Fall is the perfect time to bring out rich, cozy flavors, and pumpkin cheesecake truffles are a bite-sized way to enjoy the season. These decadent, no-bake treats combine the creaminess of cheesecake with the warm spice of pumpkin pie, all wrapped in a smooth chocolate coating. Whether you’re preparing dessert for a Thanksgiving spread or looking for something simple and impressive, these truffles are the answer.

Beyond their delicious flavor, these truffles are easy to make and store, and they’re perfect for sharing at fall parties, Halloween gatherings, or holiday cookie swaps. They also offer some subtle nutritional benefits thanks to the pumpkin puree, which is rich in vitamins and antioxidants (Healthline: Pumpkin Nutrition).

And if you’ve ever struggled with melting chocolate or getting the perfect dip, don’t worry—we’ll walk you through that too with a helpful resource on how to melt chocolate the right way, which makes your coating smooth and mess-free.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles

No baking required
Easy, affordable ingredients
Crowd-pleasing fall flavors
Freezer-friendly and great for gifting
Endless variations and customization

Key Ingredients

To make the perfect pumpkin cheesecake truffles, you only need a few pantry staples and seasonal ingredients:

Cream cheese – softened
Pumpkin puree – not pumpkin pie filling
Graham cracker crumbs – for structure
Powdered sugar – adds sweetness and thickens the mixture
Pumpkin pie spice – or cinnamon and nutmeg
White or dark chocolate chips – for the coating
Vanilla extract – enhances the flavor

Pro Tip: Choose a high-quality cream cheese for the best texture. You can refer to Serious Eats’ guide to cream cheese brands for top picks.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Making truffles is super low-maintenance. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Mixing bowl and spatula
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
Cookie scoop or small spoon
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
Toothpicks or dipping tool

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make these irresistible no-bake truffles:

Make the filling
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Mix until fully combined.
Add graham cracker crumbs
Stir in the crumbs until a soft, dough-like mixture forms. It should be scoopable and hold its shape.
Chill the mixture
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or freeze for 30 minutes) to firm up the filling before shaping.
Shape into balls
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to roll mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on the parchment-lined tray.
Freeze again
Put the tray back in the freezer for 15–20 minutes. This helps them stay firm during coating.
Melt chocolate coating
Melt chocolate chips slowly using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Dip and coat
Using a fork or dipping tool, coat each truffle in melted chocolate. Tap off excess and return to tray.
Decorate (optional)
Drizzle with contrasting chocolate, sprinkle crushed graham crackers, or dust with cinnamon.
Chill until set
Refrigerate truffles for 10–15 minutes, or until chocolate hardens.

Tips for Perfect Truffles

Drain your pumpkin puree slightly if it’s watery to avoid a loose filling.
Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth blending.
If truffles get too soft while rolling, freeze for a few minutes before continuing.
Don’t overheat chocolate—low and slow prevents seizing.
Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to chocolate for a shinier coating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sticky filling: Too much pumpkin or under-chilled mixture can cause this.
Chocolate won’t coat: Make sure truffles are cold and chocolate is not overheated.
Cracks in coating: Let truffles warm slightly before dipping.
Using pie filling: Only pure pumpkin puree works—avoid sweetened or spiced canned pie filling.

Flavor Variations

Want to put a twist on the classic? Try these:

White Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles – use white chocolate chips for coating
Pumpkin Latte Truffles – add 1 tsp instant coffee or espresso powder to the filling
Maple Pumpkin Truffles – swap some powdered sugar for maple syrup
Nutty Pumpkin Truffles – roll in chopped pecans before chocolate sets
Gluten-Free – use gluten-free graham crackers

How to Store and Freeze

These truffles are perfect for prepping ahead:

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
Freeze for up to 3 months in layers with parchment between
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving
Do not leave at room temperature for extended periods

Gift & Party Presentation Ideas

These truffles don’t just taste amazing—they look festive too:

Arrange in mini cupcake liners for a clean presentation
Box them in decorative tins for gifting
Add a custom tag for Thanksgiving or Halloween
Create a Fall Truffle Board with caramel apples, fudge, and spiced cookies
Wrap in cellophane and tie with twine for party favors

Quick Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated calories: 120–150 per truffle
Primary nutrients: fat from cream cheese and chocolate, sugar
For a lighter version, try low-fat cream cheese and reduce sugar

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you freeze pumpkin cheesecake truffles?
Yes! Just be sure to freeze them in layers with parchment between each truffle to avoid sticking.

How do you make cheesecake truffles not sticky?
Ensure your mixture is properly chilled, and don’t skip the graham crackers—they help absorb moisture.

What chocolate is best for coating truffles?
Use high-quality chocolate chips or bars. White, dark, or semi-sweet all work, depending on your flavor preference.

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?
Absolutely, as long as it’s pure pumpkin puree. Avoid anything labeled “pumpkin pie filling.”

Are these truffles gluten-free?
They can be! Just use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for a grain-free option.

Pumpkin cheesecake truffles are one of the easiest ways to bring cozy, seasonal flavor to your dessert table. They’re bite-sized, indulgent, and freezer-friendly—ideal for everything from casual gatherings to elegant holiday spreads.

Ready to make your fall sweeter? Whip up a batch today, and watch these treats disappear in no time.