Pumpkin cheesecake truffles are a no-bake fall dessert that taste as amazing as they look. Creamy, spiced pumpkin cheesecake filling is rolled into little balls, coated in sugar, shaped into mini pumpkins, and topped with chocolate chip “stems.” These adorable treats combine the flavors of pumpkin pie and cheesecake with the fun of seasonal presentation.
Unlike regular truffles dipped in chocolate, these are rolled in orange sugar for sparkle and texture, then gently indented to resemble tiny pumpkins. They’re bite-sized, festive, and guaranteed to impress on dessert platters at Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any fall celebration.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or gingersnaps for spiced version)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup orange-colored sanding sugar (or granulated sugar mixed with orange food coloring)
- 24–28 semi-sweet chocolate chips (for stems)
Preparation
Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Mixture
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until creamy.
- Stir in graham cracker crumbs until mixture thickens and holds shape.
Step 2: Chill the Mixture
- Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or until firm enough to roll into balls.
Step 3: Shape the Truffles
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into smooth balls.
- Roll each ball in orange sugar until fully coated.
Step 4: Create Pumpkin Design
- Use a toothpick, skewer, or the edge of a butter knife to press gentle vertical lines around the truffle, making it resemble a pumpkin.
- Place a chocolate chip on top of each as the “stem.”
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Arrange truffles on a parchment-lined tray.
- Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to set before serving.
Variations
- Spiced Pumpkin Truffles: Use crushed gingersnaps instead of graham crackers for a stronger spice.
- White Chocolate Stem: Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate chips or green candy-coated chocolates for variety.
- Glitter Pumpkins: Roll in sparkling sanding sugar for a dazzling effect.
- Bite-Sized Minis: Make smaller pumpkins and serve as edible table décor.
Cooking Notes
- The mixture should be thick but workable—add more cookie crumbs if too soft.
- Always chill the mixture before rolling to prevent stickiness.
- Store in airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a festive fall platter as a centerpiece.
- Use as edible party favors, wrapped in little treat bags.
- Place around pumpkin pies or cakes as cute edible garnishes.
- Pair with spiced cider, hot cocoa, or pumpkin lattes.
💡 Tips
- For the best look, press pumpkin ridges gently but firmly so they hold shape.
- Keep truffles chilled until serving—they soften at room temperature.
- Make ahead for parties: prepare up to 2 days in advance.
- Use different colors of sugar (like gold or brown) for rustic variations.
Timing
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per truffle, approx. 24 servings)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 65mg
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I freeze pumpkin cheesecake truffles?
- Yes! Freeze uncoated truffles for up to 2 months. Thaw, then roll in sugar before serving.
Q2: Do I have to make them pumpkin-shaped?
- Not at all—you can roll them into regular balls and still enjoy the same flavor.
Q3: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
- No, it’s too sweet and runny. Stick to pure pumpkin puree.
Q4: How do I keep them from being too soft?
- Add more graham cracker crumbs or chill longer before shaping.
Q5: Can I coat them in chocolate instead of sugar?
- Yes! Dip in white or dark chocolate for a richer version.
Conclusion
Pumpkin cheesecake truffles are the cutest and most festive way to enjoy pumpkin spice season. With a creamy filling, sweet sugar coating, and chocolate chip “stems,” they look like little pumpkins and taste like pumpkin cheesecake in bite-sized form. Easy, no-bake, and customizable, they’re perfect for parties, holidays, or cozy fall evenings.