Easy No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls Recipe
These Easy No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls are a delightful fall treat that combines creamy pumpkin-infused cheesecake filling with a crisp chocolate coating. Perfect for festive gatherings or a simple sweet snack, these bite-sized truffles require no baking and are quick to prepare. The mixture is made creamy with cream cheese and pumpkin purée, flavored with pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon, then coated in melted chocolate and garnished with festive sprinkles or crumbs for a charming finish.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cheesecake balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Filling Ingredients
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, block-style, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120g) pumpkin purée, blotted (reduce to about 90–100g after blotting)
- 3/4 cup (85g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups (120–150g) very fine graham cracker or gingersnap crumbs, plus more for garnish
Coating & Garnish
- 16–20 oz coating chocolate or candy melts (white, milk, or dark)
- 2–3 teaspoons neutral oil or refined coconut oil (optional, for thinning chocolate)
- Optional garnish: extra crumbs, festive sprinkles, contrasting chocolate for drizzle, flaky salt
- Blot the pumpkin: Spread the pumpkin purée on several layers of paper towels, cover with additional towels, and press gently to remove excess moisture. This step ensures the filling stays firm and truffle-like rather than soft and watery.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 30–45 seconds. Add the blotted pumpkin, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and sea salt. Beat just until all ingredients are combined and the mixture is velvety smooth.
- Add the crumbs: Fold 1 1/4 cups of the cookie crumbs into the filling mixture. The texture should be soft and scoopable but not sticky or wet. If necessary, add up to 1/4 cup more crumbs, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture holds a soft ball. Cover the bowl and chill for 15–20 minutes to slightly firm the mixture.
- Roll: Use a 1-tablespoon scoop to portion out the mixture and roll into smooth balls with clean hands. Place the balls on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Chill for 15–20 minutes or freeze for 10 minutes until firm to the touch; this helps them retain their shape during dipping.
- Melt the coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your choice of chocolate or candy melts in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between each until smooth. Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of neutral or refined coconut oil if needed to thin the chocolate for a smoother, more fluid coating.
- Dip & decorate: Working one at a time, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate using a fork, gently tap off excess chocolate, and return to the parchment paper. Immediately garnish with crushed crumbs, festive sprinkles, or a pinch of flaky salt. For added flair, after the shells set, drizzle with contrasting melted chocolate for a two-tone effect.
- Set & serve: Allow the cheesecake balls to set at room temperature for 10–15 minutes until firm, or chill for 5–10 minutes to speed up the process. Serve slightly cool or at room temperature for the creamiest texture and most flavorful centers.
Notes
- Blotting the pumpkin purée is essential for preventing a runny filling and achieving the perfect truffle consistency.
- The amount of cookie crumbs can be adjusted slightly to get the right texture; too few crumbs will result in a sticky mixture.
- Use a neutral or refined coconut oil to avoid altering the flavor of the chocolate coating and to ensure smooth dipping.
- Store cheesecake balls covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- These treats can be made ahead and frozen; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Keywords: pumpkin cheesecake balls, no bake pumpkin dessert, pumpkin truffles, fall dessert, holiday treats, easy no bake sweets