I’m so excited to share this Apple Pie Truffles Recipe with you because it’s one of those magical treats that combines all the warm, cozy flavors of apple pie but in a fun, bite-sized truffle form. What I love most is that these truffles don’t require any baking at all, yet deliver that perfect balance of sweet, spiced apple and buttery shortbread, all wrapped in luscious white chocolate. They make such a wonderful snack or dessert when you want something special without hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Truffles Recipe
From the very first bite, I’m captivated by the rich combination of flavors in this recipe. The slight tang of cooked apple mingling with the creamy sweetness of cream cheese and the buttery crunch of shortbread crumbs creates a deliciously nostalgic flavor, almost like eating your favorite slice of apple pie but without the crust. The cinnamon adds just the right amount of warmth and spice to make every mouthful comforting and indulgent.
What I find really delightful is how straightforward and quick these truffles are to make. It takes just about 20 minutes of hands-on prep, and you don’t have to worry about an oven or complicated techniques. Plus, these truffles are versatile—they’re perfect for holiday parties, afternoon tea with friends, or even as a charming homemade gift. I truly believe these truffles stand out because they capture the heart of apple pie in such a playful, elegant bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Apple Pie Truffles Recipe are wonderfully simple but thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role—from the tender apple pieces to the crunchy shortbread crumbs and that dreamy white chocolate coating.
- 1 small cooking apple: I use a tart apple that softens beautifully without turning mushy, giving a subtle fruity bite in each truffle.
- 55 g (1/4 cup) full-fat cream cheese: This adds a smooth, creamy base that helps bind the truffles and gives them that rich mouthfeel.
- 2 tbsp confectioners’ sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness, and it blends perfectly with the cream cheese.
- 175 g (1 3/4 cups) all butter shortbread biscuits finely crumbled: These create a buttery, crumbly texture that mimics a pie crust, making the truffles irresistible.
- ½ tsp cinnamon: A touch of spice that brings out the apple’s natural sweetness and adds warmth.
- 100 g (3.5 oz) white chocolate melted: Mixed into the truffles, this adds sweetness and helps hold everything together before the final coating.
- 200 g (1 cup + 2 tbsp) white chocolate (for coating): For that smooth, glossy finish that makes each truffle look so tempting.
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (for sprinkling): A final pinch to decorate and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Directions
Step 1: Peel your apple and chop it into tiny pieces roughly the size of a raisin. Place the apple chunks in a small pan with 1 tablespoon of water over medium heat. Cover with a lid and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the apples soften but still hold some shape. Then set them aside to cool completely.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the full-fat cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and well combined. This creamy base will bring everything together.
Step 3: Stir in the finely crumbled shortbread biscuits and cinnamon, making sure the spice is evenly distributed. Add the melted white chocolate and the cooled apple chunks, then fold everything together gently but thoroughly. Cover the bowl with clingfilm and refrigerate for 1 hour to let the mixture firm up.
Step 4: After chilling, line a tray with baking parchment. Scoop heaped teaspoons of the mixture, roll each into a ball with your hands—it might be a bit sticky, but it should hold its shape. Place the balls on the parchment and chill again for 30 minutes to set before coating.
Step 5: Now for the yummy part: dip each truffle into the melted white chocolate coating using a fork to fully submerge it. Allow excess chocolate to drip off, then gently slide the truffle onto a parchment-lined tray. Repeat with each ball until they’re all coated.
Step 6: Sprinkle each coated truffle with a pinch of cinnamon to finish. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes to let the chocolate set completely.
Servings and Timing
This Apple Pie Truffles Recipe yields about 20 to 25 delicious truffles—perfect for sharing or savoring over a few days. The total preparation time is roughly 20 minutes, mostly active prep since the resting times happen in the fridge. There’s no baking time, so you get to enjoy your treats quickly once everything is chilled and dipped. Including chilling periods, the process takes about 2 to 2.5 hours from start to finish, but the hands-on time is pleasantly short.
How to Serve This Apple Pie Truffles Recipe
When it comes to serving these truffles, I love offering them as a charming dessert or snack alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or rich coffee. They pair beautifully with flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a drizzle of caramel. For festive occasions, I sometimes arrange them on a decorative platter dusted lightly with cinnamon or add a few dried apple slices as a garnish to elevate the presentation.
If you’re serving these at a party or gathering, they make delightful bite-sized treats placed in pretty cupcake liners or a tiered dessert stand. I like to keep them chilled or serve at room temperature so that the white chocolate coating has a nice snap but the interior remains soft and creamy. For an adult twist, try pairing these with a glass of sweet dessert wine like a late harvest Riesling or a spiced apple cider—both complement the apple and cinnamon notes beautifully.
These truffles are ideal for holiday celebrations, cozy weekend afternoons, or even as an after-dinner treat. Depending on your guests’ preferences, they’re easily portioned so everyone can enjoy a few bites without feeling overwhelmed. Their small size and polished look always make them feel extra special.
Variations
One of the things I truly enjoy about this Apple Pie Truffles Recipe is how customizable it is. If you want to switch things up, try swapping out the white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate for a richer or more intense flavor. You can also experiment with adding a touch of ginger or nutmeg to deepen the spice profile. For extra texture, tossing in some finely chopped toasted nuts is a personal favorite of mine.
If you’re catering for dietary needs, it’s easy to adjust this recipe. You could use gluten-free shortbread biscuits to make the truffles gluten-free, which works wonderfully without sacrificing texture. For a vegan variation, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and ensure your chocolate is dairy-free. The cooked apple and cinnamon flavors still shine through beautifully, making them just as irresistible.
For a fun baking twist, you could try baking the balls briefly before dipping, creating a slightly firmer center, though I mostly like the no-bake version for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth feel. Or, for a no-dip option, just roll the apple-cheese mixture in crushed cinnamon biscuits or chopped nuts for a different look and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
I store these truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator, lined with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. They stay fresh for up to 5 days—perfect if you want to prepare them ahead of time or have some indulgences later in the week. Make sure to keep them chilled so the white chocolate coating remains firm and the filling maintains its texture.
Freezing
You absolutely can freeze these truffles if you want to keep them longer. I recommend placing them on a tray in a single layer in the freezer until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment layers in between to prevent sticking. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw in the fridge for several hours or overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
Since these truffles are best served chilled or at room temperature, I don’t recommend traditional reheating which can melt the coating unevenly. Instead, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes out of the fridge if they’ve been kept cold, so the flavors and textures soften a little. If you want a warm apple pie flavor, serving them alongside a warm drink can do the trick without losing the truffle’s perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of cooking apples?
Cooking apples are preferred because they soften nicely without turning mushy and their tartness balances well with the sweetness. Using fresh eating apples might result in firmer chunks and less pronounced flavor, but you can certainly try if you prefer a crunchier texture.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the truffles before dipping in chocolate?
Yes, chilling the mixture helps it firm up so you can shape the truffles easily. This step is important to prevent the balls from falling apart when you dip them in the melted chocolate coating.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! These truffles keep well in the fridge for several days and can even be frozen for longer storage, making them a great make-ahead dessert or gift idea.
What can I substitute if I don’t have shortbread biscuits?
You can use digestive biscuits or graham crackers for a similar texture and buttery flavor. Just make sure to crumble them finely so they blend well with the other ingredients.
How do I prevent the white chocolate coating from melting or getting sticky?
Work in a cool environment and chill the truffles well before dipping. Use a narrow bowl for the chocolate to submerge smoothly, and allow excess to drip off properly before setting them on parchment. Refrigerate promptly to help the coating set firmly.
Conclusion
I hope you feel inspired to try this Apple Pie Truffles Recipe because it’s truly one of those delightful treats that makes you smile with every bite. It’s easy, quick, and captures the heart of a classic dessert in such a fun and elegant way. I can’t wait to hear how much you enjoy making and sharing these luscious little truffles—trust me, they’re destined to become a favorite in your kitchen too!
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Apple Pie Truffles Recipe
These no-bake Apple Pie Truffles capture the delicious flavor of apple pie in a bite-sized treat. Made with softened cooking apples, cream cheese, shortbread crumbs, and coated in white chocolate with a hint of cinnamon, these truffles are an easy and delightful snack perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without turning on the oven.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20-25 truffles
Ingredients
Apple Mixture
- 1 small cooking apple (approx. 75g/2.6oz)
- 1 tbsp water (for cooking apple)
Truffle Base
- 55 g (1/4 cup) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tbsp confectioners’ sugar
- 175 g (1 3/4 cups) all butter shortbread biscuits, finely crumbled
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 100 g (3.5 oz) white chocolate, melted
Chocolate Coating
- 200 g (1 cup + 2 tbsp) white chocolate, melted
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Cook the apple: Peel the cooking apple and chop into small raisin-sized chunks. Place in a pan over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of water, cover with a lid, and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened but not mushy. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Mix cream cheese and sugar: In a small bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until well mixed and smooth.
- Add crumbs, cinnamon, white chocolate, and apple: Stir in the crumbled shortbread biscuits and cinnamon. Then gently fold in the melted white chocolate and the cooled apple chunks. Cover the bowl with clingfilm and chill in the fridge for 1 hour to firm up.
- Form truffles: After chilling, line a tray with baking parchment. Scoop heaped teaspoons of the mixture, roll each in your hands into a ball. Place on the parchment-lined tray. The mixture will be a bit sticky but should hold its shape. Return the tray to the fridge to chill for another 30 minutes.
- Coat with white chocolate: Remove the truffle balls from the fridge. Using a small fork, dip each ball into the melted white chocolate, spooning chocolate over it to ensure full coverage. Lift the truffle out and let the excess chocolate drip off. Carefully transfer to a parchment-lined tray.
- Finish and set: Lightly sprinkle each coated truffle with cinnamon. Refrigerate again for 30 minutes until the chocolate coating has fully set. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use a small cooking apple variety for optimal flavor and softness when cooked.
- Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Finely crumble the shortbread biscuits to achieve a smooth truffle texture.
- Gently fold in the apple and melted chocolate to avoid breaking up the apple pieces too much.
- Keep the truffles refrigerated until served to maintain their shape and flavor.
- If white chocolate hardens too quickly during dipping, warm it slightly in the microwave in short bursts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
