These yummy little pumpkin cheesecake bites are the perfect size dessert after a big dinner. Your mouth says, "I need a little something sweet," but your tummy groans and says, "I can't eat another thing!"
Here is a recipe for a sweet, creamy mini treat loaded with spiced pumpkin flavor and coated in candy—a decadent two-bite after-dinner indulgence!
These delightful little nuggets have the consistency of a cake pop or a truffle. And, of course, everything dipped in almond bark tastes extra tasty and festive! You do not need to turn on your oven to make these; they are quick to make, but please allow a couple of hours for the dough to chill before dipping them.
You can even make these ahead and freeze the uncoated bites for up to two months, then defrost them overnight in the refrigerator and dip them when ready to serve them.
This recipe immediately intrigued me because it looked quick and easy and sounded amazing. However, I did learn something really surprising. I have read that we shouldn't lick the beaters when making cake or cookies because you can get sick with E. coli. I always thought it was from raw eggs.
I was astonished to learn that raw flour is the culprit! Flour, even the flour in cake mixes, is not heat treated to destroy bacteria that can be present. That's because, in almost every circumstance, products made with flour are cooked or baked, eliminating any risk.
In this recipe, we do not bake the cake first like when you make cake pops. Luckily, there is a quick and easy solution to the situation. Before making the pumpkin cheesecake bites, dump the cake mix in a microwave-safe bowl.
The trick is microwaving the cake mix until it reaches 160°F, effectively killing off problematic bacteria. If you don't have a food thermometer, a good rule of thumb is to microwave for 1 minute and 15 seconds on high, stirring after 15-second intervals. Then go on with the recipe without worry!
Allow the cake mix to cool completely before adding it to the cream cheese mixture.
Fall is my favorite season, and I'm always ready when the "everything pumpkin" time of year rolls around. You are going to love these easy little treats!
These delightful pumpkin cheesecake bites are the perfect size for a "little something sweet"—not too big but rich and tasty enough for a satisfying dessert or a mid-afternoon bite with a cup of coffee.
Use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese and pumpkin puree in a medium-sized bowl for a minute or two until it is creamy and smooth. Sprinkle the cool, dry cake mix over the cream cheese mixture and continue to beat until all the ingredients are well mixed.
Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least two hours until well chilled. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper when ready to shape the spiced pumpkin centers.
This recipe makes 28 bites if you use a one-tablespoon cookie scoop. I don't have one yet, but I'm ordering one! I used a one-tablespoon measuring spoon, and it worked almost as well. I needed to use my hands to roll the dough into a more perfectly round ball.
Line the spice cake balls on the parchment-covered cookie sheet like little soldiers.
Melt the almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl in thirty-second increments until it is all smoothly melted. Stir well between each burst in the microwave.
Roll each cheesecake bite in the melted almond bark and lift it out of the bowl with a small fork. Gently tap against the side of the pan to knock off any excess coating.
Carefully push the cheesecake bite back onto the parchment paper with a toothpick or skewer. Use a spoon to dribble almond bark on any missed spots.
Sprinkle the bite with pumpkin pie spice before the almond bark sets, and continue until all the pumpkin cheesecake bites are dipped.
Good tools simplify every job, and you should ask Santa Claus to put this awesome set of Wilton tools for candy dipping in your stocking. I know that you have been a very good girl or boy!
Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bites are a delicious, no-bake, two-bite candy dessert. The consistency is somewhere between a cake pop and a truffle dipped in almond bark.
Sometimes, bite-sized treats are just what we need after dinner—a little something to satisfy our sweet tooth without overindulging! Here are two of our favorites: Chocolate Coconut Balls and Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls.
If you enjoyed this recipe today, please share it on your social media accounts, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. I'd be tickled and ever so grateful. Thank you!
If you haven't already, check out my Facebook page, where I'll post easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes every week!
If you enjoyed a post, I'd love it if you would leave a review or a comment. It helps my little business. ❤❤
Love, GB (Betty Streff)
Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free gift! A printable sign that would look great in your kitchen, framed above your sink, or just placed anywhere to remind us how lucky we are to have dirty dishes!