This recipe is for the delightful pumpkin cream cheese truffles, a perfect treat for the fall season. Combining the warm flavors of pumpkin, spices, and cream cheese, these truffles are coated with white chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness. Easy to make, they're sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Some ingredients such as pumpkin puree, gingersnap cookies, and white chocolate chips may not commonly be found in home cupboards. When you go to the supermarket, be sure to check the baking aisle for the pumpkin puree and white chocolate chips. The gingersnap cookies are typically found in the cookie section.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Truffles
Pumpkin puree: This is a type of squash product that has been pureed until it has a smooth consistency. It adds a rich, earthy flavor to the truffles.
Gingersnap cookies: These cookies add a spicy flavor and crunchy texture. They're finely crumbled to blend evenly with the other ingredients.
Powdered sugar: This type of sugar is finely ground, which makes it perfect for mixing with other ingredients. It adds sweetness to the truffles.
Cinnamon: This spice adds a warm and sweet flavor.
Ginger: Another spice, ginger gives the truffles a bit of kick.
Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds depth and complexity to the truffle's flavor profile.
Salt: Just a touch of salt is used to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Cream cheese: This provides a creamy and smooth texture and tangy flavor to the truffles.
White chocolate chips: These will be melted and used to coat the truffles, adding a sweet and creamy flavor.
White chocolate: More white chocolate for a double dose of creamy sweetness.
Shortening: This ingredient helps to thin out the chocolate for a smooth and easy coating.
One reader, Kaspar Hume says:
These pumpkin cream cheese truffles are a game-changer! The combination of pumpkin, cream cheese, and white chocolate is simply divine. The gingersnap crumbs add a perfect touch of spice. These truffles are a must-try for anyone who loves fall flavors. I can't wait to make them again!
Key Techniques for Making Pumpkin Cream Cheese Truffles
How to prepare the filling: Combine the pumpkin puree, crumbled gingersnap cookies, powdered sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and cream cheese in a food processor. Pulse until well-blended, then transfer the mixture to a small bowl and freeze for 30 to 60 minutes until fairly hardened.
How to shape the truffles: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to shape the filling mixture into small balls, about the size of 1 tablespoon. Roll them in your hands to make them round, then place them on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.
How to coat the truffles: Melt the white chocolate and shortening together in a microwave or double boiler until smooth. Use a small fork to dunk a filling ball into the melted chocolate until it is completely covered, then transfer the ball to a new baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Use a spoon to swoop the chocolate over the top if a spot of filling is showing, and sprinkle the top with a pinch of the remaining gingersnap crumbs.
How to store the truffles: Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
How To Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Truffles
Cream cheese truffles are an amazing dessert treat. This time, pumpkins are the main ingredient mixed with spices and chocolate. Try this for Christmas!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ⅓cuppumpkin puree
- 1½cupsfinely-crumbled gingersnap cookies,plus an extra few tablespoons for the topping
- 3tbsppowdered sugar
- ½tspcinnamon
- ¼tspginger
- ⅛tspnutmeg
- ⅛tspsalt
- 4ozcream cheese
- 1cupwhite chocolate chips,melted
- 14ozwhite chocolate,or vanilla almond bark, chopped
- 1tbspshortening,or vegetable oil
Instructions
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Combine all of the filling ingredients together in a food processor. Pulse until well-blended. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl, and freeze for 30 to 60 minutes, or until the mixture is fairly hardened.
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Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to shape the filling mixture into a small ball, about the size of 1 tablespoon.
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Roll it in your hands to make it nice and round, and then set it on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.
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Repeat with the remaining filling mixture. Place the plate of filling balls back in the freezer, and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until solid.
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Once the filling balls are frozen, stir together the chopped white chocolate and the shortening and use a microwave or double boiler to melt the mixture until smooth, stirring occasionally.
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Use a small fork to dunk a filling ball into the melted chocolate until it is completely covered, then transfer the ball to a new baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.
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Remove the ball from the fork with a spoon, and then use the spoon to swoop the chocolate over the top if a spot of filling is showing.
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Sprinkle the top with a pinch of the remaining gingersnap crumbs. Repeat with remaining filling balls until all are coated in chocolate.
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Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Calories: 106.47kcal
- Fat: 6.71g
- Saturated Fat: 3.87g
- Trans Fat: 0.05g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.92g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.32g
- Carbohydrates: 10.87g
- Fiber: 0.13g
- Sugar: 10.47g
- Protein: 1.19g
- Cholesterol: 6.97mg
- Sodium: 36.36mg
- Calcium: 36.65mg
- Potassium: 56.90mg
- Iron: 0.11mg
- Vitamin A: 31.48µg
- Vitamin C: 0.18mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Truffles Recipe
When melting the white chocolate and shortening, it's crucial to do so gently to prevent the chocolate from seizing or burning. Using a double boiler is a great method, but if you're using a microwave, make sure to heat in short intervals, stirring in between each one. This will ensure a smooth and creamy consistency, perfect for coating the pumpkin cream cheese truffles.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Pumpkin Cream Cheese Truffles Recipe
Prepare the filling: Combine the pumpkin puree, gingersnap crumbs, and spices in a food processor for a quicker and more consistent mixture.
Chill the mixture: Speed up the hardening process by placing the filling in the freezer for 30-60 minutes.
Use a cookie scoop: Utilize a small cookie scoop to quickly shape the filling into uniform balls.
Freeze the balls: Freeze the filling balls for at least 2 hours to ensure they are solid and easier to coat.
Melt the chocolate: Opt for the microwave method to quickly melt the white chocolate and shortening for coating.
Efficient coating: Use a fork to quickly coat the filling balls in chocolate, then transfer them to a lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Refrigerate: Store the truffles in the refrigerator for up to a week, saving time on daily preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Pumpkin Cream Cheese Truffles Recipe
pumpkin puree - Substitute with butternut squash puree: Butternut squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor to pumpkin, making it a great substitute for pumpkin puree in this recipe.
gingersnap cookies - Substitute with graham cracker crumbs: Graham cracker crumbs have a similar sweet and slightly spiced flavor that can work well as a substitute for gingersnap cookies in this recipe.
powdered sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: Granulated sugar can be used as a substitute for powdered sugar, although it may not dissolve as easily, it will still sweeten the truffles.
cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice contains cinnamon along with other warm spices like nutmeg and ginger, making it a suitable substitute for cinnamon in this recipe.
ginger - Substitute with allspice: Allspice can be used as a substitute for ginger, providing a warm and slightly peppery flavor to the truffles.
nutmeg - Substitute with clove: Clove can be used as a substitute for nutmeg, adding a warm and slightly pungent flavor to the truffles.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a slightly different flavor profile and texture to the truffles.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a lower-fat alternative to cream cheese, providing a tangy and creamy texture to the truffles.
white chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for white chocolate chips, providing a richer and slightly less sweet flavor to the truffles.
white chocolate - Substitute with milk chocolate: Milk chocolate can be used as a substitute for white chocolate, offering a creamier and slightly sweeter flavor to the truffles.
shortening - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a substitute for shortening, providing a similar fat content and texture to the truffles.
How to Beautifully Present Pumpkin Cream Cheese Truffles
Elevate the truffles with a stunning presentation: Arrange the truffles on a beautiful platter or a bed of edible autumn leaves to create an eye-catching display that showcases the elegance of the truffles.
Incorporate seasonal garnishes: Add a touch of seasonal flair by garnishing the platter with miniature pumpkins or cinnamon sticks to enhance the visual appeal and tie in the autumn theme.
Create a luxurious chocolate drizzle: Elevate the truffles by drizzling a delicate pattern of melted white chocolate over the top, adding a touch of sophistication and artistry to the presentation.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Present the truffles on a bed of crushed gingersnap cookies or in individual miniature cupcake liners to add a touch of refinement to the overall presentation.
Incorporate edible gold or silver leaf: For an opulent touch, delicately apply edible gold or silver leaf to the truffles, adding a luxurious and extravagant element to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Pumpkin Cream Cheese Truffles
- Food processor: A food processor is used to blend and mix ingredients together, making it ideal for creating the pumpkin cream cheese truffle filling.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the pumpkin puree, crumbled gingersnap cookies, powdered sugar, spices, and cream cheese to create the truffle filling.
- Cookie scoop or spoon: This tool is used to shape the truffle filling into small, round balls before freezing.
- Plate or baking sheet: A plate or baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper is used to hold the shaped truffle filling balls and to freeze them.
- Microwave or double boiler: Either a microwave or a double boiler can be used to melt the white chocolate and shortening for coating the truffle filling.
- Small fork: A small fork is used to dunk the truffle filling balls into the melted chocolate for coating.
- Spoon: A spoon is used to remove the coated truffle filling balls from the fork and to swoop the chocolate over any spots where the filling is showing.
- Baking sheet: A new baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper is used to transfer the coated truffle filling balls and allow them to set.
Storing and Freezing Pumpkin Cream Cheese Truffles
- These pumpkin cream cheese truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make sure to separate the layers with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the truffles for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the truffles to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating the layers with wax paper or parchment paper.
- To thaw frozen truffles, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can transfer them to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight.
- If you plan to freeze the truffles, it's best to wait until they are completely thawed before garnishing them with the reserved gingersnap crumbs. This will ensure that the crumbs adhere properly to the surface of the truffles.
- When storing or freezing the truffles, make sure they are in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odors. This will help maintain their flavor and texture.
Interesting Fact About Pumpkin Cream Cheese Truffles
The pumpkin cream cheese truffles recipe is a delightful treat that combines the flavors of pumpkin, cream cheese, and gingersnap cookies. These truffles are perfect for fall gatherings or as a sweet indulgence. They can be easily customized by adding different spices or toppings to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious truffles with friends and family!
Is Making Pumpkin Cream Cheese Truffles at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this pumpkin cream cheese truffles recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients. While pumpkin puree and cream cheese are generally affordable, white chocolate chips and gingersnap cookies may be pricier. The overall verdict for this recipe is a solid 8, considering the delightful blend of flavors and the impressive presentation. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a reasonable treat for special occasions or gatherings.
Are Pumpkin Cream Cheese Truffles Healthy or Unhealthy?
The pumpkin cream cheese truffles recipe, while indulgent and delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High sugar content from the gingersnap cookies, powdered sugar, and white chocolate
- Saturated fat from the cream cheese and white chocolate
- Lack of nutritional value, as the recipe is primarily composed of simple carbohydrates and fats
However, the recipe does incorporate some healthier ingredients, such as:
- Pumpkin puree, which is rich in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants
- Spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, which have anti-inflammatory properties
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the gingersnap cookies with a whole grain, lower-sugar alternative, such as homemade oat flour cookies spiced with ginger and cinnamon
- Reduce the amount of powdered sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey
- Use a lower-fat cream cheese or substitute a portion of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for added protein and reduced fat content
- Opt for a higher-quality white chocolate with a greater percentage of cocoa butter and less added sugar
- Incorporate more pumpkin puree into the filling to increase the nutritional value and fiber content
- Roll the truffles in finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to add healthy fats and a crunchy texture
Editor's Opinion on the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Truffles Recipe
This pumpkin cream cheese truffles recipe is a delightful blend of fall flavors and creamy textures. The combination of pumpkin, gingersnap, and white chocolate creates a harmonious balance of sweetness and spice. The process of shaping and coating the truffles is a fun and rewarding experience, resulting in a visually appealing treat. The use of gingersnap crumbs adds a pleasant crunch and an extra layer of flavor. These truffles are perfect for autumn gatherings or as a special homemade gift. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful indulgence that is sure to impress and satisfy.
Enhance Your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Truffles Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Pumpkin Cream Cheese Truffles
Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Truffles Recipe
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