If you’re looking for a festive, fuss-free treat to celebrate the cozy flavors of fall, I have just the thing for you. This Easy Pumpkin Patties Recipe captures all the warm, spiced sweetness of pumpkin in a bite-sized, no-bake delight that’s perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or anytime you want to cozy up with a sweet snack. The combination of creamy pumpkin puree, buttery vanilla, and just the right hint of pumpkin pie spice makes these patties irresistibly soft and flavorful, while the fun pumpkin shape adds a playful, homemade touch that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you—each one plays a crucial role in building the tender texture, rich flavor, and beautiful pumpkin hue of these patties. They come together quickly, making this a no-stress treat you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée (not pie filling): Provides that natural pumpkin flavor and moist base for the patties.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps bind the mixture together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives a sweet, aromatic depth that enhances the pumpkin.
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: The warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that defines fall desserts.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens the flavors.
- 3–3½ cups powdered sugar: Thickens the dough and provides the perfect level of sweetness.
- Orange food coloring (optional): Intensifies the vibrant pumpkin orange color for a festive look.
- Mini chocolate chips or whole cloves (optional, for decoration): Adds charming pumpkin stem details for that extra cute factor.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Patties Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by combining the pumpkin purée with melted butter, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a large bowl. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is where the base flavor starts coming alive, so give it a good mix to make sure every patty will be luscious.
Step 2: Incorporate the Powdered Sugar
Gradually sift in the powdered sugar one cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. You want to keep mixing until a stiff dough forms that’s thick enough to handle without sticking to your fingers. The exact amount can vary depending on how moist your pumpkin purée is, so feel free to adjust until you get that perfect consistency.
Step 3: Add Color (Optional)
For that unmistakable pumpkin-orange shade, add a drop of orange food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed. This step is optional, but it really makes your patties pop visually—especially if you’re making them for a festive get-together!
Step 4: Shape the Patties
Scoop small portions of the dough and roll them into approximately 1-inch balls. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand so they resemble tiny pumpkins. Then, grab a toothpick and carefully press vertical lines around the sides to give that classic pumpkin appearance.
Step 5: Add the Stem Detail and Chill
Press a mini chocolate chip or a whole clove into the top center of each patty to mimic a pumpkin stem. Place your patties on a tray lined with parchment paper and pop them into the fridge for an hour. This chilling step helps them firm up beautifully, so they hold their shape perfectly by the time you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Patties Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little garnish can elevate your pumpkin patties from sweet snack to showstopper. Try lightly dusting with powdered sugar for a delicate frost effect or drizzle some melted white or dark chocolate over the top for an elegant twist. A sprinkle of crushed nuts or cinnamon can also add texture and flavor to the presentation.
Side Dishes
These pumpkin patties are fantastic on their own or paired alongside warm drinks like chai tea, spiced coffee, or hot apple cider. For a full fall-themed spread, serve them with other seasonal treats like caramel apples, pecan pralines, or a decadent pumpkin cheesecake.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by arranging your Easy Pumpkin Patties Recipe on a rustic wooden platter surrounded by autumn leaves or decorative gourds to amp up the seasonal vibe. You can even place them inside small treat bags tied with twine as party favors or gifts—everyone will love receiving these cute, homemade bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once chilled, place your pumpkin patties in an airtight container and keep them stored in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to one week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy holiday weeks or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to keep these patties longer, they freeze quite well. Arrange them on a cookie sheet so they don’t touch and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When frozen, they can last up to three months without losing their texture or flavor.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake treats, there’s no need to heat them up. Simply thaw frozen patties in the refrigerator overnight and serve chilled. You could also enjoy them slightly warmed by leaving them at room temperature for a short while, but they taste best when cool and firm.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin thoroughly before using it. Keep in mind fresh pumpkin might have a bit more moisture, so you may need to adjust the powdered sugar to get the right consistency.
What can I substitute for pumpkin pie spice?
If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, a mix of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves or allspice works wonderfully. Experiment a little to find your perfect balance!
Can I make these patties vegan?
To make this Easy Pumpkin Patties Recipe vegan, swap the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine. The rest of the ingredients are already vegetarian-friendly.
Is it possible to add nuts or seeds to the dough?
You can mix in finely chopped nuts or seeds for added texture, but keep in mind this will change the dough’s consistency slightly. Start with a small amount to avoid making the dough too crumbly.
How long will the patties keep at room temperature?
Since these patties contain pumpkin and butter, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator. They can sit out for a few hours at a party, but avoid leaving them at room temperature overnight to keep them safe and fresh.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and nostalgic about this Easy Pumpkin Patties Recipe that makes it a must-try for any fall enthusiast. It’s simple, quick, and absolutely delicious, bringing the essence of pumpkin spice right to your home without any complicated steps. I promise, once you make these little treasures, you’ll find yourself coming back to them for every autumn celebration. Give them a try and get ready to fall in love with pumpkin all over again!
Print
Easy Pumpkin Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24–28 patties
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Pumpkin Patties are a delightful no-bake fall treat made with canned pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, and powdered sugar. These cute, pumpkin-shaped patties are perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any autumn-themed celebration. They come together quickly with simple ingredients and need only chilling time to firm up. Optionally decorated with mini chocolate chips or cloves to mimic pumpkin stems, they’re an easy, festive dessert or candy that requires no baking.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Dough Adjustment
- 3–3½ cups powdered sugar (as needed for dough consistency)
Optional Ingredients
- Orange food coloring (optional)
- Mini chocolate chips or whole cloves (for decoration, optional)
Instructions
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, melted butter, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir the mixture well until it becomes smooth and homogenous.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar to the wet mixture, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Continue until a stiff dough forms that can be shaped by hand without sticking. Adjust the amount based on the moisture in your pumpkin.
- Add Color (Optional): If desired, add a drop of orange food coloring to the dough to enhance the pumpkin color. Mix until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape Patties: Scoop out small portions of the dough and roll each into approximately 1-inch balls. Flatten them slightly and use a toothpick to make vertical lines around the sides to resemble pumpkin ridges.
- Add Stems: Press a mini chocolate chip or a whole clove into the top center of each patty to simulate a pumpkin stem.
- Chill: Place the shaped patties on a parchment-lined tray and chill them in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up before serving.
Notes
- Store patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- These patties make a perfect treat for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any fall-themed event.
- For a variation, dip the bottoms in melted chocolate to add extra flavor and texture.
