When you're planning your 4th of July party and want something festive, refreshing, and ridiculously easy, these fruit kabobs with a luscious cheesecake dip check every box. They're sweet without being heavy, colorful enough to count as patriotic food, and so much fun to eat. Imagine strawberries, blueberries, and marshmallows layered like a little American flag on a stick — and dipped into a fluffy, creamy cheesecake dip that’s borderline addictive. Whether you're contributing to a 4th of July potluck food table or just need an eye-catching addition to your 4th of July charcuterie board, this one's a crowd-pleaser.
Fruit Kabobs with Cheesecake Dip
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10 kabobs with dip (easily doubled or tripled)
Wooden skewers These make it easy to assemble and serve as 4th of July appetizers finger foods. You can also use reusable plastic picks for a more eco-friendly option.
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer For whipping the cheesecake dip until light and fluffy.
Mixing bowls One for the dip, one for prepping your fruit.
Serving platter To lay out your finished kabobs in a flag shape or other fun pattern — perfect for your fourth of July party ideas food spread.
For the fruit kabobs
- 1 pint fresh strawberries hulled
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- 2 bananas sliced thick (or substitute mini marshmallows for a longer-lasting option)
- Wooden skewers 6-8 inches long
For the cheesecake dip
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping like Cool Whip or freshly whipped cream
Optional: A sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for garnish
Prep your fruit
Wash the strawberries and blueberries thoroughly. Hull the strawberries and cut in half if large. Slice bananas into thick rounds. If you're prepping ahead, substitute banana with mini marshmallows so the kabobs hold better through the party.
Assemble the kabobs
On each skewer, alternate strawberries, blueberries, and banana slices (or marshmallows) in a red, white, and blue pattern. This adds a fun patriotic twist and makes them ideal for your 4th of July snacks parties food display.
Make the cheesecake dip
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping until creamy and fluffy.
Plate and serve
Arrange your kabobs on a festive platter, serve with a bowl of the cheesecake dip, and if you're feeling fancy, dust the dip with crushed graham crackers.
Pairings
Serve these kabobs alongside chilled fourth of July drinks like berry lemonade or sparkling water with fruit slices. They're also a great contrast to savory fourth of July sides like grilled corn, or spicy wings from your 4th of July food BBQ party ideas. Want to get really extra? Add them to your 4th of July charcuterie board for a sweet finish to all the meats and cheeses.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! If you're using bananas, it's best to make them no more than 2 hours ahead to avoid browning. If you're using marshmallows instead, you can make them several hours ahead and chill until serving.
2. What if I don’t like cream cheese?
You can swap the cheesecake dip for vanilla Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of honey. It’s lighter but still pairs well with the fruit.
3. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely. Blackberries, raspberries, and even watermelon stars (use a small cookie cutter!) make great patriotic alternatives. Just keep the red, white, and blue theme in mind if you’re aiming for that patriotic appetizers vibe.
4. Are these kid-friendly?
Totally! Kids love the dip and the fact that they’re eating off a stick. They're also a great way to sneak some fruit into the 4th of July appetizers finger foods table.
