Autumn in a bite, these Pumpkin Spice Truffles wrap a silken pumpkin–cream cheese center in a crisp chocolate shell. It is tiny seasonal bombs of flavor that vanish fast at parties. Sweet, warmly spiced pumpkin folded with cream cheese and graham cracker crumbs becomes a fudgy, scoopable filling, coated in chocolate and finished with crunchy graham crumbs for contrast.
It is suitable for gift boxes, Thanksgiving dessert tables, cookie exchanges, or a quick afternoon treat with coffee.
What are Pumpkin Spice Truffles?
Pumpkin Spice Truffles are confections made from a pumpkin-flavored and cream cheese-enriched filling that’s chilled, rolled into balls, and dipped in tempered chocolate. They are similar to pumpkin cheesecake and chocolate truffles. They’re a modern, no-bake take on seasonal sweets, portable, and great for those who want dessert without turning on the oven.
These truffles borrow from cheesecake and classic chocolate truffles. The pumpkin twist is a recent seasonal innovation that surged with the pumpkin-spice trend.
Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Truffles
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest, most stable filling. Low-fat varieties can produce a looser texture.
- Drain or strain your pumpkin puree if it’s particularly watery, you want the mixture thick, not soupy. Line a fine mesh with a paper towel and press lightly if needed.
- Warm the white chocolate gently, microwave in 10-12 second bursts, or use a double boiler before adding so it blends smoothly into the filling. If it seizes, add a teaspoon of neutral oil or cream to revive it.
- Proper chilling makes rolling neat and prevents the filling from melting when you dip. The extra firmness also improves coating adhesion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best pumpkin to use, canned or fresh?
Canned pumpkin puree is fine and consistent in texture and flavor for these truffles. If using homemade pumpkin, make sure it’s well-cooked and strained so it’s as thick as canned puree.
Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
Use vegan cream cheese and choose dairy-free white and dark chocolates. Keep in mind that texture and setting times can vary with vegan substitutes, so chilling is even more important.
Why is my filling too soft to roll?
If the filling is soft, chill it longer, up to 24 hours. You can also add a touch more graham cracker crumbs, a tablespoon at a time, to firm it up, but don’t overdo it or the truffles will be dry.
How do I prevent chocolate from cracking after coating?
Either temper the chocolate or cool the dipped truffles at room temperature until the coating sets, then refrigerate. Rapid temperature changes from hot to cold can cause bloom or cracking.
How to Store Pumpkin Spice Truffles
It can last in the fridge for 10 days, just keep layers separated with parchment or wax paper. Remove from the fridge 10-20 minutes before serving so they soften slightly, but don’t leave them out longer than 2 hours at room temperature.
Ingredients
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Truffles
Beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth, and add the pumpkin and beat.
Beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth, and add the pumpkin and beat.
Stir in graham cracker crumbs, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon. Gently fold in melted white chocolate, and the mixture will become thicker and fudgier. Cover and refrigerate for an hour.
Stir in graham cracker crumbs, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon. Gently fold in melted white chocolate, and the mixture will become thicker and fudgier. Cover and refrigerate for an hour.
Roll the mixture between your palms into smooth balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Roll the mixture between your palms into smooth balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Gently melt dark chocolate and, using a fork, lower a chilled ball into the melted dark chocolate, and place it back on the parchment.
Gently melt dark chocolate and, using a fork, lower a chilled ball into the melted dark chocolate, and place it back on the parchment.
While the coating is still wet, sprinkle each truffle with crushed graham cracker crumbs, so they stick. Set and serve.
While the coating is still wet, sprinkle each truffle with crushed graham cracker crumbs, so they stick. Set and serve.
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