These Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles are tiny bites of fall goodness! With creamy pumpkin and cheesecake flavors wrapped in a sweet chocolate coating, they’re hard to resist.
Making these truffles is so much fun! It’s like playing with food—squishing, rolling, and dipping. I always keep some in the fridge, ready for when I need a sweet pick-me-up! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This gives the truffles their creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, try using a vegan cream cheese alternative, which works well too!
Canned Pumpkin Puree: This is the star ingredient! If fresh pumpkin is in season, you can roast and puree it yourself. Just make sure it’s well cooked and smooth.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for sweetness and smoothness. For a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, but it may alter the texture slightly.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: A must for that warm fall flavor! If you don’t have it on hand, a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger can serve as a good substitute.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet adds a nice balance, but feel free to swap with white chocolate for a sweeter touch or dark chocolate for more richness!
How Do You Get the Perfect Shape for Your Truffles?
Rolling truffles can be a bit tricky, but it’s mainly about keeping the mixture cool! Make sure after mixing, chill the mixture well before shaping. Here’s how:
- Use a cookie scoop or two teaspoons for consistent size.
- Wet your hands slightly with water to prevent sticking while rolling.
- Roll gently until they’re smooth and round.
- If they start to warm up, pop them back in the fridge for a bit to firm up again.
These steps will help your truffles not only look nice but make them easier to dip in chocolate later on!
Delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, divided
For the Coating:
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate chips
- Optional: brown sugar or coarse sugar for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour for chilling. The waiting time is essential as it helps the truffles firm up for a perfect bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your truffles, so make sure it’s well blended!
2. Add the Sweetness and Flavor:
Next, add in the powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Mix everything thoroughly until it is completely combined and smooth. You should have a lovely creamy pumpkin mixture!
3. Create the Truffle Base:
Add 1 cup of the graham cracker crumbs to the pumpkin mixture and stir until it’s mixed well. The mixture should be thick enough to easily shape into balls.
4. Shape the Truffles:
Using a teaspoon or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls that are about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper as you go. This keeps them from sticking!
5. Chill the Truffles:
Pop the baking sheet in the fridge and refrigerate the truffles for at least 1 hour, or until they are firm enough to handle. This step is crucial for a perfect texture!
6. Melt the Chocolate:
While the truffles are chilling, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler on the stove until smooth. Be careful not to overheat, stirring occasionally until melted.
7. Coat the Truffles:
Once the truffles are firm, roll them in the remaining graham cracker crumbs to coat lightly. This adds a delicious crunch to the outside!
8. Drizzle with Chocolate:
Using a fork or dipping tool, drizzle the melted chocolate over each truffle in decorative stripes. If you’d like, sprinkle with brown sugar or coarse sugar while the chocolate is still wet for a little extra sparkle!
9. Allow to Set:
Return the truffles to the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the chocolate set completely. This will make them even more delightful to eat!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chocolate has set, take your truffles out and serve them chilled. Enjoy these creamy, rich, pumpkin cheesecake truffles—a perfect treat for fall gatherings!
These truffles combine the smoothness of pumpkin cheesecake with the crunchiness of graham crackers and the sweetness of chocolate, making them a delightful and easy-to-make fall dessert.
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, roast it and blend until smooth for a fresh flavor. Just make sure it’s well-cooked and not too watery, as excess moisture could affect the texture of your truffles.
How Do I Store Leftover Truffles?
Store any leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Just ensure they are cooled completely before sealing to avoid condensation.
Can I Freeze These Truffles?
Yes, you can freeze the truffles! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They will last for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.
What Can I Use Instead of Graham Cracker Crumbs?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use crushed gluten-free cookies or nuts. For a different flavor, try using vanilla wafers or even digestive biscuits as a substitute in equal parts!