Party Pumpkin Dips
Autumn is an amazing season! Not only is it the jumping-off point for the end of year holiday season, but there is finally relief from the scorching heat, tree lines start melting into amazing colors that you only see in the fall, and food and beverage starts being served in a pumpkin flavor.
Here are two recipes for pumpkin dips that are regular requests at end-of-year potlucks and holiday get-togethers. Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip is decadent and great for the true pumpkin connoisseur, while Pumpkin Fluff Dip is a creamier version and great for those who are just beginning to appreciate this gourd’s delicious flavor.
Both of these dips can be made in about 30 minutes and will please everyone in the crowd.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip
Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 (15 ounce) can solid-packed pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
In a stand mixer, or using a hand mixer, blend the cream cheese and powdered sugar until it is the consistency of buttercream frosting. Gradually add the pumpkin, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until well blended. Pour into an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Pumpkin Fluff Dip
Ingredients:
- 1 (16 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (15 ounce) can solid-packed pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Put everything in a bowl and mix until blended. It can be served as soon as it is mixed, but if you seal it into an airtight container and chill for an hour, it almost becomes a creamy pumpkin pudding.
Tips
- If you are planning on making both dips, just get the 30 ounce can of pumpkin and divide it between the two recipes.
- Try to make these the day before your event and let them chill overnight. The challenge will be to stay out of them.
- Another way to save a few pennies is to make your own pumpkin pie spice. It usually consists of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves and there are numerous recipes for it on the Internet.
Serving
The Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip works well with gingersnaps and the Pumpkin Fluff Dip does best with cinnamon graham crackers. Other dipping options include sugar cookies, vanilla wafers, even gingerbread men.
