Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles are a fun no-bake dessert made with pumpkin puree, cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and pumpkin pie spice. Graham cracker crumbs and white chocolate help create a rich, firm mixture that can be shaped into small pumpkin-inspired treats.
Each truffle is rolled in sugar and finished with a chocolate chip stem, making them especially fun for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and fall dessert tables. They can also be prepared ahead and kept chilled until you’re ready to serve.
Table of Contents
What Makes These Truffles Fun to Make
- No Oven Required: The mixture is prepared on the stovetop and chilled before shaping.
- Pumpkin-Shaped Treats: Simple toothpick marks turn each ball into a little pumpkin.
- Easy Party Dessert: The small size makes them convenient for sharing.
- Creamy Center: Cream cheese and condensed milk give the truffles a rich texture.
- Simple Decoration: A chocolate chip makes an easy edible stem.
Ingredients That Matter
- Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Pumpkin Puree: Use plain pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This provides sweetness and helps give the mixture its thick, fudgy consistency.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds the familiar spice flavor without needing several individual spices.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Help thicken the mixture and give the truffles a cheesecake-like flavor.
- White Chocolate Chips: Melt into the mixture and help it firm up after chilling.
- Granulated Sugar: Creates the coating around each truffle and gives the pumpkin shapes a finished look.
- Chocolate Chips: Use one for each truffle to create the stem.
Helpful Tip: Make sure the mixture is thoroughly chilled before shaping. If it feels too soft to roll, return it to the refrigerator for a little longer.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles Recipe
These Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles combine pumpkin puree, cream cheese, pumpkin pie spice, and graham cracker crumbs into small, pumpkin-shaped treats. They require no baking and can be prepared ahead, making them a simple dessert for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving, or fall gatherings.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rubber Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Small scoop or tablespoon
- Toothpick
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter plus more for greasing
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 can 14 ounces 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
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for rolling
- 20 chocolate chips for decorating
Instructions
- Lightly grease a baking sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- Combine the butter, cream cheese, pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Add the graham cracker crumbs and white chocolate chips. Continue stirring until the chocolate melts and the mixture becomes thick enough to pull away from the sides and bottom of the pan. Add a few drops of orange food coloring if desired.
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and smooth it into an even layer. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to shape.
- Grease your hands lightly with butter and scoop out small portions of the chilled mixture. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
- Roll each truffle in granulated sugar until evenly coated. Use a toothpick to gently press vertical lines around the sides to create a pumpkin shape.
- Place a chocolate chip on top of each truffle to form the stem. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Truffle |
|---|---|
| Calories | 125 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Sodium | 45 mg |
Little Details That Help
- Chill Until Firm: Soft truffle mixture is difficult to shape cleanly.
- Grease Your Hands: A light coating of butter keeps the mixture from sticking.
- Make Similar Sizes: Use a small scoop or tablespoon so all the truffles are roughly the same size.
- Don’t Press Too Hard: Use gentle pressure when making the pumpkin lines.
- Add the Stems Last: Chocolate chips are easier to place once the pumpkin shapes are finished.
- Keep Them Chilled: Refrigeration helps the truffles maintain their shape.
Creative Ideas for Extra Truffles
- Crush and Sprinkle: Break a truffle into pieces and sprinkle it over vanilla ice cream.
- Dessert Parfait: Layer chopped truffles with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers.
- Milkshake Topping: Crumble one over a pumpkin or vanilla milkshake.
- Cheesecake Topping: Chop and scatter pieces over plain cheesecake.
- Cookie Filling: Press small pieces between two soft cookies.
- Ice Cream Mix-In: Chop chilled truffles and fold them into softened vanilla ice cream.
More Fall Desserts to Try
- Pumpkin Spice Granola Bars
- Pear and Cranberry Crumble
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies
- Pumpkin Pie Crisp with Cinnamon Streusel
Keeping the Truffles Fresh
| Method | Storage Time | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days | Keep covered in an airtight container. |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month | Freeze in a sealed freezer-safe container. |
| Before Serving | 10–15 minutes | Let frozen truffles soften slightly in the refrigerator before serving. |
| Make Ahead | Up to 2 days | Shape and decorate them ahead, then keep refrigerated. |
Fun Ways to Serve Them
- Thanksgiving Dessert Tray: Arrange them alongside cookies and other small desserts.
- Halloween Party: Place the pumpkin-shaped truffles on a decorated dessert table.
- Coffee Break Treat: Serve one or two with coffee or tea.
- Dessert Box: Pack them into small paper cups for individual portions.
- Party Favors: Place a few in small food-safe bags or boxes.
- Cheesecake-Inspired Platter: Serve with graham crackers and fresh fruit.
Things Readers Often Wonder
- Can I make these truffles smaller?
Yes. Smaller portions work well for dessert trays and make more bite-sized treats. - How do I keep the pumpkin shapes from flattening?
Make sure the mixture is thoroughly chilled and firm before rolling and shaping. - Can I decorate the truffles without food coloring?
Yes. The orange coloring is optional. The truffles will still have the pumpkin shape without it. - Can I use crushed vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers?
Yes. Finely crushed vanilla wafers can be used in the same amount, although they will give the truffles a slightly different flavor. - Can I use a different candy for the pumpkin stems?
Yes. Small pieces of chocolate, candy-coated chocolate, or other firm edible decorations can be used instead of chocolate chips.
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The Freshman Cook started as a place to keep track of recipes I wanted to make again. Somewhere along the way, it grew into a collection of meals that friends requested, desserts that disappeared too quickly, and weeknight dinners that made life a little easier.
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