Name: Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz Philadelphia 1/3 less-fat cream cheese; 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin (canned is fine); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 2 tbsp packed brown sugar; 1 tbsp honey

I absolutely love this Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Recipe because it’s like a cozy little jar of fall sunshine that you can spread anywhere. Whether it’s slathered on a warm bagel or dolloped onto your morning pancakes, the flavors instantly bring that comforting, festive vibe we all crave as the leaves start to turn. This recipe is quick to whip up, super creamy, and has just the right balance of pumpkin and spice without being overpowering.

When I first tried this, I was hooked immediately—it’s the perfect way to elevate simple breakfast or snack time, especially when you want something seasonal but not too sweet. You’ll find that it works wonderfully not only on bread but also as a sweet dip or even as a frosting substitute on cupcakes. Trust me, once you try this Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Recipe, you’ll want to make it any time pumpkin is on your mind.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can mix this up in under 15 minutes with just a handful of ingredients.
Rich Autumn Flavors: Balanced pumpkin and spice notes make every bite taste like fall.
Versatile Use: Perfect on bagels, muffins, pancakes, or even as a dessert topping.
Lighter Option: Uses 1/3 less-fat cream cheese but stays creamy and decadent.

A white bowl filled with a single layer of light brown, creamy hummus with a slightly rough texture and swirled peaks on the surface. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the hummus looks smooth but thick, with visible swirls from being spread or stirred. The lighting highlights the hummus's texture and the bowl’s round shape. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Recipe plays a special role to create that creamy, spiced perfection you’ll adore. Keep an eye on the pumpkin—you want smooth, pureed pumpkin for the best texture. I usually go for canned pumpkin puree since it’s convenient and consistent.

Cream Cheese: I opt for Philadelphia 1/3 less-fat for creaminess without feeling too heavy.
Pureed Pumpkin: Canned pumpkin puree works best for smoothness and flavor balance.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to round out the spices.
Cinnamon: A classic pumpkin spice must-have that gives it that familiar coziness.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Brown Sugar: Gives subtle molasses notes and gentle sweetness.
Honey: For a touch of natural sweetness and a bit of sticky richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Recipe — it’s easy to tweak depending on your sweet tooth or what you have in the pantry. Feel free to make it your own and enjoy the process of finding your perfect flavor combo.

Less Sweet: I sometimes cut back on the brown sugar and honey if I want a more subtle touch of sweetness.
Spice Boost: Adding a pinch more pumpkin pie spice or even a dash of ground cloves gives it a bolder kick that my family goes crazy for.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap cream cheese for a vegan cream cheese alternative for dairy-free goodness.
Maple Twist: Replace honey with maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness that’s perfect for fall mornings.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Mix It All Together

Start by gathering all your ingredients into a medium-sized bowl. I like to soften the cream cheese just a little beforehand—takes it from firm to spreadable and helps everything blend smoothly. Then, toss in the pumpkin puree, vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and honey. Grab your electric mixer or a sturdy whisk and beat everything together until the mixture is silky and creamy. You’ll notice a lovely orange tint with specks of spice—that’s your cue it’s ready.

Step 2: Taste and Adjust

Give it a quick taste test. If it feels a bit too thick, you can stir in a teaspoon of milk or cream to loosen it up. Want more sweetness or spice? Now’s the time to tweak a bit. Just remember, flavors tend to deepen after chilling, so don’t go overboard.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

Pop the cream cheese in the fridge for about 30 minutes if you have time — chilling helps the flavors meld beautifully. If you’re like me and impatient, it’s still delicious straight away. Once chilled, spread it generously on your favorite bagels, toast, or even cinnamon rolls. Enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Recipe

Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: It blends more smoothly and avoids lumps, making your cream cheese perfectly fluffy.
Don’t Skip Chilling: Letting it rest in the fridge allows those fall flavors to come together better—it’s worth the wait!
Adjust Sweetness Slowly: Start with less sugar and honey; you can always add more after tasting.
Pumpkin Purity Matters: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid extra sugars and spices that might throw off the balance.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Recipe

A close-up top view shows two halves of a dark brown bread roll with a coarse texture and visible holes in the crumb. One half is plain while the other half is spread thickly with a creamy light brown paste that has a smooth, slightly whipped texture. Next to the bread sits a knife with a wooden handle and a small dollop of the same light brown spread on its blade. The background is a dark surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to top this cream cheese with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a few chopped toasted pecans—it adds a fun texture and enhances that nutty warmth. Sometimes a drizzle of honey on top before serving makes it feel extra special and inviting.

Side Dishes

My go-to pairings are warm everything bagels (to mix savory and sweet) or a side of fresh fruit like apple slices or pears. If you’re serving it for brunch, a cup of spiced chai or a pumpkin latte pairs perfectly with the flavors here.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve served this Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Recipe in a hollowed-out mini pumpkin or spread inside baked sweet potato halves for a fun, festive spin. It’s also a hit layered into parfait glasses with granola and yogurt for a quick and pretty dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find it stays fresh and creamy for up to 5 days. Always give it a quick stir before serving to bring back that silky consistency.

Freezing

Honestly, I don’t freeze this cream cheese because the texture can change slightly after thawing. If you need to store it longer, freezing is possible but plan for it to be best used in cooked recipes where texture matters less.

Reheating

This cream cheese recipe is best served cold or at room temperature, so I usually pull it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before eating to soften. Warming it isn’t necessary and could cause separation.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned in this Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Recipe?

Yes! You can roast and puree fresh pumpkin, but make sure it’s smooth and not watery. Fresh pumpkin might be less sweet and more earthy, so you may want to adjust the sugar to your taste.
Is this Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Recipe suitable for a low-fat diet?

Absolutely. Using 1/3 less-fat cream cheese reduces the fat content while keeping the creamy texture. You can also experiment with lighter cream cheese brands if desired.
How should I store leftover Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving to refresh the texture.
Can I double the recipe for larger gatherings?

Yes, this recipe scales up beautifully. Just mix the ingredients in a larger bowl and taste as you go to make sure the spice and sweetness levels are balanced.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Recipe has truly become one of my seasonal staples—it’s simple, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re treating yourself on a chilly morning or impressing friends with a seasonal twist at brunch, you’ll enjoy how this creamy, spiced blend makes everything a little more festive. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll be a pumpkin-flavored favorite in no time!