These little Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles are a delightful bite, perfect for fall gatherings or a sweet treat any time. They’re surprisingly easy to make, requiring no baking and just a few simple ingredients. My kids absolutely adore them—they’re like tiny, poppable cheesecakes!
The creamy pumpkin filling is gently spiced and sweetened, then rolled into balls and coated in sugar. A touch of chocolate on top makes them look like miniature pumpkins. It’s a fun, festive recipe the whole family can enjoy. Plus, they’re great for making ahead—perfect for those busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by.
Why You’ll Love It
These Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles aren’t just cute—they’re packed with flavor and personality. Here’s why they’re a new family favorite in our home:
- No-bake ease: Skip the oven and enjoy the simplicity of these truffles. They’re perfect for quick treats.
- Creamy dreamy texture: The filling is rich and smooth, with a perfect melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Festive and fun: Their pumpkin shape makes them ideal for autumn celebrations or any time you crave a taste of fall.
- Make-ahead magic: Prepare the filling in advance and roll into truffles whenever you need a sweet treat.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 mins
- Yield: 20-24 truffles
Description
These no-bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles are a delightful bite-sized treat perfect for fall or any time you crave a pumpkin spice treat. Creamy, easy, and fun to make, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
- Orange food coloring (optional)
- Granulated sugar
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine butter, cream cheese, pumpkin puree, condensed milk, and spice in a skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened.
- Stir in graham cracker crumbs and white chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
- Add food coloring (optional) and stir until evenly distributed.
- Continue stirring until the mixture releases from the pan’s sides.
- Pour onto a buttered sheet, spread evenly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Roll the chilled mixture into small balls.
- Roll each truffle in granulated sugar.
- Create ridges with a toothpick and top with a chocolate chip.
Notes
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. If the mixture is too sticky when rolling, lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar. For an extra touch of fall flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar coating.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Overview
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these tasty Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles. Don’t be intimidated by the list—it’s all simple pantry staples:
- 1 tablespoon butter: Unsalted butter works best for these truffles.
- 4 ounces cream cheese: Let it soften to room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree: Not pumpkin pie filling! Pure pumpkin puree gives the best flavor and texture.
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk: This adds the perfect sweetness and creaminess.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: You can make your own or use store-bought.
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs: This forms the base of the truffles.
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips: These add a bit of sweetness and help the truffles hold their shape.
- Orange food coloring: Optional, for a brighter pumpkin color.
- Granulated sugar: For rolling the truffles.
- Chocolate chips: For the pumpkin stems.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for perfectly formed Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Combine the butter, cream cheese, pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, and pumpkin pie spice in a skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and combined.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Stir in the graham cracker crumbs and white chocolate chips. Continue stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Add Color (Optional)
If you want a more intense orange color, add a few drops of orange food coloring (or combine red and yellow). Stir until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Thicken
Keep stirring the mixture until it releases from the sides and bottom of the pan. This indicates it’s thick enough to form truffles. It’s better to err on the side of thicker rather than too thin.
Step 5: Chill
Pour the mixture onto a buttered baking sheet or plate. Spread into an even layer and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or preferably overnight.
Step 6: Shape the Truffles
Rub a little butter on your hands to prevent sticking. Roll the chilled pumpkin mixture into small balls.
Step 7: Coat in Sugar
Pour granulated sugar into a shallow dish. Roll each truffle in the sugar to coat completely.
Step 8: Decorate and Serve
Use a toothpick to create ridges along the sides of each truffle to resemble a pumpkin. Top with a chocolate chip to create a stem. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator.
Pro Tips
Want to take your Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles to the next level? Here are a few tips from my kitchen to yours:
- Chilling is key: Don’t rush the chilling process. A firmer mixture makes for easier rolling. Overnight chilling is ideal.
- Butter up: Greasing your hands with butter prevents the mixture from sticking and helps create smooth truffles.
- Size matters: Keep the truffles small for easy eating and portion control. Aim for about 1-inch diameter.
- Chocolate variations: Try using different types of chocolate chips for the stems, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate.
- Make it festive: Get creative with toppings! Sprinkle with chopped nuts, drizzle with melted chocolate, or dust with cinnamon. For more dessert inspiration, explore our desserts category.
Recipe Variations
Want to add a twist to these Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles? Here are some delicious variations:
- Gingersnap Spice: Swap the graham cracker crumbs for gingersnap crumbs and add a pinch of ground ginger to the filling.
- Chocolate Swirl: Mix in a few tablespoons of melted dark chocolate into the pumpkin mixture for a marbled effect. You can also add some chocolate chips for extra indulgence. Speaking of chocolate, you might like these Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Brownies.
- Coconut Dream: Add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut to the filling and roll the truffles in coconut flakes instead of sugar.
- Peanut Butter Power: Mix in 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter to the filling and drizzle melted peanut butter over the finished truffles.
Can I freeze these Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles?
Yes, these truffles freeze beautifully. Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Make sure to cook it down to reduce the moisture content before adding it to the recipe.
How long do these truffles last in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, these truffles will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Can I make these truffles without food coloring?
Absolutely! The food coloring is purely for aesthetics. The truffles will still be delicious without it.
Serving Suggestions
These Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Here’s how I like to serve them:
- Fall gatherings: Arrange them on a platter with other seasonal treats, like caramel apples and spiced cider. They’re a hit at potlucks and parties.
- Dessert buffet: These bite-sized beauties are a welcome addition to any dessert spread. Try pairing them with our delicious Red Velvet Cupcakes.
- After-dinner treat: Serve a few truffles with coffee or tea for a satisfying end to a meal.
- Gift giving: Package them up in a pretty box or tin and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall. They’re easy, fun, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you and your family enjoy making and sharing them as much as we do!
For more recipe inspiration, don’t forget to check out our lunch recipes. Also, be sure to connect with us on social media for more delicious updates:
