Frosted Animal Cracker Dip
This frosted animal cracker dip is a nostalgic dessert dip made with cream cheese, marshmallow cream, and crushed frosted animal crackers. It has that familiar pale pink color and classic circus cookie flavor, making it an easy no-bake option for parties, holidays, or casual snacking.
This frosted animal cracker dip is exactly what it sounds like: creamy, lightly sweet, and full of that nostalgic flavor we recognize immediately. It has that familiar pale pink color from the crushed cookies mixed in, which already tells you where it’s headed before you even dip anything.
Scroll down for the full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions, plus a few notes on make-ahead timing, and serving so you know exactly what to expect from this awesome dessert dip recipe.
Animal Cracker Dip Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 7 oz. marshmallow cream
- 1/2 of a 9-oz bag of frosted animal crackers
- Rainbow sprinkles, optional
For serving: apples, pretzels, Nilla wafers, graham crackers
- Can you make this dip ahead? Yes! This dip can be made ahead and refrigerated, but I recommend pulling it out about 20 minutes before serving. Cream cheese firms up in the fridge, and letting it sit out a bit makes the dip easier to scoop and dip without fighting it. Add any toppings right before serving.
How to Make Animal Cracker Dip
Place the frosted animal crackers into a food processor and pulse for several seconds until fine crumbs form. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and marshmallow cream together until smooth and fully combined.
Fold the crushed frosted animal crackers into the cream cheese mixture until evenly distributed.
Spoon the dip into a serving bowl. Serve immediately with apples, pretzels, or other dippers, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
If desired, top with a few whole animal crackers and rainbow sprinkles just before serving.
Makes about 3 cups.
Serving and Texture Notes
This dip is meant to be soft and scoopable, not thick like frosting. Letting the cream cheese soften fully before mixing makes a big difference in texture, especially if you are eating right away.
For serving, apples and pretzels are my go-to, but graham crackers and Nilla wafers also work well. You can also try this recipe with other cookies like Oreo, Nutter Butters, or even Pecan Sandies.
If you’re putting together a dessert table, this pairs nicely with other cream cheese–based treats like chocolate chip cheesecake dip or something more festive, such as a birthday cake cheese ball.
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Add the frosted animal crackers to a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form. You want them crushed well so they blend evenly into the dip without large chunks.
- 2
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and marshmallow cream together until smooth. Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened or the dip will stay stiff and harder to mix. Fold the crushed animal cracker crumbs into the mixture using a spatula until evenly combined. The dip will take on a pale pink color as the crumbs blend in.
- 3
Spoon the dip into a serving bowl and you can serve it right away. If you want a firmer texture, cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving. Just before serving, top with a few whole animal crackers and rainbow sprinkles if using.
- 4
If the dip has been refrigerated, let it sit out for about 20 minutes before serving so it softens slightly and is easier to dip.
Nutrition
- Calories
- 210
Estimates for one serving.
Filed under Appetizer Recipes Dessert Recipes Dip Recipes Holiday No Bake Desserts Cold Dips Sweet Dip Recipes
