Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping, cozy fall treat that’s both fun to make and absolutely irresistible to eat, you’ve got to try this Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls Recipe. I’m telling you, these little pumpkin-spiced bites are my go-to when I want to impress guests or just spoil my family with a sweet surprise. The combination of pumpkin, warming spices, and that dreamy cream cheese frosting is downright magical — and you’ll find yourself making these over and over as the weather cools down!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls Recipe strike such a great balance—you get the ease of boxed cake mix with the depth of pumpkin and spice flavors, plus the tangy richness of cream cheese frosting. When you shop, I recommend grabbing a good-quality cake mix and fresh canned frosting to get the best texture and flavor out of your cake balls.

• Yellow Cake Mix or Spice Cake Mix: I like using yellow cake mix to get a bright base, but spice cake mix works too if you skip extra cinnamon.
• Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting: The easy way to bind the cake crumbs and add that irresistible tang.
• Water: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Vegetable or Canola Oil: Helps create a soft crumb and keeps everything moist.
• Large Eggs: The glue that holds the cake together with structure and richness.
• Libby’s Canned Pumpkin Purée: The star of the show—adds moisture and that signature pumpkin flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger—totally elevates flavor instantly.
• Orange Candy Melts or White Almond Bark: For coating your cake balls—you can tint white chocolate with orange food coloring or use pre-colored melts.
• Green Frosting: To pipe vines and leaves and turn your cake balls into little pumpkins.
• Lollipop Sticks: To make them easy to dip and serve like festive pumpkin pops.

Variations

I like to switch things up every now and then with my Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls Recipe, and you really can get creative here. Whether it’s for dietary needs or just a fun twist, a little variation can go a long way.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and make sure your frosting and candy melts are gluten-free too — my friends who need GF options loved them this way!
• Spice Level: Adjust the cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice to taste; I sometimes add a pinch of ground ginger for extra warmth.
• Dairy-Free: Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free candy melts to keep it friendly for sensitive eaters.
• Chocolate Lovers: Try using chocolate cake mix instead of yellow—it adds a decadent twist that pairs amazingly with the pumpkin spices.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Bake the Pumpkin Spice Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 325℉ and lightly greasing your 13″ x 9″ baking pan. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix with water, oil, eggs, pumpkin purée, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. I love mixing everything with a handheld mixer to get a super smooth, lump-free batter. Pour it into your pan, spread evenly, and bake for 22-24 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top springs back after a gentle touch or when a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely—it’s important so your cake balls don’t end up mushy.

Step 2: Crumble and Combine with Frosting

Once your cake has cooled, crumble it completely in a large bowl—this is where the magic begins! Add the entire can of whipped cream cheese frosting and mix. At first, it might look crumbly but as you mix, it will come together like cookie dough. This is key for the perfect cake ball texture: it should hold its shape without cracking. If it feels too dry, a spoonful more frosting will help. If too wet, add a few more cake crumbs.

Step 3: Shape and Chill the Cake Balls

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough and roll into smooth balls with your hands. Place them on parchment paper-lined baking sheets and pop them in the freezer for 1 hour or the fridge for 2 hours. This chilling step helps make dipping easier and prevents the balls from falling apart later—I can’t emphasize this enough.

Step 4: Insert Sticks and Dip in Candy Coating

While your cake balls chill, melt the candy melts according to the package instructions. Dip each lollipop stick about half an inch into the melted candy, then carefully insert the stick halfway into each cake ball. I found this trick really helps the sticks stay put when you dunk the balls in the candy coating. If they crack or look like they’ll fall apart, return them to the freezer to firm back up before continuing.

After all sticks are in place and chilled, dip each cake ball into the melted candy melts, using a spoon to help coat evenly if needed. Shake off excess before standing them upright to dry on parchment paper. If the coating starts to get too thick, a little vegetable oil will thin it out nicely. It might take a couple batches, but trust me, patience pays off!

Step 5: Decorate with Green Vines and Leaves

Once the candy coating has set, it’s time to get creative! Fill an icing bag or a ziploc bag with green frosting and pipe on adorable vines and leaves to mimic tiny pumpkins. It’s such a fun finishing touch that really impresses guests — and yeah, I get just as much joy decorating as I do eating them!

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I love to keep it simple with the green frosting vines and leaves, but you can get fancy with edible gold dust, tiny candy eyes for a playful look, or even sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top just before the coating sets. The frosting vines give that perfect pumpkin patch vibe — it’s the little details that make these extra special in my eyes!

Side Dishes

These cake balls are such a great sweet complement to a fall-themed party or Thanksgiving dessert spread. I like pairing them with apple cider, a rich hot chocolate, or even coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They’re perfect finger food alongside a cheese platter or fresh fruit for a balanced snack table.

Creative Ways to Present

For your next party, try displaying your cake balls in a pumpkin-themed styrofoam block to stand them upright—makes for adorable presentation and easy grabbing. You could also arrange them in a box with shredded raffia for gifting, or tie a little ribbon around each stick for festive flair. I once set up a “pumpkin patch” dessert table with fall leaves and mini pumpkins around, and it was a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once dipped and decorated, store your pumpkin spice cake balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and moist for about 5 days, though honestly, mine rarely last that long! Keep them separate with parchment paper layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing these cake balls either before dipping or after they’re fully coated and chilled. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

Since these are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, I don’t recommend reheating. If you do want slightly softer cake balls, allow them to come to room temp for about 20 minutes after taking them from the fridge. That way, they stay moist without melting the coating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Pumpkin Spice Cake Balls Recipe brings together the comfort of pumpkin pie flavors with the fun of cake pops — perfect for fall celebrations or anytime you want a delightful treat. When I first tried making these, I was amazed at how easy and rewarding the process was, and now they’re a staple for our family gatherings. If you’re looking to cozy up your dessert game with something that impresses and delights, this is the recipe to try. Trust me, once you make these, your friends will be begging for the recipe too!

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