If you’re looking for a bite-sized treat that perfectly captures the cozy flavors of autumn, you can’t go wrong with this Pumpkin Cake Truffles Recipe. These little gems combine moist, spiced pumpkin cake with creamy, dreamy cream cheese, all dipped in luscious white chocolate for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or just indulging on a chilly evening, these truffles offer an unbeatable blend of sweetness, spice, and texture that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Cake Truffles Recipe is simple yet plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and decadence. From the warmth of the pumpkin and spices to the smooth richness of cream cheese and white chocolate, every element contributes to the magic in these little bites.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée: Adds natural moisture, a tender crumb, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
- 1 box spice cake mix: Provides the spiced base with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove notes.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind all the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender after baking.
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional): Boosts the warm autumnal flavor if you want to dial it up a notch.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Gives the truffles their creamy texture and a slight tang that balances sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips or white candy melts: For that smooth, sweet coating that seals in all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening: Ensures the coating melts perfectly smooth and sets with a lovely shine.
- Crushed graham crackers or sprinkles (optional): Adds delightful texture and a pretty finish for garnish.
How to Make Pumpkin Cake Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Pumpkin Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan for easy removal later. In a large bowl, whisk together the spice cake mix, canned pumpkin purée, eggs, vegetable oil, and pumpkin pie spice until everything is smooth and well incorporated. Pour this batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Set the pumpkin cake aside to cool completely—this is essential for the next step!
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Mixture
Once the cake is fully cooled, crumble it into fine crumbs using your hands or a fork, placing the crumbs into a large bowl. Then add the softened cream cheese and mix vigorously until the mixture comes together into a soft dough-like texture. This blend is what gives your truffles that rich, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
Step 3: Form the Truffle Balls
Roll the cake mixture into approximately 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop the tray into the freezer for 30 to 45 minutes to firm up—this step helps the truffles hold their shape when dipped in chocolate.
Step 4: Dip in White Chocolate
While your truffles chill, melt the white chocolate chips and coconut oil together in the microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate is smooth and pourable. Use a fork to dip each chilled truffle into the melted white chocolate, ensuring a nice even coating. Let the excess drip off, then place the truffle back on the parchment paper. If you like, sprinkle crushed graham crackers or festive sprinkles on top immediately before the coating sets.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Allow the chocolate coating to fully set by chilling the truffles in the refrigerator. Once set, these lovely pumpkin treats are ready to be enjoyed by all.
How to Serve Pumpkin Cake Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish can elevate your pumpkin cake truffles from delightful to show-stopping. Sprinkle crushed graham crackers for a subtle crunch and a hint of sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly. Alternatively, festive sprinkles add a pop of color and fun—perfect for holiday celebrations or parties.
Side Dishes
While pumpkin cake truffles are a treat on their own, they pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced tea, pumpkin spice latte, or hearty coffee. For a cozy dessert platter, serve alongside fresh fruit slices like apple or pear to contrast the rich sweetness with a refreshing bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is part of the fun! Arrange your truffles in mini cupcake liners or quirky themed trays for parties. You can also display them on a tiered stand dusted with cinnamon sugar for a charming autumn centerpiece. Wrapping individually in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon makes them perfect for gifting, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This helps preserve their freshness and consistency, so they remain moist and flavorful each time you bite in.
Freezing
For longer storage, place your truffles on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for several months frozen and thaw beautifully when you’re ready for a sweet bite of fall.
Reheating
These truffles are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If they become too firm in the fridge, simply let them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes to soften before enjoying. Avoid microwaving as it may melt the chocolate coating unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the white chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your taste preferences. Each will add a different flavor profile but keep that delicious coating element intact.
Do I have to use a boxed cake mix?
Using a boxed spice cake mix simplifies the process and guarantees consistent flavor. However, if you prefer homemade, a well-spiced pumpkin cake batter will work just as well for these truffles.
Can I make these truffles vegan?
To veganize, substitute the eggs and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and select vegan-friendly chocolate chips. The texture might vary slightly, but they can still be wonderfully tasty!
How big should I make the truffle balls?
About 1-inch diameter balls work best—they’re bite-sized and perfect for dipping and eating in one or two bites without being too crumbly or too dense.
Can I skip the pumpkin pie spice?
Yes, the pumpkin pie spice is optional but highly recommended for that extra depth of warm spice flavor. If you omit it, you might want to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for similar flavor enhancement.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Cake Truffles Recipe is a total winner when it comes to seasonal sweets. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat yet fancy enough to impress guests or gift to friends. The combination of moist pumpkin cake, creamy filling, and sweet white chocolate coating is pure autumn magic captured in every bite. I hope you give these truffles a try—they just might become your new favorite fall indulgence!
Print
Pumpkin Cake Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful pumpkin cake truffles that combine moist spice cake with creamy cream cheese and a luscious white chocolate coating, perfect for fall gatherings and holiday treats.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1 box spice cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional for extra flavor)
Filling & Coating
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips or white candy melts
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening (for smoother coating)
- Crushed graham crackers or sprinkles (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Make Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, canned pumpkin purée, eggs, vegetable oil, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended to form the batter.
- Bake Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan to prevent the cream cheese mixture from melting in the next step.
- Crumble Cake: Once cooled, crumble the cake into fine crumbs inside a large bowl, breaking down any large pieces.
- Mix Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the cake crumbs and mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together with a dough-like consistency.
- Form Truffles: Roll the cake mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet evenly spaced.
- Freeze Truffles: Place the tray in the freezer for 30–45 minutes until the truffles are firm and chilled, which helps with coating later.
- Melt Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips with the coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and silky.
- Coat Truffles: Dip each chilled truffle into the melted white chocolate using a fork, tapping off excess coating to create an even layer. Return coated truffles to the parchment-lined sheet.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle crushed graham crackers or festive sprinkles on top of the wet coating for extra texture and visual appeal.
- Chill Coated Truffles: Refrigerate the dipped truffles until the chocolate coating is fully set and firm.
Notes
- Truffles can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for extended storage.
- For variety, substitute the white chocolate coating with dark or milk chocolate as preferred.
- To ensure smooth coating, stir the melted chocolate carefully and avoid overheating to prevent burning.
