Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls are the perfect bite-sized dessert for fall, combining creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling with warm spices and a sweet coating. They’re simple to prepare, require no oven time, and are ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or as a quick sweet indulgence. Each ball captures the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie and cheesecake in a convenient, poppable treat that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious. The smooth pumpkin mixture is rolled and coated in graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, or even chocolate for variety. What makes them especially appealing is how versatile they are—you can keep them classic, dress them up with coatings, or freeze them for later enjoyment. These cheesecake balls are festive, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, making them a must-try recipe when pumpkin season arrives.
Print
Easy No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls – A Bite-Sized Fall Treat
- Total Time: 50 mins (including chilling time)
- Yield: 20 balls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling coated in graham cracker crumbs, these no-bake pumpkin cheesecake balls are the perfect bite-sized fall treat.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in graham cracker crumbs until mixture thickens enough to roll into balls.
- Chill mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes for easier handling.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and coat in additional graham cracker crumbs.
- Optional: Melt white chocolate chips and drizzle over the balls for decoration.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to set.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months – thaw in fridge before serving.
- For variety, roll in crushed pecans or dip in melted chocolate instead of graham crumbs.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cream cheese – Softened, it forms the creamy cheesecake base.
Pumpkin puree – Brings rich flavor and seasonal flair to the filling.
Powdered sugar – Sweetens the mixture and ensures a smooth texture.
Graham cracker crumbs – Provide structure and the classic cheesecake taste.
Pumpkin spice – A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to highlight the pumpkin.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake filling.
White chocolate or candy melts – Optional coating for a sweet, smooth finish.
Crushed pecans or graham crumbs – Optional toppings for texture and garnish.
Directions
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, pumpkin spice, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and creamy. Stir in graham cracker crumbs until the mixture is firm enough to roll. If the mixture is too soft, refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
Scoop out small portions using a spoon or cookie scoop and roll into bite-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.
For extra indulgence, melt white chocolate or candy melts and dip each ball until coated, then place back on the tray. Sprinkle with crushed pecans, graham cracker crumbs, or a dusting of pumpkin spice for garnish. Refrigerate until set.
Serve chilled straight from the fridge for the best texture.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20–24 cheesecake balls. Preparation takes 20 minutes, plus optional chilling time of 30 minutes. Total time is under 1 hour, making them a quick and easy dessert.
Storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze cheesecake balls (uncoated or coated) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate-dipped – Coat with dark or milk chocolate instead of white for a richer taste.
Nutty version – Roll in crushed pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunch.
Coconut coating – Roll in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crumb mixture.
Pumpkin pie bites – Add extra pumpkin spice for a stronger seasonal flavor.
Maple drizzle – Drizzle with maple syrup glaze for added sweetness.
Mini truffle style – Decorate with festive sprinkles for holidays.
Cheesecake swirl – Fold in a few spoonfuls of whipped cream cheese for extra tang.
Protein boost – Mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder to make them snack-worthy.
Caramel accent – Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
FAQs
Do I need to bake these cheesecake balls?
No, this is a no-bake recipe—just mix, roll, and chill.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
No, pumpkin pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced, which may make the mixture too runny.
How do I keep the balls from being too sticky?
Chill the mixture before rolling and coat your hands lightly with graham crumbs.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they’re great for making a day or two in advance.
What’s the best coating for them?
White chocolate, graham crumbs, or chopped nuts all work well.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before serving.
How do I prevent cracks in the chocolate coating?
Make sure the balls are chilled but not frozen solid before dipping.
Can I make them without cream cheese?
Cream cheese is essential for the cheesecake flavor, though mascarpone is a good substitute.
Can I use a food processor?
Yes, it speeds up mixing and ensures a smooth filling.
Are these gluten-free?
They can be if you use gluten-free graham crackers.
Conclusion
Easy No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls are a festive, bite-sized dessert that brings all the flavors of fall into a simple, no-fuss recipe. With their creamy pumpkin filling, warm spices, and customizable coatings, they’re as versatile as they are delicious. Perfect for parties, holidays, or cozy nights in, these treats are quick to make, easy to store, and guaranteed to impress. Whether dipped in chocolate, rolled in nuts, or kept simple with graham crumbs, they’re a seasonal favorite you’ll return to again and again.