Name: Strawberry Cake Truffle Hearts: 24 Sweet Delights
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box strawberry cake mix (about 15 ounces); Water, eggs, vegetable oil (per box directions); 3 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberries, crushed; 6 drops red food coloring; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; 2 cups powdered sugar, adjust for consistency; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 6 drops red food coloring; 16 ounces vanilla candy coating; Sprinkles, optional

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Strawberry Cake Truffle Hearts are the perfect treat for any celebration, especially for Valentine’s Day or spring gatherings. These delightful bites feature a moist strawberry cake base paired with creamy frosting, all coated in smooth vanilla candy. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also burst with flavor, making them ideal for sharing with loved ones. Let’s dive into how to create these charming strawberry heart-shaped desserts!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cake Truffle Hearts

There are countless reasons to adore these strawberry cake truffles. Firstly, they are incredibly easy to make, allowing anyone to whip up a batch without hassle. The colorful heart shapes make them perfect for festive occasions, especially as strawberry heart-shaped desserts. Moreover, they are versatile; you can customize the decorations, making them suitable for any event. The combination of strawberry-flavored cake and cream cheese frosting creates a delightful taste sensation. Additionally, they can be made ahead of time, making them a great option for meal prep. Plus, they cater to a vegetarian diet, ensuring everyone can enjoy these treats. Finally, they are simply fun to eat!

Ingredients for Strawberry Cake Truffle Hearts

Gather these items:

1 box strawberry cake mix (about 15 ounces)
Water, eggs, vegetable oil (per box directions)
3 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
6 drops red food coloring
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar, adjust for consistency
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 ounces vanilla candy coating
Sprinkles, optional

How to Make Strawberry Cake Truffle Hearts Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly with nonstick spray.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, water, eggs, vegetable oil, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and red food coloring. Mix well until smooth.
Step 3: Pour the batter into the baking pan. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or according to the box directions.
Step 4: Remove the cake from the oven and cool completely.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth.
Step 6: Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract and red food coloring.
Step 7: Crumble the cooled cake into fine crumbs, reserving a few tablespoons for decoration.
Step 8: Add 2 heaping tablespoons of frosting to the crumbs. Mix until the mixture holds together.
Step 9: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Press the mixture into the pan to about 1/2-inch thickness.
Step 10: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes.
Step 11: Transfer the hearts onto the baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
Step 12: Melt the vanilla candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl.
Step 13: Dip each chilled heart into the melted coating and tap to remove excess.
Step 14: Place the coated truffles on parchment paper and sprinkle with reserved crumbs or sprinkles.
Step 15: Continue until all truffles are coated.
Step 16: Refrigerate or freeze the truffles for about 15 minutes until set.
Step 17: Serve the truffles at room temperature.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Cake Truffle Hearts

Keep these in mind:

These truffles are perfect for special occasions.
Try different colors of food coloring for variety.
Store in an airtight container for freshness.
For an added twist, consider adding crushed nuts for texture.
Experiment with different candy coatings for unique flavors.

Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Cake Truffle Hearts

These strawberry dessert truffles shine when served on a decorative platter for gatherings. Pair them with fresh strawberries for a stunning presentation. Alternatively, they make a sweet surprise in lunchboxes or as party favors. These treats are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a hit at any event.

Strawberry Cake Truffle Hearts: 24 Sweet Delights - Strawberry Cake Truffle Hearts - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Strawberry Cake Truffle Hearts

These truffles can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them. Just be sure to allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving. This recipe’s total time is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, making them a perfect option for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Cake Truffle Hearts

What’s the secret to perfect Strawberry Cake Truffle Hearts?

The secret lies in the balance of moist cake and creamy frosting. Ensure your cake is completely cooled before crumbling to achieve the perfect texture. This is crucial for creating delightful strawberry-flavored cake bites.

Can I make Strawberry Cake Truffle Hearts ahead of time?

Absolutely! These truffles can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they will maintain their delicious flavor and texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Strawberry Cake Truffle Hearts?

Avoid overmixing the cake batter and let the truffles chill long enough to set before dipping. This ensures that your heart-shaped cake balls hold their shape when coated in candy.

Variations of Strawberry Cake Truffle Hearts You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these fun variations:

Try using different flavored cake mixes for unique truffle flavors.
Make no-bake versions by substituting the cake with crushed cookies.
For a chocolate twist, use chocolate candy coating instead of vanilla.
Add a hint of mint for a refreshing taste in your truffles.

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our latest recipes or try making mini cranberry cheesecakes for your next gathering. You can also explore caramel apple cheesecake bars for a delightful twist on traditional flavors.

For additional tips on baking, you can refer to Baking.com, a reputable source for baking techniques and recipes.