The comforting flavors of fall are packed into every bite of these Pumpkin Spice Truffles. With creamy pumpkin puree, warming spices, and a crunchy graham cracker base, these no-bake delights are perfect for autumn celebrations. Dipped in silky white or dark chocolate, they’re a visually stunning and irresistibly delicious treat.
These truffles are incredibly easy to make ahead and are ideal for gifting, entertaining, or simply enjoying with a hot cup of cider. Their soft interior, wrapped in a chocolate shell and finished with festive toppings, makes them a standout on any dessert table. Whether you’re planning for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or just want to add a cozy touch to your week, these Pumpkin Spice Truffles deliver.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 oz (57g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
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2 tbsp (15g) confectioners’ sugar
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1/3 cup (72g) pumpkin puree
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1¾ cups (175g) graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets)
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½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
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4 oz (113g) white chocolate, melted
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10 oz (283g) semi-sweet or white chocolate, melted (for coating)
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Optional: extra graham cracker crumbs or cinnamon sugar for garnish
Directions:
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In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar together until creamy (about 2 minutes).
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Add pumpkin puree and mix until combined.
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Add graham cracker crumbs, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and melted white chocolate. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
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Cover the mixture and chill for at least 1 hour (up to 24 hours).
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Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll chilled mixture into 1-teaspoon-sized balls (you’ll get about 35).
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Chill the rolled balls for another 30 minutes.
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Melt the coating chocolate. Use a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let cool for 5 minutes.
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Dip each truffle ball in melted chocolate using a dipping tool or fork. Tap off excess and place on baking sheet.
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Immediately sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs or cinnamon sugar if desired.
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Chill until chocolate sets (about 30 minutes). Store in refrigerator.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chilling Time: 1.5 hours | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Kcal: ~110 per truffle | Servings: ~35 truffles
What Makes These Truffles So Special?
What sets these truffles apart from other pumpkin treats is their exquisite texture and balance of flavor. The filling is made with real pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and graham cracker crumbs, which together create a smooth and creamy base. The pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon work in harmony to bring out the earthy sweetness of the pumpkin without overpowering it. The addition of melted white chocolate in the filling adds not only richness but also structural integrity, making them easy to shape and dip after chilling.
Then comes the coating: a luxurious layer of chocolate, whether you prefer the sweetness of white chocolate or the depth of semi-sweet. This outer shell not only adds a satisfying snap but also contrasts beautifully with the soft center. The optional garnish—sprinkles of graham cracker crumbs or cinnamon sugar—adds a lovely touch of texture and enhances the presentation.
How These Truffles Were Perfected
Like many great recipes, this one took a few tries to get just right. The creator of the recipe originally experimented with using gingersnap cookies in the filling, which proved too spicy and overpowered the pumpkin. The switch to graham crackers helped mellow the base while still offering a complementary flavor. Finding the perfect ratio of pumpkin to the rest of the ingredients took some trial and error—too much pumpkin made the mixture too wet to roll. The final version balances each component perfectly, yielding a soft yet shapeable mixture that’s flavorful and easy to work with.
The addition of melted white chocolate into the filling was a game-changer. It provided a velvety texture and added a subtle sweetness that offset the tang from the cream cheese. Together, these components resulted in a truffle that’s indulgent, flavorful, and sturdy enough to dip in chocolate without falling apart.
The Importance of Chilling
If there’s one step in the recipe you absolutely shouldn’t skip, it’s chilling the mixture. Twice. After mixing all the ingredients, the filling is quite soft, so it needs at least an hour in the refrigerator to firm up. Once rolled into balls, the truffles need another chill session to ensure they hold their shape during the chocolate dipping process.
This double chilling not only makes the truffles easier to work with, but it also enhances their final texture. The result is a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth bite that feels like biting into a mini pumpkin cheesecake, wrapped in a chocolate shell. You can even chill them overnight, making them a great make-ahead option for busy holiday schedules or last-minute dessert needs.
Chocolate Coating Options: White or Dark?
Both white chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate work beautifully with this recipe, and your choice really comes down to personal preference. White chocolate adds an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful snowy contrast to the golden pumpkin interior. It also feels a bit more festive, particularly for fall or holiday-themed displays.
On the other hand, semi-sweet chocolate offers a richer, more intense cocoa flavor that complements the spiced pumpkin filling with elegance. Its slightly bitter edge balances the sweetness of the filling and appeals to those who prefer their desserts on the less-sweet side.
No matter which chocolate you choose, the key is to use high-quality baking chocolate or melting wafers. This ensures the chocolate melts smoothly and sets beautifully without any chalky residue or streaks. A dipping tool can help give the truffles a polished, professional appearance.
A Treat That’s Make-Ahead Friendly
One of the best things about these Pumpkin Spice Truffles is how well they store. You can make them ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze exceptionally well. Layer them between parchment or wax paper in an airtight container, and they’ll last in the freezer for up to two months. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
This makes them a wonderful addition to party menus, holiday dessert trays, or homemade gift boxes. They’re the kind of treat that gets better with time—the flavors deepen and the texture becomes even more satisfying after a day or two in the fridge.
Serving and Presentation Tips
These truffles are perfect for serving at a variety of occasions. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a Friendsgiving celebration, a fall-themed baby shower, or a Halloween dessert table, they fit right in. You can place them in mini paper liners for a bakery-style presentation, or arrange them on a decorative platter surrounded by mini pumpkins and autumn leaves.
To enhance the fall theme, consider sprinkling crushed graham crackers or a touch of cinnamon sugar on top of each truffle before the chocolate sets. You could even drizzle them with contrasting chocolate—white chocolate on dark-coated truffles or vice versa—for a sophisticated finish.
For gifting, a small box of these truffles wrapped in parchment paper and tied with twine makes a thoughtful and personal present. Add a cinnamon stick or a small tag for a festive touch.
Kid-Friendly and Customizable
Despite their elegant appearance, these truffles are incredibly simple to make. No candy thermometer, no baking, and minimal mess. Kids can easily help roll the filling into balls or decorate the tops with sprinkles or toppings. It’s a great recipe for introducing little ones to the joy of holiday treat-making.
You can also personalize the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Swap the white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate, use gluten-free graham crackers, or even experiment with flavored cream cheeses for a fun twist. Just remember, altering the ingredients too much can affect the texture, so make sure to test in small batches first.
A Perfect Addition to Your Autumn Baking Line-Up
Pumpkin Spice Truffles capture everything we love about the season—warm spices, creamy textures, and rich chocolate—all in one small, delectable bite. They’re proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen or master the art of candy-making to create something truly special.
Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing them with others, these truffles are sure to become a staple in your fall recipe repertoire. They’re easy, elegant, and absolutely unforgettable.
Conclusion: Fall Flavors Wrapped in Chocolate
In a world of pumpkin spice lattes, pies, and muffins, Pumpkin Spice Truffles stand out as a uniquely indulgent way to enjoy the season’s most iconic flavor. With a perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and sweetness, they offer an elevated twist on traditional fall desserts.
These truffles are more than just a treat—they’re a celebration of the cozy moments we all look forward to as the weather turns cool. Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed during a quiet night at home, Pumpkin Spice Truffles are a sweet reminder of everything we love about autumn.