1. Soften the Cream Cheese: Take your block of cream cheese out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you plan to start, or gently soften it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until it’s pliable but not melted. This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free dip.

2. Combine Cream Cheese and Pumpkin: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and the entire can of pumpkin puree. Use an electric mixer on medium speed, or a sturdy whisk, to beat these two ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.

3. Add Greek Yogurt and Sweetener: Fold in the plain Greek yogurt and powdered sugar. Continue mixing until the mixture is light, airy, and uniformly smooth. Make sure there are no streaks of unmixed yogurt or sugar.

4. Introduce Spices and Flavorings: Stir in the pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dip. You should see a consistent orange color with no visible spice clumps.

5. Taste and Adjust: Take a small spoonful of the dip and taste it. This is your chance to adjust the sweetness or spice levels. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more powdered sugar. If you want more spice, add another pinch of pumpkin pie spice. Mix again after any adjustments.

6. Chill for Best Results (Optional but Recommended): Transfer the finished dip to a serving bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to deepen and the dip to firm up slightly, making it even more enjoyable.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, give the dip a final stir and serve with your favorite dippers. The dip should be thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon and have a vibrant orange hue.