Leftover Pumpkin Pie Cake Pops Recipe
If you ever find yourself with extra pumpkin pie lingering after a festive meal, I’ve got the perfect idea for you: a Leftover Pumpkin Pie Cake Pops Recipe. These little bites of fall goodness are not only adorable, but they’re also a fantastic way to breathe new life into dessert scraps that might otherwise go to waste. Honestly, transforming leftover pumpkin pie into cake pops is one of those genius tricks that feels like a party in your mouth with every nibble.
What’s special about this Leftover Pumpkin Pie Cake Pops Recipe is how it combines familiar autumn flavors with a fun, hand-held twist that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or afternoon treats with your kids. It’s quick to whip up, requires just a handful of ingredients, and those sweet pumpkin spice notes make these pops a standout. Plus, if you’re someone who loves creative ways to reduce food waste, you’ll appreciate how delightfully indulgent the results are!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a rich, spiced treat with the perfect balance of moist pumpkin pie and crunchy texture. I always keep some graham crackers and white candy coating on hand for recipes like this—they’re real pantry staples that elevate the recipe effortlessly.
- Chopped leftover pumpkin pie: Including the crust adds great texture and flavor—don’t skip it!
- Finely crushed graham crackers: These add a nice crunch and a subtle sweetness that complements pumpkin.
- Vanilla frosting: I like making mine from scratch with butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, but good-quality store-bought works fine too.
- White candy coating (almond bark): This is your thick, smooth shell that hardens to give the pops that professional finish.
- Pumpkin pie spice: A little goes a long way in enhancing the autumnal flavors.
Variations
One of the best parts about making these cake pops is how easy it is to tweak them to suit your tastes or dietary needs. I often experiment by adding mix-ins or changing up the coating—this recipe really invites you to get creative!
- Chocolate drizzle: I love to melt some dark chocolate over the pops for a slightly richer taste—so delicious with the pumpkin.
- Dairy-free option: Swap the butter in the frosting for coconut oil and use vegan white chocolate coating for a fully vegan treat.
- Spice it up: Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne or ginger for a little unexpected heat that pairs surprisingly well here.
- Seasonal changes: You can substitute the pumpkin pie for apple or pecan pie leftovers, following the same method for a similar crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Leftover Pumpkin Pie Cake Pops Recipe
Step 1: Gathering and prepping your ingredients
First up, chop your leftover pumpkin pie into small pieces, including that buttery crust—it packs a lot of flavor. Crush your graham crackers finely; I usually pop them in a zip-top bag and bash with a rolling pin for easy cleanup. If you’re making your vanilla frosting from scratch, take a few minutes to whip it together while the pie is thawing if it was refrigerated.
Step 2: Mixing to the perfect consistency
In a large bowl, combine your chopped pie, crushed graham crackers, vanilla frosting, and pumpkin pie spice. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to mix until everything is well incorporated and holds together when pressed—kind of like a dough. If it’s too crumbly, add a touch more frosting, but be careful not to go too far or it gets sticky.
Step 3: Shaping and chilling the cake pops
Roll the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop the tray into the fridge for about 30 minutes; chilling firms up the pops so they won’t fall apart when you dip them later. This is a step you don’t want to skip—I’ve learned the hard way!
Step 4: Melting and dipping in candy coating
While the cake balls chill, melt your white candy coating according to package instructions, typically in the microwave in short bursts stirring in between. Once your pops are chilled, dip the tip of each lollipop stick into the candy coating, then insert it halfway into the pop—it helps secure the stick in place. Then, submerge each ball into the melted coating until fully covered. Gently tap off excess coating and stick the pops upright in a styrofoam block or a container filled with rice to set.
Step 5: Decorating and finishing touches
If you want, sprinkle a little cinnamon or crushed graham crackers on top while the coating is still wet, or drizzle melted chocolate over for a festive look. Let them cool completely, preferably in the fridge, so the coating hardens nicely. And voilà—you’ve got charming, bite-sized pumpkin pie cake pops ready to impress!
How to Serve Leftover Pumpkin Pie Cake Pops Recipe

Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of crushed pecans on top for a bit of crunch. But if I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of caramel or a dusting of powdered sugar can take these from cute to showstopper. It’s all about adding that little extra something that makes the pops pop—pun intended!
Side Dishes
These cake pops pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai, a latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re serving them as part of dessert. I’ve also enjoyed them alongside a cozy batch of homemade apple cider—makes any autumn afternoon feel special.
Creative Ways to Present
One time I arranged these cake pops in a pumpkin-shaped foam base, surrounded by autumn leaves and mini pumpkins—it was a hit at our Halloween party! You can also pop them into cute mason jars with ribbon ties or present them standing up in a decorative vase for an elegant dessert table display. It’s fun to get creative and match the pops’ look to your celebration’s vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover pumpkin pie cake pops in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. Just make sure the container isn’t too tight so the candy coating doesn’t chip or crack. I like to line the bottom with parchment paper for extra protection.
Freezing
Freezing is totally doable—wrap each cake pop in plastic wrap individually and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to a month. When you’re ready, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or for a few hours before serving.
Reheating
Since these are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, I don’t recommend reheating them. However, if you want a softer inside, remove the coating carefully and warm the center briefly in the microwave—just 10 seconds at a time. Then, recoat if you like, although that can be a bit tricky.
FAQs
-
Can I use store-bought pumpkin pie for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Leftover Pumpkin Pie Cake Pops Recipe is designed with leftover pumpkin pie in mind, whether homemade or store-bought. Just be sure to include the crust for extra texture and flavor.
-
What if I don’t have white candy coating?
If you can’t find white candy coating, white chocolate chips or melting wafers work wonderfully as substitutes. Just melt them gently to avoid burning and stir frequently for a smooth consistency.
-
How do I make the cake pops stick to the sticks?
Dip the end of each lollipop stick in the melted coating before inserting it into the cake ball. This acts like glue and keeps the sticks securely in place once the coating hardens.
-
Can I make these cake pops gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers and make sure your pumpkin pie crust is gluten-free as well. Most of the other ingredients like frosting and candy coatings are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels to be sure.
-
How long do these cake pops last?
Stored properly in the fridge, these cake pops stay fresh for about 4 days. Beyond that, their texture can start to dry out or the coating may lose its crispness.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, these Leftover Pumpkin Pie Cake Pops Recipe have become my go-to treat whenever I have pie remnants hanging around. They’re easy enough to make on a whim, delightfully tasty, and a real conversation starter when I bring them to gatherings. I hope you give this recipe a try—you’ll love how it turns leftovers into festive fun bites that everyone can enjoy!
PrintLeftover Pumpkin Pie Cake Pops Recipe
A creative way to transform leftover pumpkin pie into delicious, bite-sized cake pops coated in sweet white candy coating and flavored with warm pumpkin pie spice. These festive treats are perfect for fall celebrations and easy to make using simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 12 cake pops 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cake Pops
- 1 ½ cups chopped leftover pumpkin pie, including crust (about ¼ of a 9-inch pie)
- 1 cup finely crushed graham crackers
- ¼ cup vanilla frosting (recipe below or store-bought)
- 12 ounces white candy coating (e.g., almond bark)
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
For the Frosting
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Add 1 teaspoon of milk and vanilla extract and continue to mix. Add additional milk, if needed, to achieve a spreadable consistency. Set aside.
- Mix the Cake Pop Base: In a large bowl, combine the chopped leftover pumpkin pie (with crust), finely crushed graham crackers, vanilla frosting, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir well until the mixture is cohesive and can hold its shape when formed into balls.
- Form the Cake Pops: Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into uniform balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Melt the Candy Coating: Place the white candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth.
- Coat the Cake Pops: Dip each chilled ball into the melted candy coating, ensuring it is fully covered. Gently tap off excess coating and place the coated pops back on parchment paper or a foam block to set.
- Set and Serve: Let the cake pops sit at room temperature or refrigerate briefly until the candy coating hardens. Once set, serve and enjoy your festive pumpkin pie cake pops.
Notes
- Use leftover pumpkin pie that includes some crust for better texture and flavor.
- If the mixture feels too wet or crumbly, add more crushed graham crackers or frosting to adjust consistency.
- White candy coating such as almond bark melts smoothly for an even and glossy finish.
- Store cake pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- For added decoration, drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with extra pumpkin pie spice before the coating sets.
Keywords: pumpkin pie cake pops, leftover pumpkin pie recipe, fall desserts, holiday treats, no-bake cake pops, pumpkin spice treats
