Pumpkin Dip with Cream Cheese is an easy, no-bake recipe perfect for fall! Serve it with fruit for a healthy dessert or appetizer. Dress it up with candied pecans if you're entertaining.
You'll love this creamy autumn dip that tastes like pumpkin cheesecake. And, much like cheesecake stuffed strawberries, you won't need to cook anything! So, it's ready in about 5 minutes!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's quick and simple to make.
- It calls for a handful of ingredients you probably have on hand. (There's no cool whip in this recipe.)
- It can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for parties and get-togethers.
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Ingredients
Here's what you'll need for the basic pumpkin dip recipe:
- Pumpkin - Do not use pumpkin pie filling (it contains extra ingredients.) We used canned pumpkin, but fresh pumpkin that has been pureed will also work.
- Cream cheese - Any type will work, including a plant-based brand to make a vegan version.
- Confectioners' sugar, also known as powdered sugar - Use keto-friendly alternatives for a lower-carb version. Another option is to replace a portion of the total amount needed with an alternative sweetener.
- Vanilla
- Cinnamon or pumpkin spice - I always have cinnamon on hand, so that's what I usually use.
Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions.
Related recipe: Whipped Pumpkin Cottage Cheese
Directions with Pictures
Below are the steps to make pumpkin dip with cream cheese:
Note: Use a deep bowl if you have one. It will minimize the chance for powdered sugar to splatter out as you mix.
- Add chunks of cream cheese and pumpkin puree to a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat at low speed until fairly smooth.
- The cream cheese should be at room temperature before you start. If you're in a hurry, cut it into chunks and microwave for about 15 seconds.
- Slowly add powdered sugar to the bowl and continue mixing until incorporated.
- Add vanilla and cinnamon to the bowl and continue mixing on medium speed for about 1 minute or until smooth and creamy.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy!
Candied Pecans
The indulgent version of this pumpkin cheesecake dip is topped with candied pecans. Here's what you need to do, and it's easier than you think!
Simply melt butter in a small sauce pot. Add brown sugar and maple syrup and stir to combine. Stir in pecans until coated. Spread pecans into a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cook them in a 350 °F oven for about 5-6 minutes until fragrant.
Chop pecans into smaller pieces and scatter on top!
Storage and Make Ahead
Refrigerator: Store in a covered container for up to 5 days.
Make Ahead: Pumpkin Dip with Cream Cheese can be made ahead of time! If using candied pecans, store them separately until serving time.
What to Serve With Pumpkin Dip
- Fresh fruit such as apple slices, pear slices, or berries
- Graham Crackers
- Pretzels
- Cookies, such as vanilla wafers, animal crackers, ginger snaps, biscotti
- Nuts
- A drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream.
Serving Idea: Hollow out a small to medium-sized pumpkin and serve the dip from it.
More Pumpkin Recipes
Do you have leftover pumpkin? Check out these reader favorites:
Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a rating and tell us how you liked it!
📋 Recipe
Pumpkin Dip with Cream Cheese
Ingredients
Dip
- 8 ounces cream cheese cubed and softened
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 15 ounce pumpkin puree 1 can; 3 ½ cups, if using fresh
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
Candied Pecans (Optional, not included in nutritional estimate)
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar packed
For Dipping, Optional Choices
- Fresh fruit, such as apples, pears, berries, and grapes
- Pretzels
- Cookies such as vanilla wafers, ginger snaps, biscotti
Instructions
Pumpkin Dip
- Using a hand mixer, combine cream cheese and pumpkin puree in a large bowl until creamy.
- Slowly mix in powdered sugar.
- Add vanilla and cinnamon (or pumpkin spice) to bowl and mix until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
- Store dip in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Top with candied pecans, if using.
- Serve with apple slices, grapes, graham crackers, animal crackers or vanilla wafers.
Candied Pecans (Optional)
- Preheat oven to 350 °F.
- Melt butter in a sauce pan over medium heat.
- Add maple syrup and brown sugar and stir to combine.
- Add pecans and stir to coat.
- Spread pecans on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake pecans for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.
- Cool completely and then coarsely chop.
Notes
- Yield is about 3 cups, serving size is ¼ cup
- To soften cream cheese Cut it into chunks and microwave for a short burst of about 15 seconds.
- Low-carb substitutions: Use keto-friendly powdered sugar.
- Storage: Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on 9/19/13 and has been updated to improve the reader experience.
Melissa
This is fantastic! so simple and you bring so much to the readers by presenting a decadent and a healthier version. Awesome!
Kat
I loved that this recipe uses less sugar than most I’ve found. I substituted half the sugar with Swerve anyways and it had no after taste at all. Had it with apple slices. Next time will try the pecans because they looking delicious.
Marjory Pilley
I'm so glad you enjoyed it and I love the compromise on sugar.