Tried and true pumpkin cream cheese dip is one of my favorite fall recipes. Make it in 10 minutes with only 5 simple ingredients and use a dip for apples or a spread for french toast and pancakes.
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Easy pumpkin dip allows you to enjoy cheesecake flavors without all of the effort. It's a perfect weekday snack and also a crowd-pleaser for parties.
Apple slices, pretzels, toasted pecans, graham crackers and wafers all pair perfectly with this sweet dip.
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Why You'll Love It
- No-bake: Ready to celebrate the fall season but not quite ready to rev up the oven? This recipe for you!
- Healthy-ish: Let's face it, this fruit dip is basically dessert! But, it's absolutely a healthier option. It's sweetened with only a touch of maple syrup (rather than refined sugar) and you get a little bit of protein from the cream cheese.
- Dip for apples: Apple and pumpkin season overlap! This dip is a fabulous way to enjoy both fall flavors at once.
- Crowd pleaser: Going to a holiday party or hosting? This simple dip is sure to delight. It's great for a Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas get-together and also a game day favorite.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cream cheese: You can use full fat or reduced fat cream cheese (Neufchatel cheese). I generally purchase Philadelphia but any brand works.
- Pumpkin puree: Any brand will work! Just be sure to purchase pure pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling which is already spiced and sweetened. You can also make homemade pumpkin puree!
- Pure maple syrup: Or sweetener of choice. You could substitute brown sugar, white sugar, agave or even a sugar free alternative.
- Pure vanilla extract: Imitation also does the trick!
- Cinnamon: I love the simplicity of ground cinnamon in this recipe, but you can also use pumpkin pie spice mix if preferred, both work great.
Using Leftover Pumpkin Puree
This dip requires about half a (15oz) can of pumpkin puree. If you double the recipe you can use up the whole can!
I also have a plethora of other pumpkin recipes you can try! My pumpkin spice sauce (for coffee drinks) and maple pecan pumpkin cookies are both reader favorites.
Hot tip: I have found that putting leftover pumpkin puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator makes it last much longer. Leaving it in the can will lead to quick expiration.
How To Make Pumpkin Pie Dip
Keep scrolling for the full recipe card and measurements. We’ll start here with a quick overview!
Add ingredients to bowl:
- Soften cream cheese and add it to a large mixing bowl along with all other ingredients.
Mix ingredients:
- Combine with an electric hand mixer, on medium high speed, for 3-5 minutes. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl when necessary.
- Mix until smooth and fluffy!
Serve:
- Enjoy immediately or place in the refrigerator to chill.
- Serve with apple slices, graham crackers, ginger snaps, etc. Enjoy!
Expert Tip:
It's important to bring your cream cheese to room temperature and allow it to soften!
If super cold and firm, it won't mix smoothly into the dip. Rather, it will appear grainy and you'll see little white specs or chunks throughout. Now, it'll still TASTE delicious, but will appear less appetizing.
How To Soften Cream Cheese
- Take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit on the countertop for 30-60 minutes. The temperature of your home will affect the length of time required.
- To hasten the process, take cream cheese out of foil packaging and place it on a plate. Microwave on high, in 10 second intervals, until the cream cheese reaches an easily spreadable texture.
Variations
Spices: I make my creamy pumpkin dip with ground cinnamon but you can absolutely substitute pumpkin pie spice if that's your preference!
Caramel: Create a caramel pumpkin dip by adding caramel sauce to this recipe or by using it as a substitute for maple syrup.
Cool whip: Many pumpkin dip recipes call for cool whip. I don't find it necessary but you can absolutely fold some in if you want!
Sugar free: Substitute your favorite sugar-free sweetener for maple syrup.
Special Equipment
A regular whisk will work for this recipe but you're going to have a very sore arm by the time you're done! I highly recommend using a handheld or stand mixer, it's much more efficient.
Serving Suggestions
Fluffy pumpkin dip goes great with:
- Graham crackers
- Cinnamon granola
- Crunchy apple slices
- Toasted pecans
- Gingersnap cookies
- Nilla wafers
- Pretzels
- French toast
- Pancakes
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pumpkin spice dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days!
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Maple Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip
Equipment
- Electric Mixer *Handheld or stand mixer
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Serving bowl *Optional
Ingredients
- 1 8oz block cream cheese *Softened *Full or low-fat
- 1 cup (8oz) pumpkin puree *See note below
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup *See note below
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract *Or imitation vanilla
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon *Or pumpkin pie spice
For dipping:
- Apples, graham crackers, pretzels, whole pecans, vanilla wafers, ginger snaps. You can also spread this dip on pancakes or french toast!
Recipe notes:
Pumpkin puree: Be sure to buy pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling (which is sweetened). Maple syrup: Add more or less to obtain desired sweetness. You can substitute white sugar, brown sugar, agave or a sugar-free sweetener. General: This dip also works as a great spread for pumpkin ricotta pancakes!Instructions
- Soften cream cheese. Allow it to sit on the countertop for 30-60 minutes (time depends on home temperature). Or, remove from foil packaging and microwave in 10 second increments, on high, until it reaches a spreadable texture. Don't skip this step or dip will have a grainy appearance, though it will still taste good!
- Add softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract and cinnamon to a large bowl.1 8oz block cream cheese, 1 cup (8oz) pumpkin puree, 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Combine using an electric mixer (stand or hand-held) on medium high speed for 3-5 minutes. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Enjoy your dip right away or cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator!
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Kim Waldorf says
Yum! This is perfect for our family football Sundays! Thanks for sharing. Happy fall!