Tropical Fruit Skewers with Citrus Margarita Dip
Elevate your summer gatherings with these vibrant Tropical Fruit Skewers paired with a zesty Citrus Margarita Dip. This delightful dish combines the sweetness of fresh fruit and cake, perfect for a refreshing dessert or a light snack. Featuring juicy strawberries, succulent melon, and crisp grapes, the skewers are beautifully complemented by a creamy dip infused with the flavors of tequila, lime, and orange. Ideal for parties and barbecues, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whipping cream
1/2 cup (Whip until soft peaks form.)
Angel food cake or poundcake
3 cups (Cut into cubes.)
Fresh fruit (strawberries, cubed melon, seedless red or green grapes)
3 cups (Wash and prepare as necessary, hulled or cubed.)
Sour cream
1/2 cup (None.)
Cream cheese
1 (3 ounce) package (Cut into pieces and softened.)
Powdered sugar
1/4 cup (Sift before use.)
Tequila
1 tablespoon (None.)
Orange juice concentrate
1 tablespoon (None.)
Lime juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed for best flavor.)
Instructions
1
In a blender or food processor, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, tequila, orange juice concentrate, and lime juice. Blend until all ingredients are smooth and well-mixed.
2
Add the whipping cream to the mixture and blend again until the dip becomes fluffy and holds soft peaks. This should take about a minute, so be careful not to overblend.
3
Transfer the dip into a serving bowl. You can serve it immediately or cover it and chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to enhance the flavors.
4
For the fruit kabobs, gather small skewers and alternately thread the angel food cake (or poundcake) cubes and fresh fruit onto the skewers. Aim for a colorful mix of strawberries, cubed melon, and grapes for visual appeal.
5
Arrange the assembled skewers on a serving platter and serve alongside the chilled margarita dip for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Tropical Fruit Skewers with Citrus Margarita Dip?
It is a refreshing summer dessert featuring skewers of fresh fruit and cake cubes served with a creamy, tequila-infused citrus dip.
What fruits are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a mix of strawberries, cubed melon, and seedless red or green grapes.
What kind of cake should I use for the skewers?
You can use either angel food cake or poundcake, cut into small cubes.
Does the Citrus Margarita Dip contain alcohol?
Yes, the dip contains one tablespoon of tequila for an authentic margarita flavor.
Can I make the dip non-alcoholic?
Yes, you can simply omit the tequila or replace it with a splash of extra lime or orange juice for a family-friendly version.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 12 people.
How do I prepare the cream cheese for the dip?
The cream cheese should be cut into pieces and softened before blending to ensure a smooth texture.
What ingredients are in the margarita dip?
The dip is made from sour cream, cream cheese, powdered sugar, tequila, orange juice concentrate, lime juice, and whipping cream.
Do I need to sift the powdered sugar?
Yes, sifting the powdered sugar before use helps prevent lumps in the dip.
What is the best way to blend the dip?
Use a blender or food processor to combine the base ingredients until smooth, then blend in the whipping cream until fluffy.
How long should I blend the whipping cream into the mixture?
Blend for about one minute until the dip holds soft peaks, being careful not to overblend.
Can the dip be prepared in advance?
Yes, the dip can be covered and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to enhance the flavors.
How do I assemble the fruit kabobs?
Alternately thread cubes of cake and pieces of fresh fruit onto small skewers for a colorful presentation.
Can I use frozen fruit for the skewers?
Fresh fruit is highly recommended as frozen fruit may become too soft and mushy for skewers once thawed.
Is fresh lime juice necessary?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used if necessary.
What type of melon works best?
Honeydew, cantaloupe, or watermelon all work well depending on your color and flavor preference.
Can I use store-bought cake?
Yes, store-bought angel food cake or poundcake is a great time-saving option for this recipe.
How should I store leftover dip?
Store any remaining dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Is this recipe suitable for a barbecue?
Absolutely, these skewers are an ideal light and refreshing dessert for outdoor summer gatherings.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the traditional cake with a gluten-free angel food or poundcake.
What is orange juice concentrate?
It is the frozen juice product found in stores; use it undiluted for a concentrated citrus flavor.
Can I use heavy cream instead of whipping cream?
Yes, heavy cream and whipping cream can be used interchangeably in this recipe.
How do I keep the fruit from sliding off the skewers?
Ensure the fruit and cake cubes are cut large enough to be securely pierced by the skewer.
Can I add other fruits like pineapple?
Yes, pineapple is a great addition that fits the tropical theme of the skewers.
What is the texture of the dip?
The dip is creamy, light, and fluffy once the whipping cream is incorporated.
Is this a healthy dessert option?
With its high fruit content, it is a lighter alternative to many traditional desserts, though it does contain sugar and cream.
How long does it take to assemble the skewers?
Assembly is quick, usually taking about 15-20 minutes once all ingredients are prepped.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for a slightly different tang and higher protein content.
Should the skewers be served chilled?
Yes, for the best experience, serve both the fruit skewers and the margarita dip chilled.
What size skewers are recommended?
Small wooden or bamboo skewers (around 4-6 inches) are ideal for individual portions.