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
- 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.
- Add the pumpkin puree to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture.
- Add the vanilla and spices to the pumpkin mixture.
- 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.
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!
