These beady-eyed pumpkin cheesecake pumpkin truffles are perfect for Halloween! This no-bake recipe takes no time to whip up and is loads of fun to decorate!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, gingersnap crumbs, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, cinnamon, salt, and softened cream cheese. Mix until thoroughly combined and smooth.
Melt ½ cup white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring between each interval, until completely melted and smooth.
Pour the melted white chocolate into the pumpkin mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for approximately 1 hour, or until the mixture is firm enough to roll into balls. To speed up the process, freeze the mixture for approximately 30 minutes.
Once chilled, scoop and roll the pumpkin mixture into 14 to 16 evenly sized balls. Insert a toothpick into the center of each truffle.
Place the remaining white chocolate chips or white dipping chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, until completely melted and smooth.
Holding each truffle by the toothpick, dip it into the melted white chocolate. Turn as needed to completely coat all sides and allow the excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.
Place each coated truffle onto a baking sheet or plate lined with wax paper or parchment paper.
Refrigerate the truffles for about 5 minutes, or until the white chocolate coating has hardened.
Drizzle additional melted white chocolate back and forth over each truffle in thin lines to create the appearance of mummy bandages.
Dip the end of a clean cotton swab into a small amount of red food coloring. Carefully dab two small dots onto each truffle to create the mummy's eyes.
Allow the decorations to set before handling. Remove the toothpicks and keep the truffles refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Notes
Be sure to pick up the right canned pumpkin puree. Always check the label for 100% pumpkin.
Work quickly because melted chocolate is harder to work with as it cools.
To ensure your truffles have a uniform size, consider using a small ice cream scoop or a cookie scoop to portion the dough.
If your truffle mixture is too sticky, add a bit more graham cracker crumbs or chill it in the refrigerator a bit longer. This will make it easier to handle.
When making the mummy's eyes, you can also use a toothpick in place of a Q-tip for more precision.
If you're not serving the truffles right away, store them in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from melting. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors shine.
Try using a double boiler to melt your chocolate. This will help to ensure that it melts evenly and doesn't burn.
Feel free to experiment with different types of decorations, not just for Halloween but also for other occasions, to make these truffles your own.