In 10th grade at my high school, health education class was mandatory for all students.
In my class, there was a kid named Tim. Tim was a nice enough kid; the sporty type and on the hockey team, but not necessarily overly health-conscious. Every morning the teacher would ask Tim what he had for breakfast. Some days it was cereal with milk, some days it was eggs with toast. (I don’t remember beyond that because honestly, the only one who seemed to be completely enthralled with finding out what Tim ate every morning was the teacher.)
But I remember one day Tim saying that he had a bagel. Butter or cream cheese on it?, the teacher asked nonchalantly. Both, replied Tim happily, with a huge grin. The teacher audibly gasped. Students who had previously been on the brink of a catnap jolted awake and looked up to ascertain the source of her disdain.
Let’s try to keep it to either butter or cream cheese, shall we, Tim?, she said tersely. We all laughed, including Tim; he really was a great sport (no pun intended). She was not nearly as amused as the rest of us were.
Anyway, I thought of that teacher as I made this spread because *gasp* it contains both butter and cream cheese (lol!). Just be mindful of your serving size and all will be well.
If your family serves brunch on Thanksgiving morning, this spread is a lovely thing to put out with bagels. Or it makes a festive snack served with sliced apples, gingersnap cookies, or graham crackers for dipping.
- 8 oz cream cheese, slightly softened (low-fat is fine)
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (canned is fine; look for solid-pack pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil, slightly softened
- 4-6 tablespoons pure maple syrup (more or less to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 pinch salt
- Whip together all ingredients until light and fluffy.
- Cover and refrigerate until fully chilled so it can thicken, at least 4 hours (up to 3 days is fine though).
- Serve chilled.
I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to 
I was wondering if the little crock you are using to hold the cream cheese has any brand name or info you might b able to share. I am in love with it! So totally warm and perfect.
Mary, Thank you so much, it really is an adorable little crock! Unfortunately, I no longer have it (I moved a couple times since then, and I either donated it to Goodwill in an attempt to not have to move so much stuff, or it broke, or it somehow got lost). I have no idea who made it; it’s ironic, I think I purchased it at a Goodwill store to begin with! :)
How unusual and …tasty. . Great story faith
I totally put a thin layer of butter underneath my peanut butter on toast! They bring out each others salt and sweetness respectively. Yum! :) It’s all healthy fat!
So funny! I, too do the same! That teacher would of loved me. I love the idea of a pumpkin flavored cream cheese – the perfect treat for Thanksgiving breakfast Faith!
A little treat for breakfast is the best way to start the day! Love the idea of serving it with gingersnaps too.
ha ha funny story. Well i think with what you have accomplished the teacher will forgive you for this awesome fall spread.
I am sure Tim would love this spread and so do I Faith! Who could resist this breakfast treat!
Now if only I could buy the pumpkin pie spice! Have a good week. Diane
Diane, I can help with that! For 1 1/2 teaspoons of homemade pumpkin pie spice (the amount used in this recipe), mix together the following ground spices: 1/2 + 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 + 1/8 teaspoon ginger, 1/4 teaspoon allspice, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon cloves. Hope you enjoy it if you give it a try!
Oh my, too funny! I love your option of the coconut oil since I’m on a coconut oil kick right now. This really sounds lovely! And it just so happens to remind me of a certain pumpkin & cheese spice bead that I’ve been wanting to try… :)
What a fun and decadent idea for Thanksgiving morning – I’d love hearing what my classmates ate for breakfast too.
cute story, and i don’t believe i’ve seen a bagel look so appetizing before! :)
Butter and cream cheese is like one of the dreamiest combinations out there – I want this on my bagel tomorrow!
I wish I had some of this spread right now to pair with a nice piece of toast for my afternoon snack! :)
How funny – I wonder why the teacher was so into Tim’s breakfast? I love the idea of using the powdered sugar to make this thicker and then spreading it on some raisin toast or gingerbread cookies!
the teacher’s reaction is a bit comical ;) but this spread sounds awesome. i’d probably skip the bagel and go right to apple slices!
I love this. I don’t think I would even spread it on anything… just gimme a spoon!! :)
What a funny story to remember :) Its amazing how our memory works. I’m all in. Pumpkin everything!
Divine! I love the idea.
Cheers,
Rosa