If you’re like me, there’s no such thing as too many perfect fall desserts, especially during pumpkin season! With perfect star ingredients like apples, pears, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin, the sky is the limit on autumnal tasty treats! This easy pumpkin dip recipe is a new favorite pumpkin recipe to add to your “must make” list. Made with simple ingredients like cream cheese, pumpkin spice, and pure pumpkin, it’s a sweet and creamy dessert dip that never disappoints!
The whole family will love this easy recipe. Delight your friends and family by whipping it up for any fall gatherings like a pumpkin carving party or Halloween parties. Either way, it’s a fun pumpkin dessert alternative that’s made in just a few simple steps and is totally fall festive. For more pumpkin recipes, check out my recipe for pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin soup recipe, and homemade pumpkin cupcakes.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Cream Cheese – opt for full-fat cream cheese as it adds richness and creates a luscious texture. Soften the cream cheese to room temperature, or until the cream cheese easily indents when pressed gently but firmly. Quickly bring the cream cheese to room temperature by warming it in the microwave on low heat for 15-second intervals or until softened.
Pumpkin Puree – choose only pure canned or homemade pumpkin puree. This recipe is not recommended to make with pumpkin pie filling. It has added spices and sweeteners which will alter the end product.
Pumpkin Pie Spice – contributes sweet and warm spice notes, giving this dip that true pumpkin pie-like flavor. For superior flavor, make a homemade blend using my pumpkin pie spice recipe; however, store-bought blends also work well.
Vanilla Extract – to enhance and complement the pumpkin spice seasoning. Choose pure vanilla extract or pure vanilla paste if possible.
How to Make Pumpkin Dip
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer or hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, or for about 3 minutes.
2. Add the pumpkin puree to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture.
3. Add the vanilla and spices to the pumpkin mixture.
4. Beat the pumpkin dip until well combined, light, and smooth. Cover and chill for 2 hours before serving.
Pro Tips For Making This Recipe
- Whip the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Or, for around 3 minutes. You will know the cream cheese is ready when it starts to have the appearance and consistency of cake frosting. It may feel like you have to whip the cream cheese for a long time, but doing so will add a delightful light and creamy texture to the dip. Using a stand mixer can make the process less work-intensive, too.
- Chill the dip before serving. This will allow it to set and firm up and for the flavors to develop. Chill the dip covered for at least 2 hours.
- Option: Make it in a food processor. If you have a food processor, just add the ingredients to the processor bowl and blend together until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed throughout the blending process. It will be a less fluffy but just as tasty!
- Variation: Try amping up the fall flavors by replacing half of the sugar with maple syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Serve leftover pumpkin pie dip in a covered airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The dip does not freeze well.
Serve up a delicious fall snack spread by presenting the pumpkin cream cheese dip with shortbread cookies, ginger snaps, pretzels, sliced apples or pears, vanilla wafers, or cinnamon graham crackers. This dip is also perfect smeared on thick toasted slices of pumpkin bread or bagels for festive fall breakfasts and afternoon snacks.
Yes, you can certainly make this recipe ahead of time. Doing so can save on last-minute party prep work! This dip can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store the prepared dip covered in the refrigerator and plate up right before serving.
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If you’ve tried this pumpkin pie dip recipe, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
Pumpkin Dip
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar (90g)
- ¾ cup canned pumpkin puree (183g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla, and spices, and beat until well combined. (You can also blend all of the ingredients together in a food processor until smooth.)
- Cover and chill for 2 hours before serving. Serve with graham crackers, apples, slices, or cookies.
Notes
- Whip the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Or, for around 3 minutes. You will know the cream cheese is ready when it starts to have the appearance and consistency of cake frosting. It may feel like you have to whip the cream cheese for a long time, but doing so will add a delightful light and creamy texture to the dip. Using a stand mixer can make the process less work-intensive, too.
- Chill the dip before serving. This will allow it to set and firm up and for the flavors to develop. Chill the dip covered for at least 2 hours.
- Option: Make it in a food processor. If you have a food processor, just add the ingredients to the processor bowl and blend together until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed throughout the blending process. It will be a less fluffy but just as tasty!
- Variation: Try amping up the fall flavors by replacing half of the sugar with maple syrup.
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