As the crisp autumn air sets in and pumpkins start appearing everywhere, it’s the perfect time to indulge in some comforting pumpkin-flavored treats. If you’re craving a rich, creamy dessert but want to skip the oven, these no bake pumpkin cheesecake balls are your new best friend.
They combine the velvety texture of cheesecake with the warm, fragrant spices of pumpkin pie, all rolled into bite-sized delights that are perfect for parties, snacks, or a cozy night in. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, these pumpkin cheesecake balls will quickly become a seasonal favorite.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and fun. You’ll need just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of patience while they chill.
Plus, they’re wonderfully customizable to suit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your fall dessert rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These no bake pumpkin cheesecake balls are a fantastic treat for several reasons. First, they require no oven time, which means less mess and less waiting.
The creamy cheesecake filling combined with the spiced pumpkin puree creates a perfect balance of flavors that scream autumn. They’re also portable and easy to serve, making them ideal for gatherings or to pack in lunch boxes.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the coating – use crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate for extra indulgence.
Plus, they store well in the refrigerator or freezer, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them whenever the craving hits.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (divided)
- Optional coatings: crushed pecans, chopped walnuts, mini chocolate chips
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Baking sheet or tray
- Parchment paper or wax paper
- Refrigerator
- Spoon or small cookie scoop
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add pumpkin and spices: Mix in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Continue mixing until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Incorporate graham cracker crumbs: Gradually add 1 cup of the graham cracker crumbs to the pumpkin cheesecake mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine. The mixture should be thick enough to roll into balls. If it’s too soft, add more graham cracker crumbs, a tablespoon at a time.
- Form the balls: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms into a smooth ball. Place each ball on the prepared sheet. Repeat until all mixture is used.
- Coat the cheesecake balls: Roll each ball in the remaining 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, or use any of the optional coatings like crushed pecans, chopped walnuts, or mini chocolate chips for variety and extra texture.
- Chill: Place the coated balls in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up. For best texture and flavor, chill overnight.
- Serve: Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before serving for optimal creaminess. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
“For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative.”
- Spice it up: Adjust the pumpkin pie spices to your liking. Add a pinch more cinnamon or a dash of allspice for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate lovers: Dip the cheesecake balls halfway in melted dark or white chocolate, then let set on parchment paper for an indulgent coating.
- Nuts and seeds: For added crunch, roll the balls in finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or even toasted pumpkin seeds.
- Sweetener swaps: If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the powdered sugar by 1/4 cup or substitute with a natural sweetener like maple syrup (adjust the texture accordingly).
- Make it bite-sized: For parties, make mini cheesecake balls using a teaspoon instead of a tablespoon for smaller portions.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 ball) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Sodium | 55mg |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 1.5g |
Serving Suggestions
These pumpkin cheesecake balls are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a festive touch, arrange them on a decorative platter dusted lightly with cinnamon or cocoa powder.
You can also serve them alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or spiced cider to bring out the warm pumpkin flavors.
For a party, consider pairing these cheesecake balls with other autumn-inspired treats like spiced apple donuts or caramel pecan bars. They also make a delightful after-dinner dessert when served with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream.
Conclusion
No bake pumpkin cheesecake balls are an effortless, crowd-pleasing dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite. The creamy texture combined with the warming spices creates a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re preparing a holiday gathering, looking for an easy dessert to share with friends, or simply want a quick sweet snack, this recipe fits the bill.
What makes these cheesecake balls truly special is how simple they are to make, requiring just a few pantry staples and no oven time. Plus, their portability and make-ahead nature mean you can enjoy them anytime with minimal fuss.
Give this recipe a try this season and savor the flavors of autumn in a delightful, bite-sized form.
📖 Recipe Card: No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls
Description: Delicious and creamy pumpkin cheesecake balls that require no baking. Perfect for a quick and festive dessert.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT20M
Servings: 24 cheesecake balls
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted (for coating)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional, for coating)
Instructions
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
- Add crumb mixture to the pumpkin mixture and stir until combined.
- Form mixture into 1-inch balls and place on parchment paper.
- Chill balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Dip chilled balls into melted white chocolate, then roll in chopped pecans if desired.
- Place coated balls on parchment paper and refrigerate until set.
Nutrition: Calories: 110 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 10g
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