desserts

Strawberry Cake Truffles

These Strawberry Cake Truffles are a delightful and sweet treat, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion! 🎂🍓 Made with strawberry cake mix, cream cheese, and a decorative candy coating, these truffles are easy to make and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re gifting them to loved ones or serving them at a party, they’re sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 15.25 oz strawberry cake mix (e.g., Betty Crocker)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup cream cheese chips, roughly chopped
  • 2 (10 oz) bags Ghirardelli vanilla melting wafers
  • 1/2 cup Wilton pink candy melts
  • 1/2 cup Wilton bright pink candy melts
  • Sprinkles (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the raw cake mix onto the sheet and bake for 5 minutes to heat treat it. Let cool completely.
  2. Beat the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually fold in the cooled cake mix until fully combined and dough-like in texture.
  3. Fold in the chopped cream cheese chips until evenly distributed. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
  4. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the sheets. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and let rest for 15 minutes.
  5. Melt the vanilla melting wafers using a double boiler or in the microwave on low heat, stirring until smooth.
  6. Using a fork, dip each dough ball into the melted wafers, let the excess drip off, and place on the lined baking sheet. While the coating is still wet, decorate half the truffles with sprinkles.
  7. Melt the pink candy melts in separate microwave-safe piping bags. Drizzle the remaining truffles with the melted candy.
  8. Let the truffles set completely before serving or packaging them for gifts.

Nutrients

  • Serving Size: 1 truffle (out of 20)
  • Calories: 190 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Sodium: 110 mg
  • Sugar: 18 g

These truffles are perfect for gifting, sharing, or indulging. Their vibrant color and rich flavor make them a show-stopping dessert!

Why Cake Truffles Are So Popular

Cake truffles, often called cake balls, have become a popular dessert for their versatility, ease of preparation, and indulgent flavor. Essentially made by combining crumbled cake with a creamy binder, rolling it into balls, and coating it in chocolate or candy melts, these treats are simple yet incredibly satisfying.

The appeal of cake truffles lies in their rich texture, which combines the soft, moist interior with a crisp, candy-coated shell. The result is a treat that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Plus, their small size makes them perfect for portion control, gifting, and serving at gatherings.

Strawberry Cake Truffles add a unique twist to this classic dessert by using strawberry cake mix as the base, resulting in a vibrant pink color and a delightful fruity flavor that sets them apart from traditional chocolate or vanilla varieties.

The Star Ingredient: Strawberry Cake Mix

Strawberry cake mix is the foundation of these truffles, providing both their signature flavor and eye-catching color. Using a boxed cake mix not only simplifies the preparation process but also ensures consistent results every time.

To make the truffles safe for consumption, the raw cake mix is heat-treated by baking it briefly. This step eliminates any potential risks associated with consuming raw flour, allowing you to enjoy the truffles with peace of mind.

The sweet, fruity flavor of the strawberry cake mix pairs beautifully with the creamy filling and candy coating, creating a dessert that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing.

Cream Cheese: The Secret to a Rich and Creamy Texture

Cream cheese is the key ingredient that gives these truffles their rich, decadent texture. When combined with the cake mix, it binds the mixture together while adding a tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness of the strawberry flavor.

The softened cream cheese also makes the dough easy to work with, allowing you to roll it into smooth, uniform balls. The result is a truffle that’s perfectly moist on the inside and holds its shape beautifully.

For an extra layer of indulgence, cream cheese chips are folded into the dough, providing little pockets of creamy flavor that melt in your mouth with every bite.

The Art of the Candy Coating

The candy coating is what transforms these truffles from simple treats into a dessert that looks professionally made. Ghirardelli vanilla melting wafers are used for their smooth consistency and sweet, buttery flavor, creating a crisp shell that perfectly complements the soft interior.

The addition of pink and bright pink candy melts adds a festive touch, creating vibrant drizzles that make the truffles stand out. Whether you’re decorating them with sprinkles, drizzling them with candy melts, or leaving them plain, the coating allows you to get creative and customize the truffles to match your theme or occasion.

Why These Truffles Are Perfect for Gifting

Strawberry Cake Truffles make excellent gifts, thanks to their elegant appearance and irresistible flavor. Their small size and festive color make them ideal for Valentine’s Day, but they’re equally suitable for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration.

To package them as gifts, place the truffles in a decorative box or arrange them in mini cupcake liners for a polished presentation. You can also wrap them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon to create charming party favors. Their vibrant pink hue and professional-looking finish are sure to delight anyone who receives them.

Customizing Your Truffles

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. While strawberry is the featured flavor, there are endless ways to customize these truffles to suit your preferences or the occasion. Here are a few ideas:

  • Flavor Variations: Swap the strawberry cake mix for chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet for a different flavor profile.
  • Alternative Coatings: Use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or colored candy melts to create unique coatings. You can even roll the truffles in crushed nuts, coconut flakes, or cookie crumbs for added texture.
  • Mix-Ins: Incorporate mini chocolate chips, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, or chopped nuts into the dough for extra flavor and texture.
  • Decorations: Customize the sprinkles or candy drizzle to match the theme of your event, such as pastel colors for Easter or gold accents for a luxurious touch.

These options make it easy to adapt the recipe to your personal taste or the needs of your celebration.

Perfect for Parties and Gatherings

Strawberry Cake Truffles are a fantastic addition to any dessert table. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve and eat, and their vibrant appearance adds a pop of color to your spread. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, bridal shower, or casual get-together, these truffles are sure to be a hit with your guests.

They’re also a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the truffles in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve, making them a convenient option for entertaining.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Strawberry Cake Truffles are easy to store and maintain their freshness for several days. Here’s how to store them properly:

  • Refrigeration: Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This helps preserve their texture and flavor while keeping the candy coating crisp.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, place the truffles in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

These storage options make the truffles a great choice for meal prep, gifting, or keeping a stash of treats on hand for unexpected guests.

Pairing Suggestions

Strawberry Cake Truffles are delicious on their own, but they also pair beautifully with other desserts and beverages. Here are some pairing ideas to enhance your dessert experience:

  • With Coffee or Tea: Serve the truffles alongside a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
  • As Part of a Dessert Platter: Combine the truffles with chocolate-covered strawberries, macarons, and cookies for a stunning dessert board.
  • With Sparkling Wine: Pair the truffles with a glass of Prosecco or champagne for a sophisticated dessert pairing.

These pairings elevate the truffles and make them an even more delightful addition to your dessert repertoire.

Conclusion: A Sweet and Stunning Treat

Strawberry Cake Truffles are the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and presentation. Their soft, creamy interior and crisp candy coating create a dessert that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, gifting them to loved ones, or indulging in them yourself, these truffles are sure to impress.

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