If you’re a pumpkin lover like me, then you’re going to be head over heels for this Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe. These little bites pack all the cozy autumn vibes in one melt-in-your-mouth snack, and trust me—they’re fan-freaking-tastic. Whether for a party, a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee, or a little self-indulgence, this recipe is a total winner you’ll want on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: You’ll love how these everyday pantry staples transform into something extraordinary.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The warm spices and pumpkin puree meld beautifully, creating a cozy fall vibe in each bite.
- Fun to Customize: With options for decorating and tweaking spices, you can make these your own seasonal signature treat.
- No-Bake Ease: No oven required—just mix, chill, roll, and enjoy, making it a kid-friendly and stress-free dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a delightful cheesecake-like texture with a hint of pumpkin spice magic. Here’s what I recommend grabbing before you get started:
- White Chocolate: Choose good quality for smooth melting and a creamy backbone that complements pumpkin perfectly.
- Pure Pumpkin Puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for that authentic, not-too-sweet pumpkin flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: Helps sweeten gently and blend into the texture smoothly without graininess.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice (or Ground Cinnamon): This is where the magic happens—don’t skip the spice for that warm, nostalgic taste.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds a lovely, crunchy contrast and keeps the truffles from being too soft.
- Granulated Sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for rolling, it gives the outside a sweet, lightly crunchy coating.
- Mini Chocolate Chips (optional): Perfect for decorating your truffles like adorable little pumpkins.
Variations
I love making this Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe my own by switching up spices or toppings—feel free to experiment and find what makes your heart happy!
- Spice swap: I sometimes go heavier on cinnamon and skip the pumpkin pie spice because my family prefers a simpler spiced flavor.
- Nutty twist: Adding finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough gives a nice crunch and extra warmth.
- Dairy-free version: Use vegan white chocolate and make sure your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly; I’ve tried it and the texture is almost identical.
- Chocolate coating: Dip finished truffles in melted white or dark chocolate for an extra indulgent treat—perfect for gifting!
How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate with Care
Melt your white chocolate slowly—either in the microwave at 15-second intervals, stirring between each, or using a double boiler. The key here is patience; melting too fast can scorch the chocolate. Once smooth, set it aside to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes so it’s still liquid but not hot enough to cook the pumpkin mix later. This step really sets the foundation for smooth, creamy truffles.
Step 2: Mix Pumpkin and Spice into a Cozy Base
In a large bowl, stir together your pure pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. I love this stage because the smell alone gets me right in the autumn spirit. If you’re not a fan of pumpkin pie spice, a dash of cinnamon or even ginger can do wonders. The consistency here should be smooth and slightly thick.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Pour in the cooled white chocolate and gently mix until everything is combined evenly. Then fold in the graham cracker crumbs. You want a thick dough that’s soft but holds together without being crumbly. If it feels too loose, add a touch more crumbs; too dry, a little extra pumpkin or melted chocolate can help. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours until firm enough to scoop.
Step 4: Shape, Coat, and Decorate
Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl for rolling. Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion dough, then roll between your hands into smooth rounds. Toss your truffles in the cinnamon sugar mixture for a sweet, lightly crunchy coating—trust me, this is a game-changer. If you want to get fancy, gently press ridges on the sides with a toothpick and pop a mini chocolate chip on top like a pumpkin stem. It’s a fun detail that always impresses!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Pop the truffles in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy them. They keep wonderfully chilled and firm up nicely, but honestly, it’s almost impossible not to nibble on them right away!
Pro Tips for Making Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe
- Cool the Chocolate Properly: Let the melted white chocolate cool before mixing—it helps prevent cooking the pumpkin and keeps your dough smooth.
- Chill for Perfect Rolling: Don’t skip chilling; the dough needs to be cold and firm or else it’ll be sticky and hard to shape.
- Use a Scoop for Uniform Truffles: Using a tablespoon scoop ensures all your truffles bake evenly and look consistent—plus easier to roll!
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold ingredients just until combined to keep a tender texture. Overmixing will make them tough.
How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
I love dusting mine with a bit more cinnamon sugar right before serving for an extra sparkle. Sometimes, I add a tiny chocolate stem—as simple as pressing a mini chocolate chip on top—to make them look like miniature pumpkins. It’s a fun touch, especially for holiday gatherings!
Side Dishes
These truffles go beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, and I often serve them alongside warm apple cider or even a spiced latte. They’re also delightful paired with a cheese board for an unexpected sweet finish.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like arranging the truffles on a rustic wooden board lined with autumn leaves or parchment paper. Adding edible gold dust or drizzling white chocolate over them makes a beautiful festive statement. You can even package them in little cellophane bags tied with pumpkin-themed ribbons as thoughtful homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover truffles in an airtight container in the fridge—they stay fresh and firm for up to a week. I recommend letting them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating to soften slightly and bring out the flavors.
Freezing
These truffles freeze beautifully. I place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight. They hold their flavor and texture well—perfect for prepping ahead of a party.
Reheating
Because these are no-bake truffles, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want a softer texture after refrigeration, simply leave them out at room temp for a bit before serving. Avoid microwaving, as that can melt and ruin their shape.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to avoid canned pumpkin pie filling because it contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor and sweetness balance of the truffles. Pure pumpkin puree gives you complete control over the taste.
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Do I have to use white chocolate, or can I use dark chocolate?
You can definitely experiment with dark or milk chocolate, but white chocolate provides the creamy sweetness that compliments pumpkin best. Using darker chocolate will yield a richer and less sweet truffle, so adjust sugar amounts as needed.
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How do I make these truffles vegan?
Use vegan white chocolate and ensure your powdered sugar doesn’t contain bone char. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, so the swap is simple!
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What’s the best way to make truffles look like little pumpkins?
Once rolled, use a toothpick or skewer to gently press shallow vertical lines around each truffle, creating pumpkin ridges. Then stick a mini chocolate chip on top as a stem. It’s an easy and adorable finishing touch.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe brings together the essence of fall into little bite-sized delights. It’s my go-to when I want something sweet, comforting, and festive without the fuss of baking. Honestly, once you try these, they become a staple in your holiday rotation—your family and friends will be begging you for the recipe! So go ahead, whip up a batch and savor that cozy pumpkin spice goodness.
Print
Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these easy-to-make Spiced Pumpkin Truffles that capture the warm, cozy flavors of fall. These creamy, bite-sized treats combine smooth white chocolate, real pumpkin puree, and a blend of spices for a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Rolled in cinnamon sugar and optionally decorated with mini chocolate chip ‘stems,’ these truffles make a charming seasonal dessert or gift.
Ingredients
Truffle Base
- 4 ounces (115g) good quality white chocolate
- 1/3 cup (80g) pure pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups (195g) graham cracker crumbs
Coating
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Decoration
- Mini chocolate chips (for decorating)
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate gently in the microwave or over a double boiler until it becomes smooth and creamy. Set it aside to cool for 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t remain too hot for the next step.
- Prepare Pumpkin Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon) thoroughly. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your truffles.
- Mix in Chocolate: Stir the slightly cooled melted white chocolate into the pumpkin mixture, blending well to ensure an even consistency.
- Add Graham Cracker Crumbs: Fold in the graham cracker crumbs until you achieve a thick, soft dough perfect for shaping. This will help give the truffles structure and a pleasant texture.
- Chill Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 1 to 2 hours until it is firm enough to scoop and roll.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This will add a sweet and spicy outer layer to the truffles.
- Form Truffles: Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled dough. Roll each between your palms to form smooth, round balls.
- Coat Truffles: Roll each truffle in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
- Decorate (Optional): Use a toothpick, skewer, or knife to gently press ridges around each truffle to mimic a pumpkin shape. Press a mini chocolate chip on top to resemble the pumpkin stem.
- Store: Keep the truffles refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain their shape and freshness.
Notes
- These truffles are sugar, spice, and everything nice—perfect as a cozy fall treat or gift.
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid additional sweeteners and spices.
- If pumpkin pie spice is unavailable, cinnamon or your favorite warming spices work well as a substitute.
- For a firmer truffle, chill the dough longer before shaping.
- Store truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle (approximate)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
