Name: Carrot Cake Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces (two 8-ounce blocks) cream cheese, softened to room temperature; ½ cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves; ½ cup packed, finely shredded carrots (squeezed dry to remove excess moisture); ¼ cup finely chopped pecans; Graham crackers; Cinnamon sugar pita chips; Fresh apple slices (red or green)

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Introduction

This Carrot Cake Dip is a creamy, spiced treat that captures all the flavors of classic carrot cake in a fun, handheld form. Perfect for parties or a cozy snack, it pairs beautifully with crackers, chips, or fresh fruit.

A round wooden board holds a white bowl in the center filled with a creamy, light orange spread that has small carrot shreds mixed in and is topped with a tiny decorative carrot. Around the bowl, four sections of snacks are arranged: light tan rectangular crackers at the top, green apple slices on the right, cinnamon brown pita chips at the bottom, and red apple slices on the left. The board sits on a white marbled surface with a few pecans, cinnamon sticks, and whole carrots placed casually nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 ounces (two 8-ounce blocks) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
½ cup packed, finely shredded carrots (squeezed dry, removing as much moisture as possible)
¼ cup finely chopped pecans
Graham crackers, cinnamon sugar pita chips, and fresh apple slices (red or green) for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed with a handheld mixer for 1-2 minutes until light, fluffy, and lump-free.
Step 2: Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Beat for 30 seconds to 1 minute to fully combine.
Step 3: Place the shredded carrots between 2-3 layers of paper towels and squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
Step 4: Gently fold the dried carrots and chopped pecans into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld and the dip to firm up slightly.
Step 6: Transfer the chilled dip to a serving bowl. Serve with graham crackers, cinnamon sugar pita chips, and fresh apple slices, if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier texture, toast the pecans lightly before chopping and adding to the dip.
If you prefer a sweeter dip, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar.
Try adding a splash of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Use finely grated carrots to ensure they blend smoothly into the dip without adding too much moisture.

Storage

Store the carrot cake dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly. Stir gently if needed, as the dip may firm up when chilled.

How to Serve

A round wooden board holds a white bowl filled with creamy carrot dip that shows small orange carrot bits mixed in, topped with a small decorative carrot made of fondant or similar. Around the bowl are four sections of snacks: pale tan rectangular crackers with small holes on the top side, neatly arranged in a fan shape; sliced red apple wedges on the left side; green apple wedges on the right side; and golden-brown pita chips at the bottom. The board sits on a white marbled surface with some pecans, cinnamon sticks, and orange carrot sticks scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, making the dip a few hours or even a day ahead enhances the flavors. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

What can I serve with carrot cake dip?

Classic pairings include graham crackers, cinnamon sugar pita chips, and fresh apple slices. You could also try pretzels, vanilla wafers, or even sliced pears.