Strawberry Chocolate Cream Cheese Spread

Name: Strawberry Chocolate Cream Cheese Spread
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Cozy Desserts

I absolutely love making this Strawberry Chocolate Cream Cheese Spread for breakfast or as a snack. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet strawberries creates a delightful flavor that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Spreading it on warm toast or fresh bagels makes any morning feel special. I first stumbled upon this recipe while experimenting with leftover cream cheese one Sunday, and it instantly became a family favorite. Whipping it up takes just a few minutes, and the reward is simply mouthwatering!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-23T20:57:27.945Z

When I first made this spread, I didn't realize how much joy it would bring to our breakfasts. My kids were particularly excited about the chocolate, and I loved how effortlessly it came together. The sweet strawberries add just the right amount of freshness, making it a perfect contrast to the creamy texture.

The key to achieving the best flavor is using good-quality ingredients. I recommend using fresh strawberries, as their sweetness really elevates the dish. Also, don't skimp on the chocolate; a nice dark chocolate will give it a rich depth that's absolutely divine!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Decadent blend of creamy chocolate and fresh strawberries
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy mornings
Versatile spread that can be enjoyed on toast, bagels, or pancakes

Perfecting the Cream Cheese Base

When making the Strawberry Chocolate Cream Cheese Spread, the texture of your cream cheese is critical for achieving a luxurious mouthfeel. Allowing your cream cheese to soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes ensures it mixes smoothly without lumps. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds in a microwave-safe bowl, but be cautious to not melt it, as that can ruin the spread’s consistency.

Using an electric mixer at medium speed helps incorporate air into the cream cheese, giving it a lighter texture. If you prefer a denser spread, you could use a fork to blend in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, although this method requires more effort to achieve a fully homogenous mixture.

Elevating Flavors with Techniques

Incorporating the cocoa powder and vanilla extract gradually prevents clumping, which can mar the finished spread's appearance and texture. I recommend starting with one tablespoon of cocoa, mixing thoroughly, and gradually adding more until you achieve your desired chocolate intensity. This approach also helps you adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences without overwhelming the flavor balance.

The addition of a pinch of salt is not just a finishing touch; it actually enhances the sweetness of the strawberries and the richness of the chocolate. Salt acts as a flavor enhancer, making the creamy spread even more addictive. Don’t skip this step, as it can elevate the overall taste significantly.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This decadent spread can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. To store it properly, transfer the spread into an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the strawberries from browning. Before serving, give it a gentle stir if it thickens a bit in the fridge, and consider letting it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften before spreading.

Try serving this delightful spread with a variety of items beyond just toast and bagels. Use it as a filling in crepes or pancakes, or even as a dip for fresh fruit. For a dessert twist, pair it with graham crackers or use it as a frosting for cupcakes. The versatility of this spread means you can enjoy it in countless delicious ways!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious strawberry chocolate cream cheese spread.

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Once you have everything ready, you'll be all set to make this wonderful spread!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious spread.

Mix the Cheese and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Add Cocoa Powder and Vanilla

Gradually mix in the cocoa powder and vanilla extract until well blended. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture.

Fold in Strawberries

Gently fold in the diced strawberries and a pinch of salt. This will brighten the flavor and give your spread a delightful texture.

Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the spread to a serving bowl and enjoy it with fresh bread, bagels, or even pancakes for a decadent breakfast treat!

You're now ready to indulge in this delicious homemade spread!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest when mixing the ingredients.

Substitutions for Dietary Preferences

If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative such as cashew cream cheese. These substitutions will slightly change the flavor profile but still provide a creamy base. Remember to check the consistency; you may need to adjust the powdered sugar and cocoa powder accordingly to balance sweetness and texture.

For those needing to avoid refined sugar, swapping powdered sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute can be effective. Just keep in mind that these alternatives may not dissolve as easily, so give them a good mix until well combined, ensuring a smooth consistency.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be scaled up or down based on your needs. If making for a crowd, doubling the ingredients works perfectly without the need for adjustments in technique. Just make sure you use a larger mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are blended well without spilling.

Conversely, if you want a smaller batch, you can halve the recipe by using 4 oz of cream cheese and adjusting the other ingredients accordingly. Just be aware that it may take slightly less time to mix, so keep an eye on the texture as you blend.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your spread turns out too runny, it could be due to over-mixing or using cream cheese that wasn't fully softened. To fix this, try adding a little more cocoa powder or a dusting of powdered sugar to thicken it up. Just remember to mix gently to avoid adding too much air into the blend.

Conversely, if it's too thick and hard to spread, simply stir in a teaspoon or two of milk or plant-based milk to reach your desired consistency. This adjustment allows you to customize the spread for whatever you’re serving it with, ensuring it remains spreadable without losing flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw them first and drain excess liquid to avoid a watery spread.

→ How should I store the spread?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

→ Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?

For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt, but the flavor and texture will change.

→ Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Unfortunately, this recipe contains dairy, but you can try using a vegan cream cheese alternative.