Warm up your taste buds and fuel your body at the same time with this incredibly creamy, silky-smooth High Protein Pumpkin Spice Dip. It’s everything you love about pumpkin spice season, effortlessly whipped into a snack or dessert that’s as nourishing as it is crave-worthy. This is the kind of dip you’ll want to make on repeat—whether you need an after-school snack, a speedy dessert, or a protein-packed breakfast side. Best of all, it comes together in minutes! Grab some crunchy apples, slice up a pear, and let’s dive into something truly delicious and surprisingly wholesome.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy: All you need is a food processor and one bowl—minimal prep, zero mess. Seriously, if you have five minutes, you have enough time to make this recipe.
- Nutrient-Rich: This dip is loaded with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins thanks to cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, almond butter, and pumpkin puree.
- Deliciously Satisfying: Imagine cozy fall flavors in every silky, spiced bite. The velvety texture is absolutely irresistible, and it’s just sweet enough to hit the spot.
- Versatile and Fun: Perfect for dunking apples and pears, but also wonderful on toast, pancakes, or straight off the spoon.
- Customizable: Use the nut butter or protein powder you love, and get creative with toppings for a new twist every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this pumpkin spice dip so special (and some tips for making it your own):
- Cottage Cheese or Unsweetened Greek Yogurt: The creamy base and the secret to that major protein boost. Greek yogurt gives a tangy, smooth texture, while cottage cheese adds subtle richness.
- Almond Butter or Cashew Butter: For healthy fats, natural sweetness, and an extra hint of nutty flavor—perfect with pumpkin!
- Pure Pumpkin Puree: Not pumpkin pie filling—just the pure stuff! This is what brings the autumn magic and a boost of vitamins.
- Pure Maple Syrup or Raw Honey: Natural sweetness that plays beautifully with pumpkin spice.
- Pumpkin Spice: That classic cozy blend (usually cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves) turns this dip into fall in a bowl.
- Vanilla Protein Powder: The real MVP for making this snack satisfyingly filling—choose your favorite!
- Apples and Pears: Crisp, juicy slices for dipping and adding crunch.
- Topping Ideas: Toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch, mini dark chocolate chips for a hint of indulgence, chopped pecans or walnuts for nuttiness, and dried cranberries for a little tartness. Mix and match or pile them on!
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
- Dairy-Free: Swap Greek yogurt/cottage cheese for a plant-based alternative, and make sure your protein powder is vegan.
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of almond/cashew butter.
- No Protein Powder?: Amp up creaminess by adding extra yogurt or cottage cheese, and a touch more vanilla extract for flavor.
- Different Spices: Try a chai spice mix, or add a touch of cardamom and extra cinnamon for your own signature blend.
- Add-Ins: Stir in mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or even a swirl of caramel sauce.
How to Make the High Protein Pumpkin Spice Dip
Step 1: Combine Everything
Add the cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt), almond/cashew butter, pure pumpkin puree, maple syrup (or honey), pumpkin spice, and vanilla protein powder straight into your food processor or blender.
Step 2: Blend Until Silky Smooth
Run the food processor until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed to make sure everything’s well incorporated. Don’t stop until it’s ultra-satiny!
Step 3: Transfer and Top
Spoon the dip into a serving bowl and have fun with your favorite toppings—think toasted pumpkin seeds, a shower of mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a scattering of tart dried cranberries.
Step 4: Serve with Crunchy Fruit
Surround your dip with crunchy sliced apples and pears. Trust me, the sweet, slightly tart fruit is the perfect match for the spiced creaminess.
It’s that easy. No baking, no chilling, no fancy steps—just blend, dress it up, and dive in.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- For a smoother dip, take an extra minute to really blend—especially if using cottage cheese.
- If you want a looser, dippable consistency, add a splash of milk (dairy or plant-based) and blend again.
- Unsweetened nut butters let the other flavors shine—try to avoid varieties with added salt or sugar for the creamiest texture.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice before serving—everyone likes their pumpkin spice just a bit differently.
- Make it festive! This dip is a hit on autumn grazing boards or as a party snack.
How to Serve
This dip is so versatile you’ll find new ways to enjoy it each time! My absolute favorite is surrounding it with heaps of crisp, freshly sliced apples and pears—the contrast of sweet, crunchy fruit and creamy dip is unbeatable. You can also:
- Scoop it onto pancakes or waffles for a fall-inspired breakfast.
- Schmear it on toast or rice cakes.
- Use it as a fruit salad “dressing.”
- Serve with graham crackers, pretzels, or even as a spread in wraps with sliced banana and granola.
Whatever you choose, don’t be shy about those toppings—extra crunch and color make it even more tempting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay delicious and fresh for up to four days. Give it a quick stir before serving as it may settle a bit.
Freezing
Technically, you can freeze it, but the texture may change once thawed (especially if you used yogurt). For best results, enjoy it freshly made or refrigerated.
Reheating
This dip is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature—there’s no need to heat it.
Tip: Prep fruit ahead, but store separately to keep both the dip and fruit at their best.
FAQs
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Can I use another type of protein powder?
Absolutely! Any unflavored or vanilla protein powder works. Plant-based protein powders tend to be more absorbent, so add a splash of milk if needed for a smooth consistency.
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Is this dip sweet enough for dessert?
Most definitely! The combination of maple syrup (or honey) and pumpkin spice gives enough warmth and sweetness to double as a healthy treat, but if you have a bigger sweet tooth, add a little extra sweetener to taste.
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What if I don’t have a food processor?
No problem—a high-powered blender works just as well. You can also mix by hand if you use Greek yogurt, but the cottage cheese base really does need a good blend to get smooth.
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Can I make it ahead for a party?
Yes! Make the dip up to 24 hours in advance and store it, covered, in the fridge. Add your toppings just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Pumpkin Spice Dip is pure cozy comfort, packed with powerhouse ingredients and ready in a flash. It satisfies cravings for something creamy, sweet, and spiced, while also sneaking in extra protein and nutrition. Perfect for a quick snack, a party platter, or a healthy dessert, it’s a recipe you’ll want to save and share. Jump in, make it your own, and enjoy every last delicious scoop!
PrintHigh Protein Pumpkin Spice Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This High Protein Pumpkin Spice Dip is creamy, delicious, and packed with protein from cottage cheese or Greek yogurt and your favorite nut butter. Naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup or raw honey and bursting with seasonal pumpkin spice flavor, it’s the perfect balanced snack or appetizer to enjoy with fruit.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz cottage cheese or unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup almond butter or cashew butter
- 2/3 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or raw honey
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
To Serve
- Apples, sliced
- Pears, sliced
Topping Ideas
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
- Mini dark chocolate chips
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Chopped dried cranberries
Instructions
- Blend the Dip Base: Place the cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, almond or cashew butter, pumpkin puree, maple syrup or honey, pumpkin spice, and protein powder into a food processor. Process on high speed until the mixture becomes very smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Transfer and Garnish: Spoon the blended dip into a serving bowl. Sprinkle your choice of toppings, such as toasted pumpkin seeds, mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries, evenly over the surface.
- Serve: Arrange apple and pear slices around the bowl and serve the dip immediately. Enjoy it as a healthy snack or high-protein appetizer.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use plant-based yogurt and vegan protein powder.
- The dip can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by increasing or decreasing the amount of maple syrup or honey.
- The dip also pairs well with graham crackers or pretzels instead of fruit.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1/2 cup
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg