If you’re looking for a bite-sized treat that screams cozy autumn vibes, you’re in the right place. My Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe is a fan-freaking-tastic way to enjoy pumpkin season without any fuss. These little delights are creamy, spiced just right, and perfect for gift-giving or sneaking into your afternoon coffee break. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of flavors: The creamy white chocolate and warm pumpkin spice are a match made in heaven.
- Easy to make: No baking involved—just mix, chill, and roll!
- Customizable: You can tweak the spices to suit your taste or even decorate them creatively.
- Great for gifting: These truffles look as adorable as they taste, perfect to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe relies on simple, straightforward ingredients that work beautifully together to create rich, velvety truffles with a cozy spice kick. One thing I always tell friends is to use pure pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie filling—to keep the flavors authentic and control the sweetness.
- White chocolate: Pick a good quality white chocolate for that creamy base, as it really affects the final texture and taste.
- Pure pumpkin puree: Make sure it’s plain pumpkin, not the sweetened pie filling—that gives you the perfect pumpkin flavor without extra sugar.
- Powdered sugar: This adds just a touch of sweetness and helps smooth the texture.
- Pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon: I sometimes swap the pie spice for cinnamon if I want a milder, single-spice flavor.
- Graham cracker crumbs: They add a lovely texture and a little crunch that complements the smooth truffle mix.
- Granulated sugar: For rolling—mixed with cinnamon to give that extra cozy coating.
- Mini chocolate chips (optional): These make the perfect pumpkin “stems” if you want to decorate your truffles.
Variations
I love that this Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe is super forgiving and easy to adapt. I’ve tried a few twists over the years, and you might want to personalize it too depending on your pantry and preferences.
- Nutty twist: Once, I added finely chopped toasted pecans into the mix for an added crunch, and my family went wild for it.
- Spice swap: Sometimes I swap pumpkin pie spice for warming cardamom or ginger to change up the flavor profile.
- Chocolate coatings: If you want a richer finish, dip your truffles in melted dark chocolate before chilling for an elegant touch.
- Dietary adaptations: You can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to keep this gluten-free without sacrificing any flavor.
How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Melt the white chocolate gently
Start by melting your white chocolate either in the microwave in 20-second bursts (stirring between each) or over a double boiler to avoid burning. I always prefer the double boiler method because it gives you better control and prevents the chocolate from seizing. Once melted, let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes—if it’s too hot when mixed with pumpkin, things can get grainy.
Step 2: Mix pumpkin, sugar, and spices
In a large bowl, combine your pure pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon). I find that mixing these dry and wet ingredients first helps distribute the spice evenly, so each truffle gets that perfect autumn punch. If you’re not into the strong spice combo, cinnamon is your best friend here—simple and classic.
Step 3: Combine melted chocolate and pumpkin mixture
Pour the slightly cooled melted chocolate into your pumpkin mixture and stir until everything is smooth and homogenous. This is a key step—you want to make sure the chocolate and pumpkin are fully combined because that gives your truffles that luscious texture.
Step 4: Fold in graham cracker crumbs
Gently fold in the graham cracker crumbs. This thickens up your mixture into a soft dough that’s easy to scoop and hold its shape, kind of like fudge. One time I added the crumbs too quickly and ended up with a crumbly mess, so I’d say pour them in gradually and stir gently to avoid overworking the dough.
Step 5: Chill the dough until firm
Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for 1 to 2 hours. Patience is key here—chilling firms up the dough so your truffles roll smoothly without sticking all over your hands. I usually do this step in the morning or the night before to save time.
Step 6: Roll and coat your truffles
In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for that final sweet-spice crunch. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them between your palms into smooth balls. Then roll each in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat completely. This step turns the truffles from just good to oh-so-yummy—plus, they look gorgeous with their sparkling cinnamon sugar finish.
Step 7: Decorate your pumpkin truffles (optional)
If you want to get creative, you can use a toothpick, skewer, or the tip of a knife to press gentle ridges around the truffles, mimicking the grooves of a pumpkin. Top them off by pressing a mini chocolate chip into the center to look like the pumpkin’s stem—my kids love helping with this part! These little decorating touches make your truffles perfect for fall parties or gift boxes.
Step 8: Store and enjoy
Keep your spiced pumpkin truffles in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. They hold up beautifully and actually taste better after chilling a bit because the flavors meld together nicely.
Pro Tips for Making Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe
- Use quality white chocolate: It makes a big difference in texture and taste — cheaper chocolate can be waxy.
- Don’t rush cooling: Let melted chocolate cool before mixing with pumpkin to avoid graininess.
- Chill properly: Don’t skip chilling the dough; it makes rolling truffles so much easier.
- Customize spices: Feel free to tweak spices based on your first batch feedback — every kitchen has its signature twist.
How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with cinnamon sugar, but when I’m feeling fancy, I top them with mini chocolate chips for that little pumpkin stem effect — it adds charm and a bit of texture. Sometimes I dust a tiny bit of edible gold dust on top for parties, which always impresses guests!
Side Dishes
These truffles pair perfectly with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee to balance the sweet and spiced flavors. I also love serving them alongside apple cider or a warm milk latte, especially during chilly evenings.
Creative Ways to Present
For fall gatherings, I arrange these truffles on a rustic wooden board with autumn leaves and mini pumpkins around. Another fun idea I tried was placing each truffle in a mini cupcake liner and tying little raffia bows—for gifting, it’s an instant winner. They also look adorable piled in a glass jar with a festive ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover truffles in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to a week, and honestly, they’re so good chilled that I recommend enjoying them cold rather than room temperature.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these truffles successfully by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When frozen, they last for about 2 months, which is great if you want to make a big batch ahead of a party.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake truffles, reheating isn’t necessary. Just let frozen truffles thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving to preserve their texture and flavor.
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 extra sugars and spices that can overpower the delicate balance in these truffles. Pure pumpkin puree lets you control the sweetness and spice exactly as you want.
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How long do Spiced Pumpkin Truffles last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these truffles will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week. Just keep them chilled until ready to enjoy for the best texture.
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Can I make these truffles vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap the white chocolate for a vegan white chocolate or coconut-based alternative. Also, double-check your graham cracker crumbs to ensure they’re vegan-friendly.
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Why are my truffles sticky when rolling?
Sticky truffles usually mean the dough isn’t chilled enough. Pop it back in the fridge for another 30 minutes to firm up before rolling again, and keep your hands cool and dry to prevent sticking.
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Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the truffles?
Yes, finely chopped nuts or dried cranberries can add nice texture and flavor contrast. Start with a small amount so it doesn’t overwhelm the pumpkin-chocolate balance.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Spiced Pumpkin Truffles Recipe is one of those magical finds for me. I used to think truffles were complicated, but this no-bake version is so easy and consistently tasty that it quickly became a fall favorite for family and friends. Every autumn, I find myself making them again and again because who can resist little bites of pumpkin-spice goodness wrapped in creamy white chocolate? So, I can’t recommend them enough—give them a try, and you might just find your new seasonal obsession!
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
These Spiced Pumpkin Truffles are a delightful, no-bake treat combining the smooth richness of white chocolate with the warm flavors of pumpkin and spice. Rolled in cinnamon sugar for a sweet, crunchy coating and optionally decorated to resemble mini pumpkins, these truffles are perfect for cozy autumn gatherings or holiday gift-giving.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Mini chocolate chips (optional – for decorating)
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate in your microwave or over a double boiler until smooth and fully melted. Then set it aside for 5 to 10 minutes to allow it to cool slightly, which prevents cooking the pumpkin when mixed.
- Mix Pumpkin Base: In a large bowl, combine the pure pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, and pumpkin pie spice (or substitute with ground cinnamon or your preferred spice) until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Chocolate and Pumpkin: Add the slightly cooled melted white chocolate to the pumpkin mixture and stir thoroughly to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Fold in the graham cracker crumbs until the mixture becomes a thick, soft dough suitable for rolling into balls.
- Chill Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the truffle dough for 1 to 2 hours until firm enough to scoop and shape.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to create the coating for the truffles.
- Shape and Coat Truffles: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of chilled dough at a time and roll between your palms to form smooth balls. Then roll each truffle in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Optional Decoration: To mimic little pumpkins, gently press indents around the sides of each truffle using a toothpick, skewer, or knife, then press a mini chocolate chip into the top to resemble a stem.
- Store and Serve: Keep the finished truffles refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain their shape and freshness.
Notes
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best texture and flavor.
- You can customize the spice blend by swapping pumpkin pie spice with ground cinnamon or other warm spices like nutmeg or ginger.
- These truffles are a no-bake recipe, making them quick and easy to prepare.
- Refrigerate truffles to keep their shape and enjoy them chilled for a refreshing treat.
- Optional decoration adds a festive touch, perfect for fall or holiday presentations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 7mg