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To make these tasty truffles, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon ground ginger - ¼ teaspoon ground cloves - 2 cups graham cracker crumbs - 1 cup caramel sauce, divided - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - A pinch of sea salt for garnish You can add a few fun things to make your truffles unique. Here are some ideas: - Finely chopped nuts for crunch - Different spices like allspice or cardamom - A splash of maple syrup for extra sweetness - Add a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick If you have dietary needs, you can swap some ingredients. Here are some options: - Use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version - Replace graham crackers with gluten-free crumbs - Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate - Use a sugar-free caramel sauce to lower sugar content This list gives you the basics and some fun options. Enjoy making these truffles your own! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 cup of softened cream cheese. Then, pour in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Next, sprinkle in your spices: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, ½ teaspoon of ginger, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend these ingredients together. Keep mixing until the mixture is smooth. Take a moment to ensure there are no lumps. Then, take 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs and gradually add them to your pumpkin mix. Gently fold everything together. Your goal is to form a thick dough that holds its shape, but isn’t too sticky. Now it’s time to shape your truffles. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the mixture firm up. After chilling, scoop out portions with a tablespoon. Roll them into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Using your finger or the back of a spoon, create a small indentation in each truffle. Carefully fill these indentations with about a teaspoon of caramel sauce. Then, pinch the sides of the dough back together to fully cover the caramel. Once you’ve filled them all, freeze the truffles for at least 15 minutes to help them set. While the truffles are freezing, it’s time to melt the chocolate. Use a microwave-safe bowl and add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Melt the chocolate in 30-second intervals. Stir after each interval until the chocolate is completely smooth. Once melted, take the truffles out of the freezer. Dip each truffle into the warm chocolate, ensuring they’re fully coated. Allow any extra chocolate to drip off before placing them back on the parchment-lined tray. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of each truffle. This adds a nice flavor contrast. Let them sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, or speed it up by placing them in the fridge. Enjoy your truffles as a tasty fall treat! To make sure your truffles stay soft and creamy, follow these steps: - Use fresh pumpkin puree; canned is fine, but fresh gives better flavor. - Soften the cream cheese fully before mixing. This helps create a smooth blend. - Mix gently when adding graham cracker crumbs. Too much mixing can make them tough. - Chill the mixture as directed. This helps it firm up just right for rolling. If your mixture turns out too sticky, don’t worry! Here’s how to fix it: - Add more graham cracker crumbs a little at a time. This can help absorb excess moisture. - Chill the mixture longer. A colder mix is easier to handle. - If you still struggle, wet your hands slightly while rolling. This can help prevent sticking. A smooth chocolate coating makes your truffles shine. Here’s how to get it just right: - Use semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balance of sweetness. - Melt chocolate slowly in short bursts in the microwave. Stir between each burst until smooth. - Dip each truffle quickly to avoid melting. Let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. - Sprinkle sea salt right after dipping. This adds flavor and enhances the look of each truffle. Pro Tips Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: For the best flavor, consider using fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Roast a small pumpkin, scoop out the insides, and blend it until smooth. Chill the Truffles: After rolling the truffles, always chill them before dipping in chocolate. This helps them hold their shape and makes dipping easier. Experiment with Toppings: Don't just stop at sea salt! Try adding crushed nuts, pumpkin spice dust, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for added flavor and texture. Storage Tips: Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; just thaw before serving. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the flavors in these truffles. For a minty twist, add peppermint extract to the pumpkin mix. This gives a fresh taste perfect for the holidays. If you love chocolate, try adding cocoa powder into the pumpkin mixture. This will create a rich chocolate pumpkin truffle. You can also use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for a sweeter treat. Toppings can change the look and taste of your truffles. Try crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy finish. For a festive touch, use sprinkles or edible glitter. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top. This adds flair and makes each truffle even more tempting. Making these truffles vegan is easy. Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese. Replace the caramel sauce with a vegan version made from coconut sugar and coconut milk. For gluten-free truffles, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. Always check the labels to ensure your ingredients are gluten-free. With these swaps, you can enjoy delicious truffles while meeting dietary needs. To keep your truffles fresh, store them properly. First, let the chocolate set completely. Then, place your truffles in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each truffle in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They should last up to three months in the freezer. For the best taste, enjoy your truffles fresh. If you need to store them, keep the container closed. This helps keep moisture out. Avoid placing them near strong-smelling foods. Chocolate can absorb odors easily. For a quick snack, leave them at room temperature for up to an hour before eating. This will soften them and enhance the flavor. Check your truffles before eating them. If you see white spots, this may be fat bloom, which is safe to eat. However, if they smell off or have an unusual texture, it’s best to toss them. A change in taste is another sign they are not fresh. Always trust your senses. If something seems off, it’s better to be safe. Caramel pumpkin spice truffles last about one week in the fridge. If you store them in an airtight container, they stay fresh longer. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to let them thaw in the fridge before eating. Yes! Making these truffles in advance is a great idea. You can prepare them up to two days ahead. Just keep them in the fridge, covered, until you’re ready to serve. If you freeze them, let them sit out for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps them soften a bit. You can find pre-made caramel pumpkin spice truffles at many gourmet shops and bakeries. Some grocery stores may also carry them in the fall. If you want to skip the store, you can make them at home with this easy recipe! Caramel pumpkin spice truffles are easy and fun to make. We covered all the key steps, from ingredients to storage tips. You can customize your truffles to match your taste, too. Remember to follow the guides to achieve smooth, creamy results. Enjoy crafting these treats for your friends and family. Make them vegan or gluten-free for extra options. Follow these tips, and you’ll create delicious bites that everyone loves. Try these recipes, and impress everyone with your skills. Happy truffle making!

Caramel Pumpkin Spice Truffles

Delicious truffles made with pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and a hint of spice, coated in chocolate and drizzled with caramel.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup caramel sauce, divided (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 pinch sea salt for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Using a hand mixer or whisk, blend until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, ensuring there are no lumps.
  • Gradually add the graham cracker crumbs to the pumpkin mixture. Gently fold everything together until it forms a thick, doughy consistency – it should be firm enough to hold its shape when rolled into balls but not overly sticky.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes, allowing it to firm up enough to handle easily.
  • Once chilled, use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of the mixture, rolling them into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and placing them on a parchment-lined tray.
  • Using your finger or the back of a spoon, create a small indentation in the center of each truffle. Carefully fill each indentation with about a teaspoon of caramel sauce. Then, pinch the sides of the dough back together to encase the caramel entirely.
  • Freeze the filled truffles for a minimum of 15 minutes to help them set firmly for coating.
  • Meanwhile, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals. Stir after each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
  • Remove the truffles from the freezer and dip each one into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back on the parchment-lined tray.
  • While the chocolate coating is still warm and soft, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of each truffle for a perfect flavor contrast.
  • Let the truffles sit at room temperature until the chocolate sets, or you can place them in the refrigerator for quicker hardening.

Notes

For an elegant touch, arrange the truffles in a festive box or on a decorative serving plate. Drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the top before serving for an eye-catching finish that enhances their delicious appeal.
Keyword caramel, chocolate, dessert, pumpkin, truffles