Fall Snack: Healthier Pumpkin Spread Recipe

There is no end in the usage of pumpkin in the kitchen! So many recipes incorporate this almost magical vegetable, whether in sweet or savory foods. It can be easily used in many breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or snack recipes. And on top of that, pumpkins are low in fat and cholesterol-free, but in the same time they are rich in vitamins and minerals and high in antioxidants and fiber. So, pumpkin should definitely be on your many, especially now that they are in season. Here is one simple and quick recipe for a perfect Fall Snack with pumpkin.

Fall Snack: Healthier Pumpkin Spread Recipe

Pumpkin spread with extra cinnamon and bagels

Image via: BHG

Fall Snack: Healthier Pumpkin Spread with Cream Cheese

Ingredients

1 package (about 8 oz) of softened cream cheese (low fat is fine)

½ cup canned pumpkin

3 tablespoons or to taste organic brown sugar

1 teaspoon or to taste pumpkin pie spice

1/3 cup finely chopped pecan nuts (optional)

½ teaspoon vanilla or vanilla extract

Pumpkin spread on toasted bagel for extra taste

Image via: Pillsbury

Directions

1. To make this easy spread, just take a large bowl and use an electric mixer to beat all the ingredients and combine them well. That’s it!
2. Let the spread sit covered in the refrigerator for an hour or more and up to 24 hours, so all of the flavors can blend well.

Pumpkin spieced spread with chopped pecans

Image via: McCormick

The best way to serve this delicious Fall Snack is to accompany it with bread or crackers. Bagels and fruit slices would be ideal, too. Try apple and pear slices for a wonderful experience! And don’t just stay at the basic recipe, but go ahead and add some ingredients, like grounded cinnamon, nutmeg or/and ginger. Also, half cup sour cream can be added for extra creaminess. Lastly, a little maple flavoring can take this spread to the next level!

Another great way to serve it is together with ginger snap cookies or some type of nut bread, where of course homemade ones will always be the better choice.

For alternative substitutions to adding sweetness, consider substitudes like brown sugar substitude, Sucanat, natural sweetener, yucan syrup, raw agave nectar, molasses or a combination of the above, depending on what you like most. Even honey could work, it all depends on your taste. Also, use organic ingredients for a better result and serve it with gluten free and sugar free cookies or almond biscotti.

This really easy to prepare Fall Snack recipe is a great addition for any Thanksgiving dinner or just as an everyday fall snack at a friendly gathering or while watching a movie at the end of a busy day. Simple, fast and yummy… what more could you ask from a Fall Snack?

For more fall snack recipes on Stagetecture, click here.