This Bourbon Peach Pecan Dip is a sweet and nutty treat that’s perfect for gatherings. It’s made with juicy peaches, crunchy pecans, and a splash of bourbon for a fun twist!
Trust me, once you try this dip, you’ll want to bring it to every party. It’s creamy, fruity, and has that little kick that makes it stand out. Who can resist that? 🍑🥜
I love serving this dip with some crispy chips or fresh fruit. It’s easy to whip up and always a hit, which makes it my go-to for any occasion!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base for the dip, providing creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using two-thirds less fat cream cheese or even ricotta for a different texture. My personal preference is classic cream cheese for that nice creamy richness.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both add tanginess. Greek yogurt gives a thicker consistency and extra protein. If you’re dairy-free, consider using a plant-based yogurt!
Fresh Peaches: Fresh peaches are best for flavor, but you can substitute with thawed frozen peaches. If you can’t find peaches, pears also work nicely in this recipe.
Pecans: You can replace pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. If you have nut allergies, consider using sunflower seeds or just leaving them out altogether.
Bourbon: For a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute bourbon with vanilla extract or omit it. However, a splash adds a unique kick that I really enjoy!
How Do I Cook Peaches to Make Them Perfectly Soft?
Cooking peaches right is key for a great dip. You want them to soften and blend well without turning to mush. Here’s how:
- Heat your skillet to medium heat and add butter to melt.
- Add the diced peaches, along with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir occasionally.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until the peaches are soft and the mix gets syrupy, but not too long to lose their shape.
- Finally, stir in the bourbon and allow it to cook off for just a minute to deepen the flavors.
This technique helps concentrate the peach flavor while keeping a good texture in your dip!
Bourbon Peach Pecan Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Creamy Base:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
For the Peach Pecan Topping:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or thawed frozen peaches)
- 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For Serving:
- Crackers or sliced fruit, for dipping
Time Needed:
This delightful dip takes about 15 minutes to prepare and is best served right away. You can easily whip it up as guests arrive, allowing you to enjoy the warm, sweet aroma filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get the Creamy Base Ready:
Start by taking a medium bowl and combining the softened cream cheese, your choice of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or simply a whisk to blend everything until it’s nice and smooth. Once it’s creamy, spread this base evenly in the bottom of a serving bowl or dish. This will give your dip a lovely foundation!
2. Cook the Peaches and Pecans:
Next, head over to your stovetop. In a skillet on medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once it’s melted, stir in the diced peaches, brown sugar, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll want the peaches to soften and create a yummy syrupy consistency, so give it a good stir as it cooks.
3. Add the Bourbon:
Now, let’s add some flavor! Stir the bourbon whiskey into the peach and pecan mixture. Allow it to cook for another 1-2 minutes. This will let the alcohol cook off but will keep that lovely bourbon flavor that truly enhances the dish.
4. Assemble the Dip:
Once your topping is ready, remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully spoon the warm bourbon peach pecan mixture over the cream cheese base you set up earlier, spreading it evenly across the surface. The warm topping over the creamy base is simply delicious!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Bourbon Peach Pecan Dip is now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it warm or at room temperature. Pair it with crackers, crispy crostini, or fresh fruit slices for a delightful dipping experience. It’s a sweet and crunchy treat that’s perfect for any gathering!
The balance of creamy, sweet, boozy, and crunchy makes this dip a star of the party. Enjoy your time with friends and family while savoring this tasty delight!
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches in this recipe! Just make sure to drain them well and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Fresh or thawed frozen peaches will give the best flavor, but canned will work in a pinch.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese base and the peach topping separately in advance. Just keep them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, warm up the peach mixture on the stove, then assemble the dip before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy it again, you can serve it cold or gently reheat the peach topping on the stove before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Pecans?
If you’re looking for a substitution, walnuts or almonds work well! If you have nut allergies, you can simply leave them out or replace them with toasted sunflower seeds for some crunch.
