Pumpkin Cake Truffles Recipe
If you’re craving a treat that captures the pure comfort of autumn, look no further than this Pumpkin Cake Truffles Recipe. Imagine bites of moist, spiced pumpkin cake blended with cream cheese, then wrapped in silky white chocolate. These truffles are like a love letter to fall flavors, perfect for sharing (or hiding all for yourself!), and they are impossibly easy to make. Every little ball is a burst of pumpkin pie essence, finished with festive sprinkles or crunchy graham cracker toppers. This recipe is everything I adore in a cozy dessert, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only a handful of simple, everyday ingredients go into this Pumpkin Cake Truffles Recipe, and each one brings something magical. The combo of pumpkin, spice cake, and a creamy coating guarantees every bite is rich, flavorful, and extra special for the season.
- Spice Cake Mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The shortcut hero that packs plenty of autumnal spice and keeps things easy.
- Pumpkin Purée (1 cup): Adds incredible moistness, naturally sweet flavor, and the gorgeous orange hue we love.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Blends the cake crumbs into a creamy “dough” and delivers that signature truffle richness.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts those cozy, aromatic notes and makes the flavor pop.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Just a dash rounds out the spice for deep, mellow sweetness.
- White Chocolate or Candy Melts (12 oz): Creates a smooth, luscious shell with a touch of sweetness—plus it’s perfect for coloring!
- Optional: Orange Food Coloring: For an irresistibly cute pumpkin look in your truffles.
- Optional: Sprinkles or Crushed Graham Crackers: Give your truffles extra flair and crunch on top.
How to Make Pumpkin Cake Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Pumpkin Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix with the pumpkin purée. The batter will be thick and fragrant—just what you want! Spread it evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and slide it into the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Allow your cake to cool completely before moving on; this keeps the truffles from getting soggy later.
Step 2: Crumble and Mix
Once your cake is totally cool, crumble it into fine crumbs using your hands or a fork. Scoop the crumbs into a large bowl, making sure there are no big pieces left. Now add the softened cream cheese, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until it forms a thick, sticky dough—this is the secret to truffles that hold their shape and melt in your mouth!
Step 3: Form the Truffle Balls
Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Set each ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. You should get around 24 truffles. Once done, pop the tray into the freezer for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps them firm up and makes dipping so much easier.
Step 4: Melt and Color the Chocolate
As your truffles chill, melt the white chocolate or candy melts according to package directions—slow and steady is key to avoiding burning. If you want to go all-out autumn, stir in a drop or two of orange food coloring for that pumpkin look. Stir until your chocolate is smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Dip and Decorate
Take your chilled truffles and, one by one, carefully dip them into the melted chocolate. Let any extra chocolate drip off, then place each coated truffle back on the lined tray. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with festive sugar sprinkles or a dusting of crushed graham crackers. The coating sets up quickly, so work with just a few at a time—and enjoy decorating! Place the finished truffles back in the fridge until the chocolate is completely set.
How to Serve Pumpkin Cake Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
These little pumpkin delights shine with a shower of festive toppings! A pinch of orange or gold sprinkles, a swirl of melted chocolate, or a light dusting of crushed graham crackers all give your Pumpkin Cake Truffles Recipe a special finish. For extra flair, add a tiny chocolate chip “stem” on top to make each truffle look like a mini pumpkin.
Side Dishes
For a party spread or afternoon tea, pair these truffles with spiced hot cider, chai latte, or a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The creamy, sweet truffles balance beautifully with warm, comforting drinks and simple fruit plates.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Pumpkin Cake Truffles Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by cinnamon sticks and candy corn for an autumn centerpiece. They also look darling in mini cupcake liners for party favors, or piled high in a glass trifle dish for dessert tables. They’re the star at any holiday gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pumpkin Cake Truffles Recipe are easy to keep fresh—just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect for make-ahead gifting or sneaky late-night treats.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy pumpkin truffles beyond the fall season, pop them in the freezer! Layer the finished (set and decorated) truffles in a container, separated by parchment paper. They keep beautifully for up to a month—just allow a little time to thaw before serving.
Reheating
You don’t need to reheat these treats, but if you prefer your Pumpkin Cake Truffles Recipe closer to room temperature, let them sit out on the counter for 10-15 minutes before serving. The centers soften and the flavors bloom beautifully this way!
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin cake instead of boxed mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade pumpkin cake or spice cake recipe, go for it. Just make sure you use about the same quantity (a 9×13-inch pan’s worth) so the truffles hold together nicely.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries at all—just mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves or allspice. Start with ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, plus a pinch each of the others, then adjust to your taste.
Can I dip these in milk or dark chocolate instead?
Yes! White chocolate gives the Pumpkin Cake Truffles Recipe its signature look, but milk or dark chocolate will also be fantastic, especially if you love a richer finish.
Do I have to freeze before dipping?
Chilling or briefly freezing the truffles makes dipping much easier and stops them from falling apart in the warm chocolate. This step is key for the best texture and neatest results.
Are these gluten-free?
As written, this recipe uses a boxed spice cake mix containing wheat, so it isn’t gluten-free. To make gluten-free Pumpkin Cake Truffles Recipe, use your favorite gluten-free cake mix and double-check your other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly joyful about sharing a batch of Pumpkin Cake Truffles Recipe, whether it’s for a cozy night in, a fall party, or a sweet surprise. I hope you fall head-over-heels for these truffles, just as I have. Get creative, have fun, and let every bite remind you of the best flavors of the season!
Print
Pumpkin Cake Truffles Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 24 truffles 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Cake Truffles are a delightful treat perfect for fall. Made with a blend of spice cake mix, pumpkin puree, and cream cheese, these no-bake truffles are coated in white chocolate for a sweet finish.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box spice cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
For the Truffles:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Coating:
- 12 oz white chocolate or white candy melts
- Optional: orange food coloring, sprinkles, or crushed graham crackers for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Cake: In a large bowl, mix the spice cake mix and pumpkin purée until well combined. Bake in a greased 9×13-inch dish for 20-25 minutes.
- Prepare Truffle Mixture: Crumble cooled cake, add cream cheese, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Roll into balls and chill.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt white chocolate, adding food coloring if desired.
- Coat Truffles: Dip chilled truffles in chocolate, top with sprinkles or graham crackers. Chill until set.
Notes
- Truffles can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to a month.
- Use a fork or toothpick for clean dipping.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake / Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
