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Easy No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites: Kid-Friendly Treat

no-bake pumpkin cheesecake bites - featured image

These no-bake pumpkin cheesecake bites are the easiest treat you can make with your kids. No oven, no stove, just mix, roll, and chill for a creamy, pumpkin-spiced delight that’s perfect for fall.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (100% pure pumpkin)
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (optional)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take your cream cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start. Cut it into smaller cubes to speed things up. You want it soft enough that it gives when you press it with your finger.
  2. Beat the cream cheese: In your large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it is smooth and creamy. About 1 to 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with your spatula.
  3. Add the pumpkin and sugar: Add the pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt to the bowl. Beat on low speed at first so the powdered sugar doesn’t fly everywhere, then increase to medium and beat until everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth, thick, and a beautiful orange color. About 2 minutes.
  4. Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is important — it makes the mixture firm enough to roll into balls.
  5. Prepare your coatings: While the mixture chills, set up your coating stations. Put the graham cracker crumbs in one shallow bowl, the chopped nuts in another, and the shredded coconut in a third. If you are using only one coating, just use one bowl.
  6. Roll the bites: Once the mixture is firm, use your cookie scoop or a tablespoon to scoop out even portions. Roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth ball. The mixture should be slightly sticky but firm enough to hold its shape. If it is too sticky, pop it back in the fridge for another 10 minutes.
  7. Coat the bites: Roll each ball in your chosen coating until it is fully covered. Press gently so the coating sticks. Place the coated bites on your parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
  8. Final chill: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and let the bites chill for at least 1 hour. This sets them completely and makes them firm and creamy. For best results, let them chill overnight.
  9. Serve: Take the bites out of the fridge about 5 minutes before serving. This lets them soften just a touch, which makes them extra creamy. They are ready to enjoy.

Notes

Don’t skip the chill time. Use room temperature ingredients. Wet your hands slightly if the mixture sticks. Use a cookie scoop for even portions. Experiment with coatings like crushed gingersnaps, pretzels, or freeze-dried strawberries.

Nutrition

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