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Pumpkin Spice Truffles

Featured in Sweet treats for any occasion.

These Pumpkin Spice Truffles capture all the beloved flavors of pumpkin pie in a bite-sized, no-bake treat. The combination of graham crackers, cream cheese, and real pumpkin puree creates a rich, smooth filling that's warmly spiced with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg. Each truffle is dipped in sweet white chocolate for a delightful contrast to the spiced center. Ready in just 20 minutes, these festive morsels are perfect for holiday gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or fall brunches. The recipe yields about 20 truffles that can be customized with festive toppings like gold sprinkles or crushed graham crackers. Best of all, they can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert option.
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Updated on Sun, 09 Mar 2025 05:12:41 GMT
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A plate of white balls with a brown topping. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Pumpkin Spice Truffles capture the essence of autumn in each bite-sized morsel, combining the warm, familiar flavors of pumpkin pie with the luxurious texture of a chocolate truffle. These no-bake treats feature a velvety center of spiced pumpkin and graham crackers enrobed in smooth white chocolate, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. I've found them to be an irresistible addition to holiday gatherings, where they disappear almost as quickly as I can arrange them on a serving plate.

Last Thanksgiving, I brought these instead of a traditional dessert to a family gathering. My aunt, who typically insists on classic pumpkin pie, took one bite and declared she might not need to bake a pie next year. The familiar flavors in an unexpected, elegant package won over even the most traditional dessert enthusiasts.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Graham Crackers: Use honey graham crackers for the most complementary flavor profile. Their subtle sweetness works perfectly with the pumpkin and spices.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Choose 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The canned variety has a consistent texture that works best for this recipe.
  • Cream Cheese: Full-fat provides the richest flavor and best consistency, but reduced-fat will work if needed. Ensure it's fully softened for smooth incorporation.
  • White Chocolate: Candy coating wafers (like Ghirardelli or Wilton) melt more smoothly than chips and create a more professional-looking finish.
A plate of white and brown food. pin it
A plate of white and brown food. | myhomemaderecipe.com

The quality of your spices significantly impacts the final flavor. If your ground spices have been sitting in your pantry for more than a year, consider refreshing them for this recipe. I once made these with freshly ground nutmeg, and the difference in aroma and flavor was remarkable.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Prepare Your Graham Cracker Base:
Begin by placing one 14.4-ounce package of graham crackers (about 9 sheets) in a food processor. Pulse until they form fine, even crumbs with no visible pieces remaining.
Create a Cohesive Filling:
Add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, ½ cup pumpkin puree, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and your spices (1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon each of ground cloves, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg, plus ¼ teaspoon salt) to the food processor with the graham cracker crumbs. Pulse until the mixture comes together.
Chill for Easier Handling:
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for about 5 minutes. This firms up the dough slightly, making it easier to roll into balls.
Shape with Precision:
Using a tablespoon measure, scoop portions of the dough and roll into smooth balls about 1 inch in diameter.
Freeze for Coating Success:
Freeze the shaped truffles for 15-20 minutes so they don’t melt when dipped in warm chocolate.
Melt the White Chocolate Properly:
Microwave 12 ounces of white chocolate melting wafers at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Dip with Technique:
Using a fork, dip each truffle in the melted white chocolate, ensuring an even coating before placing it back on parchment paper.

I first created these truffles when looking for a portable, make-ahead dessert that captured traditional Thanksgiving flavors. The combination of graham crackers and pumpkin reminded me of the pies my grandmother used to make.

Creative Garnishing Ideas

Consider these options: a dusting of pumpkin pie spice, a grating of nutmeg, crystallized ginger pieces, or a caramel drizzle. These garnishes enhance the presentation and indicate flavor cues for guests.

These Pumpkin Spice Truffles represent a celebration of autumn's quintessential flavors in an elegant, shareable form. The contrast between the rustic, warm-spiced centers and smooth, sophisticated white chocolate exterior makes them a delight for fall gatherings.

White cake with gold sprinkles. pin it
White cake with gold sprinkles. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, you should use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling already contains sweeteners and spices that would affect the flavor balance of the truffles.
→ What if my truffle mixture is too soft to roll into balls?
If your mixture is too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to an hour before rolling. You can also add a few more crushed graham crackers to help absorb excess moisture.
→ Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate for coating?
Yes, you can substitute milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate for the white chocolate coating. This will give a different flavor profile but will still be delicious.
→ How do I get a smooth coating when dipping the truffles?
For the smoothest coating, make sure your truffles are very cold (but not frozen solid) before dipping. Use a fork to dip them, allowing excess chocolate to drip off, and tap the fork gently on the side of the bowl.
→ Can I freeze these pumpkin spice truffles?
Yes, you can freeze the truffles for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Pumpkin Spice Truffles

These Pumpkin Spice Truffles combine graham crackers and cream cheese with warming spices for an easy, festive treat perfect for any holiday gathering.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 20 Servings (20 truffles)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 1 14.4 ounce package graham crackers
02 4 ounces cream cheese
03 ½ cup pumpkin puree
04 ¼ cup powdered sugar

→ Spices

05 1 teaspoon cinnamon
06 ½ teaspoon ground cloves
07 ½ teaspoon ground ginger
08 ½ teaspoon allspice
09 ½ teaspoon nutmeg
10 ¼ teaspoon salt

→ Coating & Garnish

11 12 ounces white melting wafers or white chocolate chips (like Wiltons or Ghirardelli's)
12 Gold sprinkles and crushed graham crackers for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Pulse graham crackers in a food processor until they're finely crumbled into a sandy texture.

Step 02

Add cream cheese, pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, and all the spices (cinnamon, cloves, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and salt) to the food processor with the graham cracker crumbs. Pulse until everything is well combined and a dough ball forms.

Step 03

Transfer the dough to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Step 04

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough and roll into approximately 20 evenly sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray or plate.

Step 05

Place the formed truffle balls in the freezer for 10 minutes while you prepare the coating. This helps them hold their shape during dipping.

Step 06

Melt the white chocolate wafers or chips according to package directions, either in the microwave in short intervals or using a double boiler, stirring until smooth.

Step 07

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the chilled truffle balls from the freezer. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each ball into the melted white chocolate, allowing excess coating to drip off.

Step 08

While the coating is still wet, sprinkle the truffles with gold sprinkles or crushed graham crackers if desired.

Step 09

Let the truffles dry completely on the parchment paper. Once set, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

  1. These festive Pumpkin Spice Truffles capture all the flavors of pumpkin pie in an elegant bite-sized treat, perfect for holiday gatherings.
  2. You can substitute 3 teaspoons of pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice for the individual spices if preferred.

Tools You'll Need

  • Food processor
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, white chocolate)
  • Contains gluten (graham crackers)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 172
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~