Soften your cream cheese. Leave it at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes. This prevents lumps and makes mixing easy.
Beat the cream cheese. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat until smooth and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Scrape the bowl as needed.
Add powdered sugar. Sift if it’s clumpy, then beat it in gradually on low. Increase to medium until fully smooth. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Mix in yogurt (or sour cream), vanilla, lemon, and salt. Beat just until combined.
You want a velvety mixture that’s not too loose.
Fold in whipped cream. Switch to a spatula and gently fold until no streaks remain. Don’t overmix or you’ll deflate the dip.
Taste and tweak. Add a touch more lemon or vanilla if needed. If it seems too thick, fold in a spoonful of yogurt; if too thin, chill longer or add a bit more whipped cream.
Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors mingle and the texture set.
Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers, lemon zest, or drizzle with sauce.
Serve with your favorite dippers.