Hey there, holiday treat enthusiasts! 🎄 If you’re looking for a dessert that’s fancy enough to impress but easy enough to whip up on a busy Christmas week, you’re in for a treat—literally. These Chocolate Pumpkin and Orange Truffles are the ultimate festive indulgence. They’ve got the warm coziness of pumpkin, the zing of orange, and the rich decadence of dark chocolate all rolled into one bite-sized piece of magic. Oh, and they’re ridiculously fun to make! Let’s get rolling (pun intended). 😄
Try my Christmas Chocolate Bark recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
→ Quick & Easy: You don’t need to be a pro chef to nail this one. Mix, roll, dip, chill—done!
→ Festive Flavors: Pumpkin, orange, and dark chocolate? It’s like Christmas in every bite! 🎄🍊🍫
→ No-Bake Magic: No oven? No problem. This recipe is perfect for those cozy, lazy holiday afternoons.
→ Budget-Friendly: Delicious doesn’t have to break the bank—this treat is as easy on your wallet as it is on your schedule.
→ Make-Ahead Friendly: Got a busy holiday lineup? Make these truffles in advance, and they’ll be ready to wow when you are.
→ Customizable: Switch up the nuts, chocolate, or toppings to make them your own. Sprinkle some crushed candy canes for an extra festive twist! 🎁
Basically, this recipe is a total holiday win—easy, delicious, and packed with festive vibes. 😊
Try my Strawberry Protein Mousse recipe.
What You’ll Need To Make
What Makes These Truffles So Good?
Let’s talk about the magic ingredients that make these truffles a holiday favorite:
→ Pumpkin Puree: The secret to that rich, velvety texture and a subtle earthy sweetness. Plus, it’s totally festive! 🎃
→ Orange Zest: Just a pinch of this adds a bright, citrusy zing that pairs perfectly with the chocolate. It’s like a little burst of sunshine in every bite! 🍊
→ Dark Chocolate: The star of the show! Go for 85% cocoa or higher for that intense, luxurious flavor. It’s what makes these truffles so decadent. 🍫
→ Chopped Walnuts & Ground Almonds: These add a nutty crunch and help hold everything together. Bonus? They bring some protein and healthy fats to the party. 🥳
→ Cacao Powder: A light dusting of this gives the truffles a pro finish and a hint of rich, chocolatey goodness. Perfect for that Instagram-worthy look. ✨
Try my No-Bake Vanilla Protein Bars recipe.
Ingredients: Makes 12 truffles |
---|
– 4 oz (115g) pumpkin puree |
– 2 oz (60g) chopped walnuts |
– 4 tbsp ground almonds |
– 1 tsp orange zest |
– 2 oz (60g) dark chocolate (vegan or regular, 85% cocoa or higher) |
– 1 tsp cacao powder (for dusting) |
Each ingredient brings its own holiday magic, making these truffles an irresistible treat!
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 40 mins
Let’s Make Chocolate Pumpkin and Orange Truffles! 🎄🍫
1| Grab a mixing bowl and toss in the pumpkin puree, chopped walnuts, ground almonds, and a zesty sprinkle of orange zest. Mix it all up until it looks like a festive dough ready to party! 🎉
2| Roll the mixture into cute little balls—bite-sized perfection! Line them up on a tray with parchment paper like they’re soldiers in a holiday parade. 🎅
3| Melt the dark chocolate like a pro! Use the stovetop or microwave, giving it a stir every 30 seconds until it’s smooth and dreamy. 🍫
4| Time for the fun part—coat each truffle ball in that luscious melted chocolate. While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle on some cacao powder for that extra fancy touch. ✨
5| Pop the tray in the fridge and let those truffles chill out for 30 minutes. They’ll come out perfectly set and ready to dazzle!
Enjoy your chocolatey Christmas treat! 🎁🍊
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Recipe Swaps
1| Pumpkin Puree: Swap it with sweet potato puree or mashed butternut squash for a similar creamy texture and mild sweetness.
2| Walnuts: Use pecans, hazelnuts, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
3| Ground Almonds: Replace with oat flour or coconut flour for a different texture and flavor.
4| Orange Zest: Try lemon zest or a splash of vanilla extract for a new twist.
5| Dark Chocolate: Milk chocolate or white chocolate works too if you prefer something sweeter.
Try my Creamy Mango Rice Pudding recipe.
Creative Tweaks
1| Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can add cozy holiday vibes to the mix.
2| Boost the Crunch: Roll the truffles in crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or festive sprinkles instead of cacao powder.
3| Add Sweetness: Mix in a drizzle of maple syrup or honey if you like your truffles on the sweeter side.
4| Go Boozy: Add a splash of orange liqueur like Grand Marnier for a grown-up holiday treat.
5| Double the Chocolate: Mix some mini chocolate chips into the pumpkin mixture for extra chocolaty bites.
These swaps and tweaks make it easy to customize the truffles to fit your taste or dietary preferences. Let the experimenting begin! 🎉
Try my Christmas Party Jumbo Mince Pie recipe.
Useful Tips for Success
Handy Tips for Perfect Chocolate Pumpkin and Orange Truffles
1| Chill the Mixture First: If the mixture feels too soft or sticky to roll into balls, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up. It’ll make shaping much easier! ❄️
2| Work Quickly with Chocolate: When dipping the truffles, keep the melted chocolate warm so it stays smooth. If it starts to harden, reheat it gently in the microwave or on a double boiler.
3| Use a Fork or Skewer: To coat the truffles in chocolate, use a fork or skewer to dip and lift them out. This helps avoid messy fingers and keeps the coating even.
4| Line Your Tray: Always line your tray with parchment paper or wax paper. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
5| Get Creative with Toppings: While cacao powder is classic, try rolling the truffles in crushed candy canes, powdered sugar, or festive sprinkles for a holiday twist! 🎄✨
6| Store Them Right: Keep the truffles in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week—if they last that long! 😉
7| Make It a Group Activity: These truffles are so fun to make, especially with kids or friends. Turn it into a mini holiday baking party! 🎉
These tips will make your truffle-making experience smooth and stress-free—because holiday desserts should be all about the joy! 🍫
Try my Christmas Beetroot Chocolate Bread recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Fun & Festive Serving Ideas for Your Truffles
1| Holiday Dessert Platter: Arrange the truffles on a pretty Christmas-themed platter with other treats like cookies, fudge, or candied nuts for a show-stopping centerpiece. 🎄✨
2| Gift-Worthy Boxes: Pack the truffles in a decorative tin or small gift box lined with parchment paper for an adorable homemade holiday gift. 🎁
3| Pop Them on Sticks: Turn your truffles into truffle pops! Insert lollipop sticks before dipping them in chocolate for a fun, handheld dessert.
4| Pair with Coffee or Tea: Serve the truffles alongside a steaming cup of coffee, spiced tea, or even hot cocoa for a cozy pairing. ☕🍫
5| As a Cake Topper: Use these truffles to decorate a chocolate cake or yule log. They’ll add a festive touch and double as a sweet surprise! 🎂
6| Serve in Mini Cups: Place each truffle in a small paper or silicone cup for a touch of elegance and easy serving.
7| Add to a Grazing Board: Include the truffles on a dessert grazing board with fresh fruit, nuts, and other sweet bites. Perfect for parties! 🎉
No matter how you serve them, these truffles are sure to be the star of any holiday gathering! 🍊🍫
Try my Christmas Biscotti recipe.
Storage Suggestions
Best Storage Options for Your Truffles
1| Fridge-Friendly: Store your truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This will help them stay firm and fresh. ❄️
2| Freezer Storage: Want to keep them longer? Pop them in the freezer! Place the truffles in a single layer on a tray to freeze first, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, let them thaw for a few minutes before enjoying!
3| Keep Them Cool and Dry: If you’re storing them at room temperature, make sure they’re in a cool, dry place (away from heat or direct sunlight). They’ll stay fresh for 3-5 days this way.
4| Use Parchment Paper: When stacking the truffles in your container, place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
5| Gift Wrap Storage: If you’re giving these as gifts, wrap each truffle individually in parchment paper or small candy bags, and store them in a cute box or tin for extra freshness and presentation! 🎁
These simple storage tips will keep your truffles delicious and ready to share (or savor yourself!) whenever you want. 😋
Try my PB Christmas Cookies recipe.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—your Chocolate Pumpkin and Orange Truffles are ready to steal the spotlight at your holiday table! 🎉 Whether you’re serving them up at a party or stashing a few for yourself (I won’t tell!), these little bites of joy are guaranteed to spread some serious Christmas cheer. So, grab one (or three), kick back, and enjoy the sweet taste of the holidays. Merry Christmas, folks! 🎅🍫
Recipe Card
Chocolate Pumpkin and Orange Truffles – Christmas Treat
Looking for a no-bake holiday dessert? 🎁 These Chocolate Pumpkin and Orange Truffles are packed with festive flavors—pumpkin, orange, and chocolate all rolled into one delicious bite! 🍊🍫
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1:
Mix pumpkin puree, chopped walnuts, ground almonds and orange zest in a bowl until well combined. -
Step 2:
Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a lined tray. -
Step 3:
Melt the dark chocolate on a stovetop or microwave in 30- second intervals, stirring until smooth. -
Step 4:
Dip each truffle ball into the melted chocolate to coat, then dust with cacao powder while still soft. -
Step 5:
Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to set.
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 65kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5g8%
- Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
- Protein 1g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.