Pumpkin Bread Truffles

Pumpkin Bread Truffles are a delicious, bite-sized fall treat that combines the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin bread with the indulgence of a truffle. These little morsels are made from moist pumpkin bread mixed with cream cheese or frosting, rolled into balls, and coated in a smooth layer of white chocolate or dark chocolate. They’re perfect for parties, gifting, or a decadent snack when you’re craving something sweet and festive.

These truffles are an amazing way to use up leftover pumpkin bread, but they’re so good that you’ll find yourself baking pumpkin bread just to make these little treats! The combination of spiced pumpkin flavors with creamy filling and the rich chocolate coating creates an irresistible dessert that melts in your mouth. Plus, they’re customizable, fun to decorate, and super easy to make. Whether you want to create an elegant fall dessert or a fun Halloween-themed treat, Pumpkin Bread Truffles will definitely impress.

I first made these truffles when I was looking for something new and fun to do with leftover pumpkin bread. The idea of turning that soft, spiced bread into something more decadent sounded perfect, and they were an instant hit. These truffles are now a go-to treat when I want something that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Bread Truffles

1. Perfectly Portable: These truffles are ideal for parties, gifts, or potlucks because they’re easy to grab and eat. No mess, no fuss—just bite-sized perfection!
2. Cozy Fall Flavors: The pumpkin bread base provides all the flavors of a classic fall dessert—pumpkin spice, cinnamon, nutmeg—all rolled up into a creamy, bite-sized treat.
3. Rich and Decadent: The creamy filling made from pumpkin bread mixed with cream cheese or frosting pairs beautifully with the chocolate coating, making each bite a rich indulgence.
4. Easy to Make: Using pre-made or leftover pumpkin bread makes this recipe a breeze. You only need a few simple steps to transform it into elegant truffles.
5. Customizable and Fun to Decorate: You can choose your favorite type of chocolate for the coating, add toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles, and even tint the chocolate with fall colors for a fun, festive look.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Chill time: 1 hour
• Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 20-24 truffles

Nutritional Information (per truffle)

• Calories: 160 kcal
• Carbs: 20g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15g

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these decadent Pumpkin Bread Truffles:

For the Pumpkin Bread:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Truffle Filling:

• 3 cups crumbled pumpkin bread
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (or use ½ cup frosting for a sweeter option)
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Coating:

• 16 oz white chocolate melting wafers (or dark/milk chocolate, if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother dipping)

Optional Toppings:

• Sprinkles: Use orange, gold, or brown sprinkles to give the truffles a festive fall look.
• Crushed nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for some crunch.
• Drizzled chocolate: Use contrasting chocolate (e.g., dark chocolate drizzled over white chocolate) to create decorative designs.
• Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar for a touch of extra spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pumpkin Bread

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These spices give the pumpkin bread its signature warm, cozy flavor.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the bread to be light and fluffy.

5. Bake the Bread:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Crumble the Pumpkin Bread

Once the pumpkin bread is fully cooled, crumble it into fine crumbs. You can do this by hand or in a food processor. You want the texture to be fine and even, with no large chunks of bread.

Step 3: Make the Truffle Mixture

In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of crumbled pumpkin bread with cream cheese or frosting (depending on how sweet and creamy you want the filling). Mix with a spoon or spatula until the mixture is smooth and sticks together. If you like a more intense pumpkin spice flavor, add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the mixture.

Step 4: Shape the Truffles

Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the pumpkin bread mixture and roll it into a ball between your palms. Place the truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining mixture until you’ve formed 20-24 truffles.

Step 5: Chill the Truffles

Place the baking sheet with the truffles in the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour. This will help them firm up and make them easier to coat in chocolate.

Step 6: Melt the Chocolate

While the truffles are chilling, melt the white chocolate (or dark chocolate, if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. If the chocolate is too thick, you can stir in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to help thin it out and make dipping easier.

Step 7: Dip the Truffles

Once the truffles are chilled, use a fork or dipping tool to dip each truffle into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the truffle back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining truffles.

Step 8: Decorate the Truffles

While the chocolate coating is still wet, decorate the truffles with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of contrasting chocolate. Get creative with the designs—you can even use a toothpick to draw lines in the chocolate for a pumpkin-like effect or to create fall-themed decorations.

Step 9: Let the Chocolate Set

Allow the chocolate coating to set completely before serving. You can speed up this process by placing the truffles in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chocolate has set, your Pumpkin Bread Truffles are ready to enjoy! Arrange them on a festive plate or store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve

• Party Treat: These truffles are the perfect bite-sized treat for fall parties, Halloween gatherings, or Thanksgiving dessert tables.
• Afternoon Snack: Enjoy these truffles with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a pumpkin spice latte for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
• Gift Idea: Package these truffles in a decorative box or tin, and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family during the fall season.
• Dessert Spread: Serve these alongside other fall favorites like pumpkin pie, apple crisp, or spiced cookies for a dessert spread that will wow your guests.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Day-Old Pumpkin Bread: If you have leftover pumpkin bread that’s a day or two old, it works great for this recipe. Slightly drier bread crumbles more easily and helps the truffle mixture hold together better.
2. Chill the Truffles Before Dipping: Make sure to chill the truffles for at least 1 hour before dipping them in the melted chocolate. This helps them stay firm and ensures a smooth chocolate coating.
3. Thinning the Chocolate: If the melted chocolate is too thick for dipping, add a little coconut oil or vegetable shortening to thin it out. This makes the chocolate easier to work with and creates a smoother coating.
4. Get Creative with the Decorations: Feel free to get creative when decorating the truffles. You can use colored candy melts, drizzle dark chocolate over white chocolate, or add sprinkles, crushed nuts, or edible glitter to match your holiday theme.
5. Storing the Truffles: Store the truffles in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They taste great chilled, and the chocolate coating stays firm.

Recipe Variations

These Pumpkin Bread Truffles are incredibly versatile and can be customized with different flavors, coatings, and decorations. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles:

For a richer, more intense flavor, coat the pumpkin bread truffles in melted dark chocolate instead of white chocolate. The dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the spiced pumpkin filling, creating a more sophisticated flavor.

2. Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles:

To create a cheesecake-inspired truffle, mix the crumbled pumpkin bread with 8 oz of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of graham cracker crumbs. This creates a rich, creamy filling with a hint of tanginess from the cream cheese.

3. Pumpkin Spice Latte Truffles:

Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the pumpkin bread mixture before rolling the truffles to create a pumpkin spice latte flavor. Coat the truffles in white chocolate and sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

4. Vegan Pumpkin Bread Truffles:

To make these truffles vegan, use a vegan cream cheese or plant-based frosting for the filling and coat the truffles in dairy-free chocolate. Ensure that the pumpkin bread is also made with vegan-friendly ingredients, such as flax eggs and plant-based milk.

5. Nutty Pumpkin Truffles:

For added texture and flavor, fold ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the pumpkin bread mixture. The nuts add a delightful crunch and complement the warm spices of the pumpkin bread.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They taste best when served chilled, but you can let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if you prefer a softer texture.

Freezing:

These truffles freeze beautifully! To freeze, place the truffles on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the truffles in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Special Equipment

• 9×5-Inch Loaf Pan: You’ll need this to bake the pumpkin bread.
• Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents the truffles from sticking.
• Food Processor (optional): If you want super fine crumbs for the pumpkin bread, a food processor works great for this.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Use this for melting the chocolate coating. You can also use a double boiler if preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought pumpkin bread for this recipe?

Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pumpkin bread for this recipe. Just crumble it and mix it with cream cheese or frosting to make the truffle filling.

2. Can I make these truffles vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegan cream cheese or plant-based frosting, and make sure to coat the truffles in dairy-free chocolate. Be sure the pumpkin bread is made with vegan-friendly ingredients like flax eggs.

3. How can I ensure a smooth chocolate coating?

To get a smooth chocolate coating, make sure the truffles are well chilled before dipping, and use melted chocolate thinned with a little coconut oil if needed. This makes the chocolate easier to work with and results in a smoother finish.

4. Can I add other spices to the pumpkin bread?

Yes! Feel free to add extra spices like ginger, allspice, or cardamom to the pumpkin bread batter for more depth of flavor.

5. How far in advance can I make these truffles?

You can make these truffles up to 3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. They’re great for meal prepping or preparing ahead for a party or holiday gathering.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Bread Truffles are the ultimate fall treat. They take the classic flavors of pumpkin bread—warm spices, sweet pumpkin, and moist texture—and turn them into an elegant, bite-sized dessert. Whether you’re hosting a fall party, giving them as a holiday gift, or just treating yourself to something special, these truffles are sure to impress.

They’re easy to make, versatile, and can be customized in countless ways. Whether you opt for dark chocolate, white chocolate, or fun decorations, these truffles will add a little bit of sweetness and charm to your fall festivities. I hope you enjoy making and devouring these pumpkin bread truffles as much as I do!

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