This Pumpkin Dip with Cool Whip recipe is a quick and easy dessert full of fall flavors. With its creamy texture, a hint of vanilla, and warm pumpkin pie spice, it's a yummy dessert dip that you can make any time. Whether you're hosting a cozy gathering or simply craving a pumpkin season indulgence, this pumpkin dip uses simple ingredients and is ready in under 10 minutes.
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Why you'll love this easy Pumpkin Dip Recipe
This fluffy pumpkin dip combines the richness of pumpkin puree with the sweetness of vanilla instant pudding. The addition of pumpkin pie spice adds a warm and aromatic touch making it perfect for fall gatherings.
With its 4 ingredients and straightforward instructions, this is the PERFECT fall dessert. Because it's a no-bake dessert, it's great for people who love sweet treats but hate being stuck in the kitchen.
Related: Cool Whip Frosting Recipe
Whether you're planning a Halloween party, a Thanksgiving feast, or a casual autumn get-together, this pumpkin fluff is a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed any time your sweet tooth flares.
It works great on dessert tables, brought to potlucks, or even as a cozy snack at home.
The last time I made this the kids asked for a little crunch so I'm also sharing some ways to make this dip your own by adding in a few other things.
Ingredients
While some recipes call for cream cheese, this one uses whipped topping to give it the creaminess instead! To prepare the pumpkin dip with Cool Whip, you will need the following ingredients:
- pumpkin puree
- vanilla instant pudding (dry - not made)
- Cool Whip, thawed
- pumpkin pie spice
- Dippers: Nilla wafers, chocolate animal crackers, sliced apples, pretzels, etc.
The star ingredient is pumpkin puree. It's the base for the dip and gives it a great texture and distinct pumpkin flavor. You can find it in the baking section of your grocery store.
Be sure to buy pure pumpkin and not a pre-made pumpkin pie filling that already has the cinnamon, nutmeg, etc. You can make your own pumpkin pie spice, but it is a ton of work.
The dry instant vanilla pudding mix adds sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dip, giving it a hint of vanilla goodness. It's also super easy to find and used in lots of other desserts (like my wine cake!) to add flavor.
The whipped topping adds a creamy texture and flavor to the fluffy dip, making it even more irresistible. You can substitute with other brands but Cool Whip is very unique so there isn't a great alternative to it.
I'm not sure how milk alternative versions will work in this as I've never tested them but should work for you if you have a dietary restriction.
And you could probably make homemade whipped cream to use in place of the Cool Whip but the texture will change a little.
If you don't have a store-bought container of pie spice, you can make your own using 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves. Adjust the quantities to your preference and keep in mind that nutmeg and cloves can be very overpowering.
Get creative and serve anything you think would pair well with this pumpkin and Cool Whip dip to use as dippers. Nilla Wafers and Chocolate Animal Crackers are delish. Apple slices are also great. And any other crispy and flavorful cookies are good.
Scroll down to the recipe card to see the full recipe details.
How to make this Pumpkin Fluff Dip Recipe
Step 1
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree and dry vanilla pudding mix until well combined. (You can use a hand mixer if you prefer).
Step 2
Add the pumpkin pie spice to the mixture and give it a good stir.
Step 3
Gently fold in the Cool Whip until everything is fully incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy dip.
Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the dip to chill.
After chilling, remove the pumpkin dip from the refrigerator and transfer it to your favorite serving bowl.
To Serve
Get creative with your dipping options!
Serve the pumpkin pie dip recipe with vanilla wafers, chocolate animal crackers, ginger snaps (my favorite dipper), graham crackers, shortbread cookies, pretzels, fresh fruit (such as apple slices), or any other delightful treats that you think would pair well with the creamy pumpkin fluff.
Tips
- To enhance the fall flavors, consider adding a splash of pure vanilla extract to the mixture. It will complement the pumpkin spice notes beautifully.
- If you prefer a sweeter dip, you can add a tablespoon or two of powdered sugar or brown sugar to the mixture. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste.
- Want some extra texture? Add in chopped pecans, walnuts, chocolate chips or even crushed gingersnap cookies to give the dip a delightful crunch.
- If you're serving the dip at Halloween parties or gatherings, consider setting out dippers that guests with dietary restrictions can enjoy. Gluten-free crackers, pretzels, or even jicama for a healthier option.
- For a prettier presentation, you can sprinkle a dash of pumpkin pie spice or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the sweet dip before serving.
- This pumpkin fluff recipe can easily be doubled or cut in half depending on how many servings you want. Adjust the quantities of the ingredients accordingly. (You can change the number of servings in the recipe card below!)
- While you can enjoy the pumpkin dip immediately, for even better flavor, I like the flavor better when you let it sit and chill in the fridge for an hour before serving. The dip firms up a little and the pumpkin flavors really come through.
Ways to Make it Your Own
Personalize your pumpkin dip with Cool Whip with these creative ideas and other easy ingredients:
Cream Cheese: For a tangier flavor add 4 ounces of room temperature cream cheese to the pumpkin puree and pudding mix. Blend until smooth. This adds another layer of creaminess to the dip.
Caramel: Drizzle some yummy salted caramel over the top of swirl it throughout the dessert dip to make it even more decadent. Ice cream topping will work or you can use a caramel syrup. This makes it even more perfect for a fall party.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee and a tablespoon of maple syrup to the dip mixture. Pair it with cinnamon graham crackers. SO YUM!
Chocolate Swirl: Incorporate ¼ cup of melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white chocolate will all work) into the party dip. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top and use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl it through the dip. Stud it with some chocolate chips to give it even more chocolate flavor.
Extra Spice: If you're a bold flavor fan, increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice or add additional spices like cardamom, allspice or cloves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, it's unlikely you'll have any leftovers because this pumpkin dip is simply irresistible!
Yes, you can definitely use pumpkin spice instant pudding mix instead of vanilla. It will add an extra burst of pumpkin flavor to the dip, intensifying the fall vibes. It isn't as easy to find as vanilla pudding though so don't go out of your way looking for that seasonal flavor.
Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of warm spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It's used in various pumpkin-based recipes to add that classic autumn flavor plus you can use it for things like cinnamon toast, rimming your cocktail glasses and so much more.
Yes, pumpkin puree typically refers to canned pumpkin (although I think most canned pumpkin is some other type of squash, not even pumpkin!). It is made by cooking and pureeing squash to achieve a smooth and consistent texture. A can of pumpkin puree is convenient and easily accessible, making it a popular choice for recipes like this pumpkin whipped cream dip.
This Pumpkin Dip with Cool Whip is a foolproof and delicious dessert that captures the essence of fall. With its creamy texture, delightful pumpkin flavor, and warm spices, it's a delightful autumn favorite that will satisfy your cravings. And it's great before and after your holiday dinner.
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More easy pumpkin desserts
- Microwave Pumpkin Mug Cake
- Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Pumpkin Milkshake with Salted Caramel
- Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Fireball Pumpkin Pie Recipe
- Pumpkin Trifle Recipe
Pumpkin Fluff Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 15 ounces pumpkin puree
- 3.4 ounces vanilla instant pudding powder
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
- 1 ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Dippers: Nilla wafers, Chocolate Animal Crackers, graham crackers, pretzels, apple slices, gingersnaps etc.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree and dry vanilla pudding mix until well combined. (You can use a hand mixer if you prefer).
- Add the pumpkin pie spice to the mixture and give it a good stir.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip until everything is fully incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy dip.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld together and the dip to chill.
- After chilling, remove the pumpkin dip from the refrigerator and transfer it to your favorite serving bowl.
- Serve the pumpkin pie dip recipe with vanilla wafers, chocolate animal crackers, ginger snaps (my favorite dipper), graham crackers, shortbread cookies, pretzels, fresh fruit (such as apple slices), or any other delightful treats that you think would pair well with the creamy pumpkin fluff.
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