There’s something about Easter that brings out my inner child—bright pastel colors, adorable bunny-themed treats, and the pure joy of sharing something sweet with loved ones. This Easter dip checks all those boxes and then some. It’s creamy, fluffy, and tastes like cake batter in dip form. Perfect for parties or just an afternoon indulgence, it’s one of those recipes that’ll have everyone crowding around the table with their crackers or cookies in hand. I can’t make this without sneaking a few bites before serving—it’s that irresistible.

I first made this dip a couple of years ago when I wanted something quick and festive for an Easter gathering. My kitchen was already bustling with roasted ham and scalloped potatoes, so I needed a dessert that didn’t require baking or tons of prep time. When I stumbled upon this idea, it felt like a no-brainer. Cake mix in a dip? Genius! The moment I served it, the bowl was nearly licked clean, and it’s been a holiday staple ever since.

A quick dip with festive roots

While this isn’t a traditional Easter dessert, it draws inspiration from the joy of spring celebrations. Think of it as a fun twist on birthday cake flavors, repurposed for the pastel-hued charm of Easter. Cake mix desserts have been a modern trend, and this dip capitalizes on everything we love about those nostalgic flavors, minus the oven. The addition of sprinkles gives it that playful touch, making it perfect for the holiday. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable—something I’ll get into later!

Let’s talk ingredients: making magic with just a few items

This dip is proof that simple ingredients can create something spectacular.

Cream cheese: The base of this dip, cream cheese makes it rich and creamy. Make sure it’s softened so it blends smoothly without lumps. If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, mascarpone works beautifully, though it’s a bit less tangy.
Whipped topping: The secret to the dip’s light, airy texture. Thawed whipped topping folds in easily and balances the richness of the cream cheese. You could use homemade whipped cream in a pinch, but it may not hold its fluffiness as long.
White cake mix: This is where the cake batter flavor shines. Make sure to use heat-treated cake mix if you’re concerned about consuming raw flour (you can heat it in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes). Yellow cake mix works too, but it’ll have a slightly richer flavor.
Milk: Helps thin out the mixture to the perfect dipping consistency. Any type of milk works here, even non-dairy options like almond or oat milk.
Easter sprinkles: The sprinkles make this dish holiday-ready. Use pastel-colored jimmies or fun bunny-shaped ones. Avoid nonpareils (the tiny round sprinkles), as they can bleed color into the dip.
Animal crackers or graham crackers: These are ideal for scooping. You could also use vanilla wafers, pretzels, or even fresh fruit like strawberries for a fun twist.

Kitchen gear: what you’ll need to whip this up

Good news—this recipe doesn’t call for any fancy tools. Here’s what I recommend:

Electric mixer: A hand or stand mixer works best to ensure the cream cheese blends smoothly. If you don’t have one, a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease will do the job.
Mixing bowl: A medium-sized bowl is perfect for combining everything.
Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl (because no one wants to waste any dip).
Serving dish: A shallow bowl or plate works best for displaying the dip. If you’re going for extra flair, a bunny-shaped dish is a cute touch.

Step-by-step: how to make Easter dip

Here’s how I like to tackle this simple, no-bake recipe:

Cream the cream cheese: Start by adding the softened cream cheese to your mixer and beat it until smooth and fluffy. This is key for avoiding any lumps in your dip.
Tip: If you forgot to soften your cream cheese, microwave it for 10-second intervals until it’s soft but not melted.
Incorporate the whipped topping: Add the whipped topping and beat again until everything is light and well-combined. You’ll notice the texture turning velvety smooth.
Add the cake mix and milk: Pour in the white cake mix and milk. Beat it on low speed to avoid a powdery explosion in your kitchen (trust me, I learned this the hard way). If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a little more milk, 2 tablespoons at a time. I didn’t need extra, but the consistency can vary depending on the brand of cake mix you use.
Add the sprinkles: Gently fold in the Easter sprinkles with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the colors to bleed.
Serve or chill: Spoon the dip into your serving dish and top with a handful of sprinkles for decoration. Serve immediately with crackers or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Variations to make it your own

This recipe is endlessly adaptable, and I’ve had fun experimenting with different versions:

Vegan: Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping, along with plant-based milk. Many brands now offer excellent alternatives that taste just as creamy.
Gluten-free: Swap the cake mix for a gluten-free version, and serve with gluten-free crackers or fruit.
Chocolate twist: Use chocolate cake mix instead of white for a rich, fudgy flavor. Pair it with strawberries for a decadent treat.
Seasonal sprinkles: Make this for any occasion by changing up the sprinkle colors—red and green for Christmas, or red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July.
Healthier option: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and a sugar-free cake mix to lighten things up a bit.

How to serve this Easter dip

This dip is as much about the presentation as it is the taste. I like to spoon it into a shallow white serving dish and garnish it with extra sprinkles for that festive pop of color. Arrange a platter of dippable goodies around the bowl—animal crackers, graham crackers, vanilla wafers, and fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices. If you’re hosting a brunch, consider pairing it with a tray of Easter-themed sugar cookies for a whimsical touch.

Perfect drink pairings

Since this dip is sweet and rich, you’ll want to pair it with something refreshing to balance the flavors. A glass of cold milk is the obvious choice (especially for kids), but for the adults, a bubbly mimosa or light rosé complements the sweetness beautifully. Coffee or tea works well too if you’re serving this as part of a brunch spread.

Storing and reheating tips

If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a good stir and check the consistency—if it’s thickened too much, add a splash of milk and mix until smooth. Freezing isn’t recommended, as the texture of the whipped topping can change.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe makes about 10-12 servings, but it’s easy to scale up or down. If you’re making it for a smaller group, halve the ingredients. For a larger party, simply double or triple the quantities. When scaling, keep in mind that you may need a larger mixing bowl and serving dish.

Potential hiccups (and how to fix them)

Too thick? Add milk a little at a time until it’s the perfect consistency.
Sprinkles bleeding color? Fold them in at the last second and avoid overmixing.
Lumpy texture? Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.

Give it a try!

This Easter dip is an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings a playful, festive touch to any celebration. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just want to whip up something fun for your kids, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the flavors and toppings—after all, the best part of cooking is making it your own.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and give it a stir before serving.

2. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, but the dip may not stay fluffy as long. Store-bought whipped topping holds its shape better.

3. What if I don’t have sprinkles?
No worries! You can skip them, or use mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut for texture.

4. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Of course! Funfetti, chocolate, or even lemon cake mix would be delicious.

5. How long can this sit out at room temperature?
Try to keep it out no longer than 2 hours to maintain freshness and food safety.