Fall Pumpkin Butter Board (Easy Appetizer Everyone Will Love)

Method

1. Soften and Mix the Base

   Make sure your cream cheese and butter are fully at room temperature. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth with no lumps. This takes about 1 to 2 minutes with a hand mixer or a good amount of stirring by hand.

2. Add the Pumpkin and Spices

   Add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves to the cream cheese mixture. Stir everything together until fully combined and smooth. Taste it and adjust the spices if you want a little more warmth.

3. Toast the Pepitas

   Place the pepitas in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast them for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until they are golden and just starting to pop. Remove them from the heat immediately and set aside to cool.

4. Spread the Board

   Spoon the pumpkin cream cheese mixture onto a large wooden board or flat serving platter. Use the back of a spoon or a small offset spatula to spread it out in a thick, swooping layer, leaving a little space around the edges.

5. Add the Toppings

   Scatter the toasted pepitas evenly over the spread. Drizzle honey generously across the top, then sprinkle over the flaky sea salt and a pinch of cinnamon sugar. The contrast of sweet, salty and spiced is what makes this work.

6. Serve Immediately

   Arrange your crostini, crackers and apple or pear slices around the edges of the board. Set it out right away and let guests scoop and spread as they like. It is best served at room temperature.