Ingredients
Caramelized Carrots
- 1 cup shredded carrots, packed
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar, packed
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ cup finely chopped pecans (plus additional for garnish)
Optional Dippers
- Graham crackers
- Apple slices (red or green)
- Cinnamon sugar chips
- Pretzel crisps
Instructions
- Shred and chop carrots: Shred the carrots on the large side of a box grater, then roughly chop the shreds into smaller pieces to maintain texture in the dip.
- Caramelize the carrots: Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and shredded carrots. Cook for 4-6 minutes until liquids evaporate and carrots are tender and lightly browned. Remove from heat and cool completely, reserving 1 tablespoon for garnish.
- Mix cream cheese base: Using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat cream cheese, brown sugar, and cinnamon for 2-3 minutes until fluffy and smooth.
- Add heavy cream and vanilla: Mix in heavy cream and vanilla bean paste on low speed until fully combined.
- Incorporate powdered sugar: Add sifted powdered sugar and mix on low just until blended, then increase speed to medium-high and beat for 1-2 minutes until mixture is fluffy and smooth.
- Fold in pecans and carrots: Gently fold in chopped pecans and the cooled caramelized carrots. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer the chilled dip to a serving bowl and garnish with extra chopped pecans and reserved caramelized carrots. Serve with graham crackers, apple slices, cinnamon sugar chips, or pretzel crisps.
Notes
- Ensure the caramelized carrots are fully cooled before folding into the cream cheese mixture to avoid melting the cream cheese.
- Sifting the powdered sugar helps avoid lumps and makes for a smoother dip.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a creamier texture.
- This dip can be made a day ahead for enhanced flavor; just keep refrigerated until serving.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and add an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar if desired for sweetness and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
