Bookmark
Pumpkin Truffles are creamy bites of pumpkin goodness wrapped in a smooth chocolate shell topped with crunchy graham cracker crumbs or English toffee bits. They come together quickly without baking and make a perfect treat for fall, holiday gatherings, or heartfelt gifts. These bites are rich, flavorful, and highlight all the cozy flavors of the season in a simple, elegant form.
I made these for the first time last autumn when I wanted a festive treat without heating the oven. They disappeared in no time at my family gathering, and now they have become a seasonal tradition we all look forward to.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese, softened: Gives the filling a creamy, luscious texture. Soften properly for best results
- Powdered sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness while keeping the texture smooth
- Pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin, not canned pumpkin pie filling, to keep flavor balanced and control sweetness
- Finely ground graham cracker crumbs: Adds a nutty, slightly sweet base and texture. Premade crumbs or crushed crackers work well
- Pumpkin pie spice: Brings warm, cozy flavors. Freshly blended spice is ideal if you have it
- Cinnamon: Enhances the pumpkin spice blend with a gentle kick
- Milk chocolate melting wafers: These melt smoothly for an even chocolate coating. Can swap with white or dark chocolate or almond bark for variation
- English toffee bits or extra graham cracker crumbs: Optional for topping to add crunch and extra flavor contrast
Instructions
- Softer the Base Mix:
- Add softened cream cheese and powdered sugar to a mixing bowl. With a hand or stand mixer, beat these together until the mixture becomes creamy and super smooth. This foundation is what makes the truffles melt-in-your-mouth good.
- Combine Pumpkin and Spices:
- Add pumpkin puree to the cream cheese mixture and mix at medium speed until everything is thoroughly blended and silky smooth. Then add graham cracker crumbs, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Keep mixing at medium speed until incorporated. The resulting dough should be thick and easy to handle, usually needing about one to two minutes of mixing.
- Chill the Truffle Dough:
- Transfer the thick dough into a smaller bowl, cover well, and refrigerate for about two hours. This helps the mixture firm up enough to roll into balls easily. Chilling can be extended if your dough isn’t firm enough after the initial two hours.
- Shape and Chill Again:
- Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure it will fit in your fridge. Scoop approximately one tablespoon of dough into your hands and roll it into a uniform ball about an inch in diameter. Space the balls about two inches apart on the sheet. This recipe makes around twenty truffles. Once shaped, cover the baking sheet and chill the truffles for another twenty to twenty-five minutes to set before dipping.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Place the milk chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at full power in ten to fifteen second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth and completely melted. Be cautious not to overheat or scorch the chocolate, which can ruin the coating.
- Dip and Coat the Truffles:
- Remove the chilled truffles from the fridge. Using a fork, gently drop one truffle at a time into the melted chocolate. Maneuver the fork to coat the truffle entirely. Lift it out and scrape the fork’s bottom against the bowl to remove excess chocolate. Use another fork to slide the coated truffle back onto the parchment paper without smudging the sides. If needed, once the chocolate has hardened, dip the bottoms again for full coverage.
- Add the Final Touch:
- Immediately sprinkle the tops of the wet chocolate with extra graham cracker crumbs or English toffee bits for crunch and decoration.
- Set and Store:
- Return the coated truffles to the refrigerator to allow the chocolate shell to harden completely. They can stay at room temperature for a few hours before serving but store them chilled for best texture and freshness.
These truffles are a celebration of fall’s best spices blended with rich chocolate. I especially love the graham cracker crumbs which give a delightful crunch on top and hint at classic fall desserts like pumpkin pie crust. One year at a holiday party, these were the first treats to disappear, sparking curious questions on how they were made.
Storage Tips
Keep Pumpkin Truffles stored in an airtight container layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate them to maintain their shape and freshness. If you need to store longer, they freeze wonderfully for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap milk chocolate melting wafers for dark or white chocolate depending on your preference. If you have nut allergies, skip the English toffee bits and stick to graham cracker crumbs or even crushed nuts if safe. Pumpkin pie spice can be substituted with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger mixed individually.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled on a pretty platter as a seasonal dessert or bring them as a party appetizer. Pair them with spiced tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make adorable edible gifts when packaged in festive boxes or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon.
These pumpkin truffles are an easy no bake treat perfect for gifting or parties. Enjoy them chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I prevent the chocolate coating from hardening too fast?
Use a double boiler or a candy warmer to keep the chocolate melted and smooth while dipping, allowing slow, even coating without quick hardening.
- → What can I use if I don't have a food processor for graham cracker crumbs?
Place graham crackers in a sealed plastic bag and crush them finely using a rolling pin to achieve the desired crumb texture.
- → Are there alternatives to milk chocolate melting wafers for coating?
Yes, you can substitute with regular chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or melted almond bark for a smooth coating.
- → Any suggestions for serving at gatherings?
Consider doubling the batch since these bites are popular and tend to disappear quickly during parties.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers; they stay fresh for up to a week.
- → Can these treats be frozen?
Yes, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months, then thaw in the refrigerator before serving.