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 extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
- ¼ cup finely chopped pecans (plus additional for optional garnish)
For Serving
- Graham crackers
- Apple slices (red or green)
- Cinnamon sugar chips
- Pretzel crisps
Instructions
- Caramelize the Carrots: Shred the carrots on the large side of a box grater and then roughly chop them into smaller pieces to maintain texture. Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and shredded carrots. Cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates and the carrots are tender and lightly browned. Remove from heat and cool completely, reserving 1 tablespoon for garnish.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, brown sugar, and cinnamon on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes with a handheld mixer until fluffy and smooth. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract and mix on low speed until fully combined.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Slowly add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low just until incorporated. Increase mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy and smooth.
- Combine and Chill: Fold in the finely chopped pecans and the caramelized carrots. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dip for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the texture to firm up slightly.
- Serve: Transfer the chilled carrot cake dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with reserved caramelized carrots and additional chopped pecans if desired. Serve with graham crackers, apple slices, cinnamon sugar chips, or pretzel crisps for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm carrots for the best texture.
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the dip.
- Sifting powdered sugar prevents clumps and helps achieve a smooth texture.
- Caramelized carrots add sweetness and texture—don’t skip this step.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Dessert Dip
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
