Introduction
Craving something decadent and pumpkin-flavored this season? Look no further than No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls. These creamy, spiced treats are the perfect fusion of cheesecake and pumpkin pie, without the hassle of baking. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick dessert, or simply want a delightful snack, these no-bake balls are your go-to. Plus, they’re easy to make and packed with the quintessential flavors of fall.
Why You’ll Love No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls
Quick and Easy to Make
These No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls come together in under 30 minutes of active prep time. With no oven required, you can whip them up without heating your kitchen—a bonus for those warm autumn days.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a Halloween party, Thanksgiving dessert table, or a cozy weekend treat, these pumpkin cheesecake balls are sure to impress. Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for serving to a crowd, and they look stunning with a drizzle of orange candy melts.
Healthier Indulgence
While they are a sweet treat, pumpkin puree is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. It’s a great way to indulge while still incorporating some nutritious elements into your dessert.
Ingredients You Need
To make these irresistible cheesecake balls, gather the following ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Provides that rich, creamy base.
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar – Adds the right amount of sweetness.
- ⅔ cup pumpkin puree – The star ingredient that brings the fall flavor.
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice – A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for warmth.
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs – Adds texture and a subtle honey flavor.
- 1 ½ cups gingersnap crumbs – Provides a spicy kick.
- 12 oz white almond bark (for coating) – Creates a smooth, crunchy exterior.
- Optional: 1 cup orange candy melts (for drizzle) – For that festive touch.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture
Begin by beating the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth consistency. Mix until it’s creamy and free of lumps. Add in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, and continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated. This mixture should be thick, smooth, and oh-so-delicious!
2. Add the Crumbs
Stir in the graham cracker and gingersnap crumbs until the mixture is well combined. These crumbs not only add flavor but also give the mixture the necessary structure to form into balls. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling step is crucial as it helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to shape.
3. Form the Cheesecake Balls
Once the mixture is firm, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into 1-inch balls. If the mixture is still a bit sticky, you can lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar or graham cracker crumbs. Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill them for an additional 30 minutes. This step ensures they hold their shape when dipped in the almond bark.
4. Coat with White Almond Bark
Melt the white almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to avoid overheating. Once it’s smooth, use a fork or toothpick to dip each cheesecake ball into the melted bark, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the coated balls back on the parchment paper and allow them to set. The almond bark will harden into a deliciously crunchy shell.
5. Optional Drizzle for a Festive Touch
For a splash of color and extra sweetness, melt the orange candy melts and drizzle them over the coated cheesecake balls. Use a piping bag or simply drizzle with a fork. Allow the drizzle to harden completely before serving.
Tips for the Best No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in your mixture.
- Chill Properly: Don’t skip the chilling steps; they are essential for forming and coating the balls without them falling apart.
- Use Quality Spices: The flavor of pumpkin pie spice can vary. Use a high-quality blend for the best taste.
- Experiment with Coatings: While white almond bark is delicious, you can also try milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
While these treats are indulgent, they do contain pumpkin, a nutrient-dense ingredient. Pumpkin is rich in Vitamin A, which supports eye health, and fiber, which aids in digestion. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
Nutrition Details
- Serving: 1 cheesecake ball
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 14g
- Vitamin A: 3000IU
- Calcium: 50mg
- Iron: 1mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, these cheesecake balls can be made in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to three months. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
You can use fresh pumpkin puree if you prefer. However, make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the texture of the cheesecake balls.
Certainly! If you’re not a fan of almond bark, white chocolate chips or candy melts can be used instead. Melt them just like the almond bark and dip away!
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers and gingersnaps. Double-check that the other ingredients you use, especially the almond bark, are certified gluten-free.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re stacking them, place parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Conclusion
These No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls are the ultimate fall treat—easy to make, bursting with pumpkin flavor, and perfectly spiced. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a late-night snack, they’re sure to become a favorite. With the rich taste of cheesecake and the warm essence of pumpkin pie, these little balls of joy bring the best of both worlds to your table. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this sweet, seasonal delight!
PrintNo Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls: The Ultimate Fall Dessert
These No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls are a delightful blend of creamy pumpkin, spiced cheesecake, and crunchy almond bark. Perfect for fall gatherings or a sweet treat without the fuss of baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (No Bake)
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 24 cheesecake balls 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ⅔ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 ½ cups gingersnap crumbs
- 12 oz white almond bark (for coating)
- Optional: 1 cup orange candy melts (for drizzle)
Instructions
Let’s break down this easy recipe into simple steps. Even if you’re not a kitchen wizard, you’ll have these ready in no time.
Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture
First things first, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Keep mixing until it becomes smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! Then, stir in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. This is where the magic happens; the mixture should be rich and aromatic, with a velvety texture.
Add the Crumbs
Next, it’s time to add the graham cracker crumbs and gingersnap crumbs. Stir them in until everything is well combined. Cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. This allows the mixture to firm up, making it easier to shape into balls. Patience here pays off!
Form Balls
Now, let’s get rolling! Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the cheesecake mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. If they get a little sticky, lightly coat your hands with some extra crumbs. Place these balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them back into the fridge for another 30 minutes. This extra chilling helps them hold their shape when you coat them later.
Coat with Almond Bark
Melt the white almond bark in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session. Once it’s smooth, dip each chilled ball into the melted almond bark. Ensure they are fully coated, then place them back on the parchment paper to set. The creamy almond bark adds a satisfying crunch to these soft and creamy bites.
Optional Drizzle
Want to add a festive touch? Melt the orange candy melts and drizzle them over the set cheesecake balls. The bright orange color adds a pop of fun, making these treats look as good as they taste. Let everything harden completely before serving.
Notes
- Chilling Time: Don’t rush the chilling process. It’s crucial for shaping and coating the balls without them falling apart.
- Substitutions: You can swap gingersnap crumbs with more graham cracker crumbs if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Storage: Store these in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
- Serving: These are best enjoyed chilled. Serve them straight from the fridge for that perfect bite-sized delight.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheesecake ball
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites ,Easy Fall Dessert, No Bake Pumpkin Treats, Pumpkin Spice Dessert