoa cloud.
- Once all the dry ingredients are added, increase the speed to medium and mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and beat until fully combined.
- Gradually add 2 teaspoons of milk, one teaspoon at a time, mixing after each addition, until you reach your desired dip consistency. You want it creamy and scoopable, not runny.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and pair with fruit, cookies, pretzels, or whatever you’re in the mood to dip.
Notes
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Don’t skip this step. Trying to mix cold cream cheese is like trying to fold a fitted sheet—it’s messy and unnecessary. Let it sit out for 30 minutes or give it 10 seconds in the microwave (but don’t melt it).
- Sift the Cocoa Powder: If you don’t want random cocoa lumps in your dip, sift the cocoa powder before adding it. It takes two seconds and makes a big difference.
- Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder in parts to avoid a dust cloud of powder when mixing.
- Whip longer to incorporate more air for a brownie batter dip that’s lighter in color and texture.
- Add Milk Slowly: Start with 1 teaspoon at a time when adding milk to thin out the dip. You can always add more, but you can’t un-thin a soupy dip.
- Use High-Quality Vanilla: A good vanilla extract makes the chocolate flavor pop. If all you’ve got is the cheap stuff, it’ll still work—but if you’re feeling fancy, this is the place to splurge.
- Taste as You Go: Once everything is mixed, take a taste. Want it sweeter? Add a little powdered sugar. Want it richer? Toss in more cocoa powder. This is your dip—make it perfect for you.
- Keep It Chilled: This dip is happiest when it’s cool. If you’re serving it at a party, keep it in the fridge until right before you set it out—or nestle the bowl in a platter of ice to keep it creamy.
What to Eat with Brownie Batter Dip
- Apple or Pear Slices: Fancy and fresh—but really, it’s just an excuse to eat more chocolate.
- Pretzels: Salty pretzels are where it’s at. Chips, sticks, twists—if it’s salty and crunchy, it’s a yes.
- Sugar Cookies or Shortbread: Perfect for scooping, and the buttery flavor makes the chocolate taste even better. Bonus points if they’re shaped like stars, because cute always wins.
- Gingerbread or Speculoos Cookies: Bring in those warm spices for a cozy holiday vibe. Plus, they look amazing on the platter.
- Brownie Bites: Double the brownie, double the fun. No one’s complaining about too much chocolate here.
- Strawberries: Classic for a reason. They make the whole thing look fancy—even if you’re eating this in your sweatpants.
- Sugared Cranberries: Tart, sweet, and ridiculously festive. They add that “wow” factor without any extra work.
- Marshmallows: Fluffy, sweet, and made for dipping. Just make sure no one’s eating them straight out of the bag (you know who you are).
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
