These Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles are little bites of fall happiness! Creamy cheesecake mixed with pumpkin and spices, all rolled into delightful treats.
They are perfect for sharing or just keeping for yourself (no judgment here!). I like to enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee, making chilly days feel cozy and warm.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This ingredient gives the truffles their creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese. For dairy-free options, try vegan cream cheese.
Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use plain canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling! If you’re in a pinch, you could make your own puree by cooking and mashing fresh pumpkin, though it requires more effort.
Powdered Sugar: This helps sweeten and bind the filling. If you want a healthier option, you could use coconut sugar, but the texture may vary slightly.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: They add a crumbly texture. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free graham crackers or crushed almonds as a substitute.
White Chocolate: Use white chocolate or candy melts for coating. If you’re avoiding sugar, there are sugar-free white chocolate options available. You could also try dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
How Do I Get My Truffles to Hold Their Shape?
Keeping truffles firm is all about the right balance of ingredients and chilling! Here are a few tips:
- Chill Your Mixture: After mixing the ingredients, chill your mixture for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to form balls.
- Freezing: Once you shape the balls, freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This will ensure they stay solid when dipped in chocolate.
- Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: When melting the chocolate, do it in small increments of 30 seconds to avoid burning. The chocolate should be smooth but not too hot, which can make your truffles melt.
- Temperature Control: Keep the truffles refrigerated after coating to ensure they hold their shape while serving.
With these tips, you’ll create truffles that not only look adorable but taste amazing too! Enjoy making these festive treats!
How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120g) canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 cups (about 200g) graham cracker crumbs
- 8 oz (225g) white chocolate or white candy melts
- Additional graham cracker crumbs or cinnamon sugar for coating
- Mini chocolate chips for garnish (optional)
- Additional pumpkin pie spice for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 30 minutes of active prep time. Then, you’ll need to chill the truffles in the freezer for around 30 minutes. After that, allow some time for the chocolate to set in the fridge—about 15 to 20 minutes. Overall, you’ll have a delicious treat ready in about 1 hour or so!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, canned pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Beat everything together with a hand mixer or a large spoon until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Crumbs:
Gradually sprinkle in the graham cracker crumbs. Mix well until everything is fully combined, and the mixture can easily hold its shape—this means you should be able to roll it into balls without crumbling apart.
3. Shape the Truffles:
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place the rolled balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they’re not touching.
4. Freeze the Truffles:
Pop the baking sheet into the freezer for about 30 minutes so the truffles firm up. This will make it easier to coat them later!
5. Melt the Chocolate:
While the truffles are freezing, take your white chocolate or candy melts and melt them in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
6. Coat the Truffles:
Once your truffles are firm, take them out of the freezer. Use a fork or dipping tool to dip each truffle into the melted white chocolate, fully coating them. Let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl, then place the truffles back on the parchment paper.
7. Add the Final Touches:
While the chocolate coating is still wet, sprinkle some extra graham cracker crumbs or cinnamon sugar over the top of each truffle for a bit of texture and flavor.
8. Drizzle and Garnish:
If you like, take a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off and drizzle some additional melted white chocolate over the truffles in pretty lines, just like in the image. Add a few mini chocolate chips on top and sprinkle with a bit of pumpkin pie spice for good measure.
9. Chill to Set:
Place the coated truffles back in the fridge and let them chill for another 15–20 minutes until the chocolate is fully set.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Now that they’re ready, serve them chilled and enjoy these delicious bites of pumpkin cheesecake goodness!
These truffles are the perfect treat to celebrate the flavors of fall, combining creamy, spiced pumpkin cheesecake wrapped in a sweet chocolate shell. Enjoy sharing them (or keeping them all to yourself)! 🍂🍰
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate for Coating?
Absolutely! While white chocolate gives a nice sweetness, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even semi-sweet chocolate to suit your taste. Just remember that different chocolates may alter the sweetness and flavor of the truffles slightly!
How Should I Store the Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles?
Store your truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months! Just let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Can I Make These Truffles Vegan?
Yes! To make them vegan, use dairy-free cream cheese and replace the white chocolate with dairy-free chocolate or candy melts. Be sure to check the labels to ensure no dairy ingredients are included!
What Can I Use Instead of Graham Cracker Crumbs?
If you need a substitute, you can use crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even ground nuts like almonds or pecans for an alternative texture. Just ensure that the substitute holds together like graham crackers do!