Pumpkin season is one of the most anticipated times of the year, and while pumpkin pie often takes the spotlight, there are countless creative ways to enjoy this beloved flavor. Enter Pumpkin Pie Truffles, a decadent bite-sized dessert that combines the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the rich sweetness of chocolate. These truffles are creamy, smooth, and packed with festive flavor, making them the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table or as an edible gift for friends and family.
Unlike traditional pumpkin pie, which requires baking, these truffles are a no-bake treat with all the comforting flavors of fall wrapped up in a bite-sized package. The filling blends pumpkin puree, butter, sugars, heavy cream, spices, and marshmallows into a luscious base enriched with white chocolate. Once chilled, the mixture is rolled into truffle-sized balls and dipped into silky white, dark, or orange chocolate coatings for a beautiful finish.
The best part about Pumpkin Pie Truffles is their versatility. They can be dressed up with festive sprinkles, drizzled with contrasting chocolate, or packaged in decorative boxes for gift-giving. They’re also ideal for portion control—you can indulge in the taste of pumpkin pie without committing to a full slice.
Recipes like Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites or Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls show just how popular bite-sized pumpkin desserts have become. But Pumpkin Pie Truffles take it to the next level with a velvety, fudge-like filling that melts in your mouth.
Whether served on a platter, gifted in pretty tins, or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, these truffles are sure to become a fall favorite.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
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Pumpkin Pie Truffles Recipe
Description
Pumpkin Pie Truffles—creamy spiced pumpkin centers dipped in chocolate. A festive, bite-sized dessert perfect for fall and holidays.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup canned 100% pumpkin puree
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 3 cups white chocolate morsels
- 20 regular-sized marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 24 ounces Ghirardelli white chocolate wafers
- 4 ounces Ghirardelli dark chocolate wafers
- 4 ounces Wilton orange melting wafers
Instructions
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- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add heavy cream, pumpkin puree, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until mixture begins to thicken slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in marshmallows until fully melted and incorporated.
- Add white chocolate morsels and stir until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Pour mixture into a parchment-lined 9×13 pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
- Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form 1-inch balls. Roll between your palms to smooth. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Freeze for 30 minutes before dipping.
- Melt white chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Dip each truffle into melted chocolate, coating fully, and return to parchment to set.
- For decoration, drizzle with melted dark chocolate or orange wafers. Allow to harden before serving or storing.
Notes
Ensure pumpkin puree is not watery—dab with paper towels if needed.
If mixture is too soft to roll, freeze longer before shaping.
Keep truffles chilled until serving for best texture.
Keywords: Pumpkin Pie Truffles Recipe
Advanced Techniques
Tempering Chocolate for a Professional Finish
For shiny, snappy coatings that don’t bloom or streak, temper your dipping chocolate instead of simply melting. While it takes a little extra care, tempered chocolate gives your Pumpkin Pie Truffles a bakery-quality appearance.
Creating a Pumpkin Patch Effect
For a festive presentation, dip truffles in orange melting wafers and top with a pretzel stick “stem” and a small green sprinkle “leaf.” This makes them look like mini pumpkins, perfect for fall gatherings.
Adding Crunch to the Centers
For texture variation, fold in crushed graham crackers, gingersnaps, or biscotti into the filling before chilling. The crunchy bits mimic a pie crust flavor inside the truffle.
Flavor Variations with Extracts
Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of maple, rum, or bourbon extract to the filling. These extracts complement pumpkin spice beautifully and add sophistication to your truffles.
Decorating with Festive Drizzles
Use contrasting drizzles of white, orange, and dark chocolate to create spiderwebs, stripes, or zig-zag patterns on the truffles. This makes them especially eye-catching for Halloween or Thanksgiving dessert tables.
See more advanced recipes at cookingwhite.com
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Refrigerating for Freshness
Pumpkin Pie Truffles should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. The cold temperature keeps the pumpkin filling firm and the chocolate coating intact.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
These truffles freeze beautifully. Place them on a tray to harden first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Store for up to 2 months, thawing in the fridge before serving.
Avoiding Moisture Damage
Condensation can cause chocolate to streak. To prevent this, avoid leaving truffles uncovered in the fridge. Always store in a sealed container.
Refreshing the Look Before Serving
If truffles look dull after storage, drizzle with freshly melted chocolate before serving. This adds shine and a touch of elegance.
Serving for Parties
Keep truffles chilled until serving. Present on tiered trays, in candy cups, or small paper liners for a neat and professional look.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free Version
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, provided your chocolate and marshmallows are certified gluten-free. Always double-check packaging for cross-contamination.
Vegan Adaptation
Use vegan butter, dairy-free white chocolate, and vegan marshmallows to make these truffles plant-based. Coconut cream can replace heavy cream for richness.
Nut-Free Option
This recipe doesn’t include nuts, but ensure chocolates and marshmallows are processed in nut-free facilities if preparing for someone with allergies.
Low-Sugar Version
Substitute sugars with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, and use sugar-free white chocolate chips. This reduces sugar without losing sweetness.
Dairy-Free Version
Replace butter with coconut oil, cream with coconut cream, and white chocolate with dairy-free alternatives. The result is equally creamy and indulgent.
FAQs About the Recipe
Can I Make Pumpkin Pie Truffles Ahead of Time?
Yes! These truffles can be made several days in advance. Store in the refrigerator until serving, or freeze for longer storage.
Why Is My Pumpkin Mixture Too Soft?
Pumpkin puree contains water, which can affect texture. Make sure to blot excess moisture with paper towels before adding it to the filling.
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, but fresh pumpkin should be roasted, pureed, and strained of excess liquid. Canned puree is more consistent and easier to work with.
Do I Have to Use Marshmallows?
Marshmallows help stabilize the filling, but you can substitute with 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk for a slightly different texture.
How Do I Prevent Chocolate from Cracking?
Allow truffle centers to warm slightly after freezing before dipping. Dipping rock-solid truffles into hot chocolate can cause cracking.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Pie Truffles are the perfect way to capture the flavor of pumpkin pie in a bite-sized, no-bake dessert. Their creamy, spiced centers paired with rich chocolate coatings make them as indulgent as they are festive. Not only do they look stunning on a dessert platter, but they also make thoughtful edible gifts when packaged in pretty boxes or bags.
This recipe balances cozy fall flavors with a touch of elegance, making it versatile enough for both casual family gatherings and formal holiday celebrations. From the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg to the sweetness of white chocolate and marshmallows, every bite is a little reminder of autumn’s charm.
What makes these truffles especially appealing is their adaptability. They can be made vegan, gluten-free, or low-sugar without losing their essence. Plus, their ability to store and freeze well means you can always have a festive treat ready when the season calls.
So this fall, move beyond the traditional pie and surprise your guests with something new. With Pumpkin Pie Truffles, you’ll have a dessert that’s creative, crowd-pleasing, and truly unforgettable.