Strawberry Cake Truffles

There’s something so comforting about a sweet treat that combines the essence of strawberries with creamy goodness. One bite of these Strawberry Cake Truffles, and you’ll discover a delightful blend of flavors that’s perfect for everyone, especially those cherished family gatherings. I believe these truffles capture the spirit of sharing and love that we all crave, making them an ideal choice for any occasion.

The key to this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. We start with a 15.25 ounce strawberry cake mix (I used Betty Crocker) as the foundation. Mixing this with an 8 ounce block of softened cream cheese gives these truffles a wonderful creaminess. To elevate the flavor, I add ⅓ cup of roughly chopped cream cheese chips and coat the truffles in 2 10 oz bags of Ghirardelli vanilla melting wafers. The finishing touch comes from the ½ cup Wilton pink candy melts and ½ cup Wilton bright pink candy melts, topped off with optional sprinkles for a festive appearance. The taste is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, reminiscent of sunny summer days.

Creating these delightful truffles is surprisingly easy. First, we heat treat the cake mix to eliminate any bacteria and then mix it with the softened cream cheese. After chilling the dough, we scoop and roll it into bite-sized balls before dipping them in the melted vanilla wafers. The assembly is a playful process, and the colors of the melting wafers and candy melts make it visually appealing as well. Each step is straightforward, and even novice bakers can find joy in this simple kitchen project.

These Strawberry Cake Truffles are perfect for many occasions—whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a birthday, or looking for a sweet treat to enjoy on a chilly evening. They are a delightful treat that brings a smile with every delectable bite.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cake Truffles

• Quick: This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or when you’re craving something sweet.
• Simple Ingredients: Utilizing pantry staples means you don’t have to hunt for exotic components.
• Comfort Food: The combination of strawberry cake and cream cheese provides a nostalgic comfort that everyone can appreciate.
• Versatile: These truffles can be customized with different toppings or colors depending on the occasion.
• Fun Project: Making these truffles can be a delightful kitchen activity to share with children or grandchildren.

Main Ingredient Tips

The primary ingredients that make these truffles so delicious are the strawberry cake mix and cream cheese. When selecting a cake mix, I recommend choosing a brand you trust, like Betty Crocker, which I used for this recipe. The quality of your cake mix can significantly impact the overall flavor of the truffles. As for the cream cheese, ensure you use an 8 ounce block that is softened. This makes it easier to blend and creates that silky-smooth mixture that’s central to the truffle’s texture. Always take the cream cheese out of the refrigerator about an hour before you start baking to reach room temperature.

Options for Substitutions

• Use any other cake mix flavors like vanilla or chocolate if you’re not a fan of strawberry.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese for a lighter alternative.
• Try white chocolate melting wafers instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Choose different sprinkles or edible glitter to match your theme.
• Replace cream cheese chips with white chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.

Watch Out for These Mistakes

One common mistake is neglecting to heat treat the cake mix. This crucial step involves baking the dry cake mix for 5 minutes at 350°F, eliminating any potential bacteria. Skipping this step could lead to food safety issues.

Another pitfall is not allowing the cake mix to cool completely before mixing with cream cheese. If the mix is even slightly warm, it can cause the cream cheese to melt instead of blend smoothly, resulting in a lumpy texture that won’t hold its shape when rolled into balls.

Be sure also to roll the dough balls firmly but gently. If they are misshapen or too loosely formed, they might crack during the coating process. Finally, don’t forget to sprinkle your toppings while the coating is still wet, ensuring they adhere properly.

What to Serve With Strawberry Cake Truffles?

These Strawberry Cake Truffles pair wonderfully with several treats. Consider serving them alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy after-dinner dessert. They also go well with fresh fruit salads, which can enhance their strawberry flavor. For a special touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The creaminess of the ice cream complements the truffles perfectly.

Storage Instructions

Store: Keep your truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for about 5-7 days.

Freeze: If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just place the truffles in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container.

Reheat: There’s no need to reheat these truffles, as they are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Just take them out of the refrigerator or freezer and let them sit for a few minutes before indulging.

Recipe Info

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chill time)
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Approximately 24 truffles

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 2,000 – 2,400
Protein: 30 – 40 grams
Fat: 90 – 110 grams
Carbohydrates: 300 – 350 grams

Ingredients

• 15.25 ounce strawberry cake mix (I used Betty Crocker)
• 8 ounce block cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• ⅓ cup cream cheese chips (roughly chopped)
• 2 10 oz bags Ghirardelli vanilla melting wafers
• ½ cup Wilton pink candy melts
• ½ cup Wilton bright pink candy melts
• Sprinkles (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, as this will make for easy cleanup later. Spread the cake mix evenly across the baking sheet.

Step 2: Heat Treat the Cake Mix

Bake the spread-out cake mix for 5 minutes. This vital step helps eliminate any bacteria. Once baked, take it out and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Mix Cream Cheese

While waiting for the cake mix to cool, place the softened cream cheese into a medium mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer on medium-high speed, beat until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

Once the cake mix has cooled, add it to the bowl with the cream cheese. Use a rubber spatula to fold the mixture a few times, then switch to the hand mixer. Mix on medium-high speed until you reach a dough-like consistency. Ensure you also fold in the cream cheese chips at this stage.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 2 hours. This chilling time is crucial as it helps firm up the mixture, making it easier to scoop and form into balls.

Step 6: Scoop and Roll

After chilling, line two baking sheets with parchment paper again. Use a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough and roll each scoop into smooth balls with your hands. Allow them to rest for about 15 minutes, which helps prevent cracking later when coated.

Step 7: Melt the Coating

Prepare a double boiler on the stovetop over low heat, or opt for a microwave-safe bowl. Melt the Ghirardelli vanilla melting wafers until smooth. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second increments, stirring often.

Step 8: Coat the Dough Balls

Once melted, dip each dough ball using a fork, ensuring it’s fully coated in the melted wafers. Gently tap the fork to remove excess coating, and place the coated balls back onto the lined baking sheet. Space them 2 inches apart to avoid sticking.

Step 9: Add Toppings

Before the coating sets, sprinkle your choice of sprinkles on top of half of the truffle balls. Then, melt the pink candy melts in small piping bags in the microwave. Cut a small tip from the bags and drizzle the melted candy over the remaining coated cake balls.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Let your truffles set completely before serving. You can enjoy them right away or store them for later. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and the smiles they bring!

These Strawberry Cake Truffles are not only easy to make but also filled with joy and flavor. I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with it, or explore more delicious treats on the blog. Your kitchen may soon be filled with the sweet aroma of fresh strawberries!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these truffles dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use dairy-free melting wafers to suit your dietary needs.

What is the texture of these truffles?

The truffles are soft and creamy on the inside, with a smooth, sweet coating. They have a perfect balance of softness and a little crunch from the outer candy coating.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these truffles a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

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