Pin It I brought this to a friends game night last month and someone literally asked if I was serving raw cookie dough. The bowl was empty in twenty minutes flat and three people asked for the recipe before they even finished their first bite.
My sister made this for our Memorial Day picnic and my aunt stood over the bowl with a fork until we had to literally cut her off. Now it shows up at every single family gathering birthday potluck and Tuesday night craving session.
Ingredients
- 230 g cream cheese softened: This needs to be genuinely soft to the touch like room temperature butter or you will end up with tiny lumps that no amount of beating can fix
- 60 g unsalted butter softened: Salted butter throws off the entire flavor balance so stick with unsalted and let the sea salt shine on its own
- 120 g creamy peanut butter optional: This addition makes it taste like a peanut butter cup brownie batter but leave it out if you need nut free or want pure chocolate flavor
- 100 g brown sugar: Dark brown sugar gives you that deeper molasses flavor that reminds you of actual brownies straight from the oven
- 60 g powdered sugar: This dissolves instantly into the mixture so you do not get any gritty sugar texture in your final dip
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Use real vanilla extract here because imitation vanilla tastes fake in something this simple and chocolate forward
- 30 g unsweetened cocoa powder sifted: Sifting is not optional here because one single cocoa clump will explode into a dry bitter pocket when someone takes a bite
- 60 g gluten free mini chocolate chips: Mini chips distribute evenly throughout the dip so every single spoonful gets pockets of melted chocolate
- 60 ml milk dairy or plant based: Start with less and add more as needed because different brands of cocoa powder absorb liquid differently
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt: This tiny amount of salt makes the chocolate taste more intense and balanced like a gourmet brownie from a bakery
Instructions
- Beat the base ingredients:
- Use your hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese butter and peanut butter together until the mixture looks completely smooth and glossy with zero visible lumps.
- Add the sweeteners and vanilla:
- Dump in the brown sugar powdered sugar and vanilla extract then beat on medium speed until everything is fully combined and the mixture looks fluffy.
- Work in the cocoa:
- Sift your cocoa powder directly into the bowl and sprinkle in the sea salt then mix on low speed at first so the powder does not fly everywhere.
- Adjust the consistency:
- Pour in the milk one tablespoon at a time while beating until the dip reaches a consistency thick enough to hold a spoon upright but soft enough to scoop easily.
- Fold in the chocolate chips:
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl and use a spatula to fold in the mini chocolate chips by hand so they do not break from the mixer.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Transfer everything to a pretty serving bowl sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top and set out dippers like strawberries apple slices pretzels or gluten free graham crackers.
Pin It This dip saved me when I forgot to make dessert for my book club last week. I threw it together in panic mode and now they all think I am some kind of chocolate genius who planned everything perfectly.
Serving Ideas That Actually Work
Strawberries are the classic choice but sliced apples hold up surprisingly well and the crisp texture plays nicely against the creamy dip. Pretzels add that perfect salty crunch element and gluten free graham crackers basically turn this into a deconstructed chocolate s'mores experience.
Making It Your Own
Swap vanilla extract for almond extract to give it a nutty flavor without adding actual nuts or stir in a tablespoon of espresso powder for a mocha brownie vibe. You can also fold in crushed gluten free Oreos or chopped peanut butter cups instead of plain chocolate chips.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
This dip actually tastes better after it sits in the fridge for a few hours because the flavors have time to meld together properly. Make it the night before a party and store it in an airtight container so it is ready to grab and go.
- Let the refrigerated dip sit on the counter for at least twenty minutes before serving
- Give it a quick stir with a spatula to restore the creamy texture
- Add a fresh sprinkle of chocolate chips right before serving so it looks freshly made
Pin It Trust me when I say this will become your emergency dessert for every single last minute situation and party invite. Nothing beats watching people go quiet after their first bite.