Thanksgiving is all about family, gratitude, and of course, food. While the turkey gets a lot of attention, we all know the desserts are the real stars. But getting kids excited about traditional pies can be a toss up. That’s where these Fun Thanksgiving Desserts for Kids: Easy Pumpkin Pie Truffles come in. They are adorable, simple to make, and pack all the flavor of pumpkin pie into one little bite. It’s a wonderful way to get the little ones involved in the kitchen and create some sweet memories.
This recipe is a fantastic project for a crisp autumn afternoon. You get all the comforting smells of pumpkin spice filling your home without spending hours baking. Plus, these little treats look just like tiny pumpkins, making them one of the most Cute Thanksgiving Desserts Easy to create. They are practically guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table, from the youngest cousin to the pickiest grandparent.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? These pumpkin pie truffles are a total crowd pleaser. They are a no bake dessert, which is a huge win during the busy holiday season when oven space is prime real estate. You just cook the mixture on the stovetop, chill it, and roll. It’s that simple. This makes them a great recipe for beginners or for when you need a last minute addition to your thanksgiving desserts menu.
Another great thing is how kid friendly they are. The rolling and decorating part is something little hands can easily help with. It’s a fun, sensory activity that lets them feel like they are contributing to the big feast. And because the ingredients are so straightforward, you do not need any special equipment or hard to find items. They are a budget friendly way to make a big impression.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather for these delightful little treats. The list is simple, and you probably have most of these items in your pantry already, especially around the holidays.
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup white chocolate chips
- Orange food coloring (or red and yellow food colorings), as needed, optional
- Granulated sugar, as needed, for rolling
- Chocolate chips, for topping
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make some magic? Follow these simple steps, and you will have a batch of adorable pumpkin truffles ready in no time. It is one of the most Easy Thanksgiving Treats you can imagine.
Step 1: Create The Pumpkin Mixture
First, get a skillet and place it over medium heat. Combine the butter, softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, and pumpkin pie spice in the skillet. You will want to stir this mixture constantly. Keep stirring until it thickens up and everything is beautifully combined and smooth. This part smells amazing, by the way.
Step 2: Add The Final Touches
Once your mixture is thick, stir in the graham cracker crumbs and the white chocolate chips. Keep stirring until those white chocolate chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth again. If you want your truffles to have that classic pumpkin orange color, now is the time to add a few drops of food coloring. A little goes a long way.
Step 3: Thicken And Chill
Continue to stir the pumpkin cheesecake mixture. You will know it is ready when it starts to release from the sides and bottom of the pan as you stir. If you are unsure, it is always better to cook it a little longer. A thicker mixture is easier to roll. Pour the mixture onto a butter greased baking sheet and spread it into an even layer. Pop it in the refrigerator to chill until it is firm, which should take about 2 hours, or you can leave it overnight.
Step 4: Roll And Shape The Truffles
Once the dough is chilled and firm, it is time for the fun part. Rub a little butter on your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking. Then, roll the chilled dough into small balls. Think about the size of a walnut. This is a great step for kids to help with.
Step 5: Decorate Your Pumpkins
Pour some granulated sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll each truffle ball in the sugar until it is fully coated. This gives them a little sparkle. To make them look like tiny pumpkins, take a toothpick and gently press lines down the sides. For the finishing touch, press a single chocolate chip into the top of each one to act as a little pumpkin stem. How cute is that?
Step 6: Serve Or Store
You can serve your Fun Thanksgiving Desserts for Kids: Easy Pumpkin Pie Truffles right away, or you can put them back in the refrigerator until you are ready to enjoy them. They are a delightful treat to end your holiday meal.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, which might be unlikely, storing them is simple. Just place the truffles in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days. This makes them a great option to prepare ahead of time, freeing you up on Thanksgiving day. I would not recommend freezing them, as the texture of the cream cheese can change once thawed, making them a bit watery.
Tips
Want to make your pumpkin truffle experience even better? Here are a few tips. For the best flavor, make sure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling has added spices and sugar, which will throw off the balance of the recipe. Also, letting the cream cheese soften to room temperature is really important. It helps everything mix together smoothly without any lumps.
If your mixture seems too sticky to roll even after chilling, it likely needed a little more time on the stove. You can try chilling it for longer, or even pop it in the freezer for about 20 to 30 minutes to help it firm up. When it comes to decorating, feel free to get creative. You could use green sprinkles for a vine or even a small piece of a pretzel stick for the stem instead of a chocolate chip.
Conclusion
These Fun Thanksgiving Desserts for Kids: Easy Pumpkin Pie Truffles are more than just a sweet treat. They are an experience. They bring the fun of crafting and the flavors of the season together in one adorable package. As one of the best Thanksgiving Desserts For Kids, this recipe is a keeper. It is easy, delicious, and a wonderful way to make the holiday feel special for everyone involved. Give them a try this year and watch them disappear from the dessert table.
FAQ
Can I Use Something Other Than Graham Cracker Crumbs?
Absolutely. If you do not have graham cracker crumbs, you can crush up vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even gingersnaps for a slightly different flavor profile. Just make sure they are crushed into fine crumbs for the best texture.
Is The Food Coloring Necessary?
Not at all. The food coloring is purely for aesthetics to make the truffles look more like little pumpkins. They will taste just as delicious without it. The natural color from the pumpkin puree will give them a lovely pale orange hue on its own.
Can I Make These Truffles Dairy Free?
You could try using dairy free butter, cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk alternatives. Many brands offer plant based versions of these ingredients. However, the texture and setting properties might vary slightly, so you may need to adjust the cooking time to get the right consistency.
Easy Pumpkin Pie Truffles
These no-bake pumpkin pie truffles are adorable, simple to make, and pack all the flavor of pumpkin pie into one little bite. It’s a wonderful way to get kids involved in the kitchen for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine butter, cream cheese, pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, and pumpkin pie spice in a skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and is smooth.
- Stir in the graham cracker crumbs and white chocolate chips. Continue stirring until the chips are completely melted. Add a few drops of food coloring, if using.
- Continue to stir until the mixture releases from the sides of the pan. Pour onto a butter-greased baking sheet, spread into an even layer, and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.
- Rub a little butter on your hands. Roll the chilled dough into small, walnut-sized balls.
- Roll each truffle ball in granulated sugar to coat. Use a toothpick to gently press lines down the sides to resemble a pumpkin.
- Press a single chocolate chip into the top of each truffle for the stem. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Use pure pumpkin puree: Do not use pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars and spices that will alter the recipe.
Soften cream cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth mixture.
Storage: Keep leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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