Okay, y’all, get ready for your new favorite fall obsession! I know, I know, pumpkin spice EVERYTHING can be a little…much. But trust me on this one. We’re taking the classic, juicy sweetness of strawberries and BAM! We’re kicking it up a notch with the cozy, warm flavors of pumpkin pie. Seriously, who knew these two were meant to be together?!
These Pumpkin Patch Strawberries are ridiculously easy to make. No oven required! That’s right – a totally decadent, autumn-inspired dessert that you don’t even have to bake. It’s basically dipping strawberries in a creamy, dreamy pumpkin spice cloud. My favorite part is how the cool, fresh strawberry balances out the richness of the pumpkin. It’s like a little taste of fall sunshine in every bite!
I’ve always loved baking with both strawberries and pumpkins – though never together until now! Strawberries are just so versatile, and well, pumpkin spice is basically a food group in my house come October. So, I thought, why not combine them? And oh my goodness, was that a good decision! These Pumpkin Patch Strawberries are the perfect sweet treat for a chilly evening, a fun party snack, or just because you deserve something delicious. Get ready to fall in love!
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Patch Strawberries
Seriously, you’re gonna be obsessed! Here’s why:
Quick and Easy Dessert
I’m talking, like, 15 minutes of prep! You can whip these up faster than you can say “pumpkin spice.”
Perfect Fall Flavor
That combo of juicy strawberries and warm pumpkin spice? It’s like autumn exploded in your mouth in the best way possible!
No-Bake Recipe
Helloooo, easy peasy! No oven needed, which means less mess and more time for, well, eating!
Great for Parties
Trust me; these will be the hit of any fall gathering. Everyone will be begging you for the recipe!
Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Patch Strawberries
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled – Yep, gotta wash ’em and take those little green hats off!
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree – Not pumpkin pie filling, okay? Just plain ol’ pumpkin.
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened – This is key! Make sure it’s nice and soft, or you’ll end up with a lumpy mess.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar – For that touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice – The magic ingredient! But hey, you can always add a bit more if you’re feeling extra spicy.
- Optional: Graham cracker crumbs for dipping – Adds a little crunch!
How to Make Pumpkin Patch Strawberries: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get down to business! This is seriously so easy, you’ll be snacking on these in no time.
Preparing the Strawberries
First things first: grab your strawberries. You’ll wanna wash ’em really well, and then gently pat them dry. This is important! We don’t want soggy strawberries messing with our coating. Then, carefully hull them – that means taking out the little green stem part. I use a paring knife, but you can find special hulling tools if you’re fancy!
Making the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Coating
Now for the good stuff! In a bowl, dump in your pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Now, here’s a little secret: make SURE that cream cheese is nice and soft! If it’s still cold, you’ll end up with a lumpy coating, and nobody wants that. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Give it a little taste – you might want to add a pinch more pumpkin pie spice if you’re feeling adventurous!
Coating and Chilling the Pumpkin Patch Strawberries
Time to get messy! Grab a strawberry and dip it into that glorious pumpkin cream cheese mixture. Make sure it’s coated evenly all the way around. If you’re using graham cracker crumbs (and you totally should!), pour them into a shallow dish and gently roll the coated strawberry in the crumbs. Place each strawberry on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper – this will keep them from sticking. Now, pop the tray into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial! It lets the coating set up and firm up. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Patch Strawberries
Want to make sure your Pumpkin Patch Strawberries are total perfection? Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way!
Ensuring a Smooth Coating
Seriously, don’t skip the softened cream cheese! If it’s still cold, you’ll get lumps, and that’s no fun. Let it sit out for at least 30 minutes, or even microwave it for a few seconds (but watch it!).
Adjusting the Spice Level
Pumpkin pie spice is amazing, but everyone’s different! Start with the teaspoon, then give the coating a taste. Want more spice? Go for it! A little extra never hurt anyone.
Storing Leftover Strawberries
If you somehow have leftovers (doubtful!), pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best within a day or two, though, ’cause the strawberries can get a little soggy after a while. Still delicious, just not quite as pretty!
Pumpkin Patch Strawberries Variations
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic recipe? Awesome! Now let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! Here are some fun variations to try:
Different Spices
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pumpkin cream cheese coating. It’ll add a little extra warmth and coziness!
Chocolate Drizzle
Oh. My. Goodness. Drizzle some melted chocolate (milk, dark, white – whatever your heart desires!) over the coated strawberries. It’s like a party in your mouth!
Nut Topping
Not a graham cracker fan? No problem! Dip those pumpkin-coated strawberries in some chopped nuts – pecans, walnuts, almonds… yum!
Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Patch Strawberries
So, you’ve got a batch of these beauties ready to go…now what? Here are a few ideas to make ’em extra special!
As a Dessert Platter Addition
These are *perfect* on a fall dessert platter! Think mini pumpkin pies, apple slices with caramel dip, maybe some little pecan tassies… Wow!
With Coffee or Tea
Seriously, a warm cup of coffee or tea is the *perfect* partner for these. The pumpkin spice just screams “fall cozy vibes,” ya know?
For Fall Gatherings
Potlucks, Thanksgiving appetizer, tailgating party… these are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Make a double batch, trust me!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Patch Strawberries
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks usually ask me about these little pumpkin patch beauties:
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Okay, so technically, *can* you? Sure. *Should* you? Mmm, probably not. Fresh strawberries are definitely the way to go here for the best texture. Frozen ones tend to get a little mushy once they thaw, and that can make the coating slide right off. Plus, they won’t be nearly as juicy!
How long will these last in the refrigerator?
Honestly? Not long! They’re best consumed within a day or two. The strawberries tend to release moisture after a while, which can make the coating a little soft. They’ll still taste amazing, but they might not look quite as pretty!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yep, you totally can! I’d say you can make them up to a few hours before you need them. Just keep in mind that if you’re using graham cracker crumbs, they might soften a bit in the fridge. You can always add the crumbs right before serving for maximum crunch, though!
Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re not a cream cheese fan (gasp!), you could try using mascarpone. It’s a bit richer and smoother, but it’ll still give you that lovely creamy texture. Or, if you’re feeling really fancy, you could even use a little bit of whipped ricotta!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Pumpkin Patch Strawberries
Okay, so I know you’re probably not making these for a health food kick (haha!), but here’s a rough idea of what you’re getting into. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, okay? It can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use.
For about 2 strawberries, you’re looking at roughly 50 calories, 2g of fat, 1g of protein, and 8g of carbs (with 6g of sugar – whoops!). But hey, they’re strawberries! And they’re delicious! So don’t sweat it too much, just enjoy!
Enjoy Your Delicious Pumpkin Patch Strawberries!
Alright, my friends, that’s it! Go forth and make these Pumpkin Patch Strawberries! Seriously, you won’t regret it. And hey, if you try ’em, leave me a comment below and let me know what you think! Bonus points if you post a picture!
Print
Pumpkin Patch Strawberries: 4 Sinfully Delicious Steps
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 20 strawberries 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin Patch Strawberries are a delightful fall treat, combining the flavors of pumpkin spice and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Optional: Graham cracker crumbs for dipping
Instructions
- Wash and hull the strawberries. Pat them dry.
- In a bowl, combine pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix until smooth.
- Dip each strawberry into the pumpkin mixture, coating evenly.
- (Optional) Dip the coated strawberries into graham cracker crumbs.
- Place the strawberries on a parchment-lined plate or tray.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the coating to set.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice to your taste.
- For a smoother coating, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened.
- Store leftover strawberries in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 strawberries
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg