If you’re anything like me and love bite-sized treats bursting with flavor, you’re going to want to try this **Strawberry Cake Truffles Recipe**. I absolutely love how these little gems come together — they’re creamy, sweet, and have that perfect strawberry kick that makes you want just one more (or two…). This recipe is simple enough to whip up on a whim but impressive enough to bring to any gathering and wow your friends. Trust me, once you try making these, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these in your pantry, making it a quick go-to treat.
- No Baking Stress: You just heat treat the cake mix briefly — no need to bake full cakes, which saves time.
- Customizable Fun: Add sprinkles or drizzle different candy melts to make them uniquely yours.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These truffles are a crowd-pleaser whether it’s a party, gift, or simple everyday indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Cake Truffles Recipe is how well each ingredient plays its role to create that dreamy texture and rich strawberry flavor. Using a boxed strawberry cake mix keeps things easy, and cream cheese adds that luxurious creaminess you’ll notice right away. And those candy melts? They’re what give these truffles their magical coating and pretty pink touch.
- Strawberry Cake Mix: I use Betty Crocker — it has a bright strawberry flavor that really shines through.
- Cream Cheese: Softened to room temp for easy blending and creamy texture.
- Cream Cheese Chips: These small bits add a subtle tang and little pockets of extra creaminess in every bite.
- Vanilla Melting Wafers: Choose good quality for smooth melting and a clean, sweet coating.
- Pink Candy Melts (two shades): I love using Wilton’s bright and soft pinks — they add a fun contrast and gorgeous drizzle effect.
- Sprinkles (optional): The perfect finishing touch for extra color and crunch.
Variations
I love that this Strawberry Cake Truffles Recipe is flexible enough for you to tweak however you like. Whether you want to amp up the strawberry punch or try it with different coatings, it’s all fair game. Don’t be shy to put your own spin on this one!
- Double Strawberry Power: I once added freeze-dried strawberry powder to the dough, and wow, it really boosted that fresh strawberry flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Swap out vanilla melting wafers for milk or dark chocolate melts for a richer taste.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and chocolate melts to make these truffles allergy-friendly.
- Sprinkle Mix-Ins: Adding chopped nuts or coconut flakes inside the dough gives them a lovely crunch and texture.
How to Make Strawberry Cake Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Heat Treat the Cake Mix
This is an important first step that I learned the hard way — you want to bake the dry cake mix briefly to eliminate any bacteria. Just spread the cake mix on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes. Then, let it cool completely on a wire rack. This avoids any raw flour issues and sets you up for safe, delicious truffles.
Step 2: Mix Cream Cheese with Cake
Once your cake mix is fully cooled, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. I always use my hand mixer here because it’s faster and gets a really creamy result. Then fold in the cake mix gently at first so the mess stays contained, and finally mix everything on medium-high until it looks like a moist dough. Don’t forget to fold in those cream cheese chips — they add just the right creaminess pops.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it for about 2 hours. This step is key for easier rolling later on — the dough firms up and won’t stick to your hands as much. Believe me, this saves you frustration and makes shaping the truffles a smooth experience.
Step 4: Shape and Rest the Truffle Balls
Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop ensures even sizes, which helps them bake and coat evenly. Roll each scoop into a smooth ball, then set them on parchment-lined sheets. Now, here’s a trick I discovered: Letting the balls rest for 15 minutes before dipping helps prevent cracking in the coating because they get a little room to ‘breathe’ and settle. It’s a small wait for defect-free results.
Step 5: Dip in Melted Vanilla Wafers
I prefer melting the vanilla wafers in a double boiler because it keeps the chocolate at just the right temperature without overheating. When you dip the balls, use a fork to fully submerge them and gently tap off the extra coating so it doesn’t pool underneath. Lay them out spaced about 2 inches apart so they don’t stick together as they set.
Step 6: Decorate and Drizzle
Before the coating dries, sprinkle your favorite sprinkles on half of the truffles for a playful look. For the rest, melt your pink candy melts separately in microwavable piping bags and drizzle contrasting shades on top. It adds such a pretty finishing touch that makes the truffles look professionally done — your guests won’t believe they’re homemade!
Step 7: Let Them Set
Allow everything to set completely at room temperature before serving. This will ensure a satisfying snap on the outside and the ooey-gooey goodness inside. If you’re eager like me, it’s tough to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Cake Truffles Recipe
- Chill Thoroughly: Don’t skip chilling the dough—rolling warm dough can be messy and cause the truffles to lose shape.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: This helps you get uniform-sized truffles that bake and coat evenly every time.
- Double Boiler Magic: Melting wafers over a double boiler prevents scorching and keeps the chocolate silky smooth.
- Rest Before Dipping: Letting the rolled balls rest before coating reduces cracking in the chocolate shell.
How to Serve Strawberry Cake Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with rainbow or pink sprinkles to complement the strawberry vibes, but edible glitter or mini heart-shaped sprinkles make these extra festive for parties or Valentine’s Day. The contrast of crunchy sprinkles against the smooth coating is a fun texture surprise.
Side Dishes
These truffles are pretty much a dessert on their own, but if you want to serve them alongside something, I like pairing them with a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The freshness balances the richness of the truffles perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or showers, I arrange these truffles on a tiered dessert stand or place them in colorful mini cupcake liners for a pop of color. Wrapping a few in cute cellophane bags tied with ribbon turns them into adorable party favors. Honestly, these truffles look just as delightful as they taste!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover strawberry cake truffles in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days. Just make sure they’re well covered to avoid picking up any fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. I pop them on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
These are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t really needed. If you do want a softer texture, leave them out for about 15 minutes before serving rather than microwaving, which can melt the coating.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cake mix flavor for this recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberry is classic for this recipe, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or funfetti. Just keep in mind that the cake mix flavor will be the main taste, so choose one that pairs well with cream cheese and your chosen coatings.
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Why do I need to heat treat the cake mix?
Heat treating the cake mix eliminates any bacteria or contaminants in the dry ingredients, making it safe to consume without baking a full cake. Since you’re mixing cake mix with cream cheese and not baking it, this step is crucial for food safety.
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How do I prevent the coating from cracking?
Let the rolled truffle balls rest for about 15 minutes before dipping, allowing them to expand slightly. Also, dipping them in chocolate at the right temperature using a double boiler helps create a smooth, crack-free shell.
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Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, roll the balls, and even dip them a day or two ahead. Store them refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to serve.
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What do I do if the candy melts seize up while melting?
If your candy melts start to seize, stir in a small amount of vegetable oil or shortening to smooth them out. Heating in short bursts and stirring frequently also helps prevent this.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cake Truffles Recipe has become a go-to when I want a fuss-free dessert that feels special. Every time I bring these to a party, someone asks for the recipe (or sneaks a few extra). I hope you’ll find as much joy in making and sharing these as I do — they’re fun, forgiving, and absolutely delicious. So go ahead, dig in, and don’t forget to save some for yourself!
Print
Strawberry Cake Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Strawberry Cake Truffles, a luscious treat combining moist strawberry cake mix with creamy cream cheese and covered in a smooth vanilla coating. Perfectly bite-sized, these truffles feature colorful pink candy melt drizzles and optional sprinkles for an extra festive touch, making them ideal for parties, gift-giving, or a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Cake and Filling
- 9.15 ounces strawberry cake mix (Betty Crocker recommended)
- 4.8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 0.2 cup cream cheese chips, roughly chopped
Coating and Decoration
- 7.2 ounces Ghirardelli vanilla melting wafers
- 0.3 cup Wilton pink candy melts
- 0.3 cup Wilton bright pink candy melts
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Treat Cake Mix: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the strawberry cake mix evenly on the sheet and bake for 5 minutes to eliminate any harmful bacteria. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Cake Mix and Cream Cheese: Fold the cooled cake mix into the cream cheese several times using a rubber spatula to minimize mess, then mix thoroughly with the hand mixer until a dough-like consistency forms.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese Chips: Gently fold in the chopped cream cheese chips until evenly distributed within the dough.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up, making it easier to handle.
- Shape Dough Balls: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the chilled dough onto the sheets, then roll each scoop into a smooth, even ball by hand. Allow the balls to rest for about 15 minutes to expand slightly and prevent cracking during coating.
- Melt Vanilla Wafers: Prepare a double boiler on the stovetop over low heat and melt the vanilla wafers gently, stirring to maintain an even temperature. Alternatively, microwave in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted.
- Coat Truffles: Dip each dough ball fully into the melted vanilla wafers using a fork. Tap the fork gently against the edge of the bowl to remove excess coating, then place the coated truffle on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat, spacing truffles about 2 inches apart. While coating is still wet, sprinkle half the truffles with your choice of sprinkles.
- Melt Pink Candy Melts: Melt the two shades of pink candy melts separately in microwave-safe piping bags on a low setting until smooth. Snip a small tip off each bag and drizzle over the remaining plain coated truffles for decorative contrast.
- Set and Serve: Allow the truffles to fully set at room temperature before serving. Enjoy your beautifully decorated strawberry cake truffles!
Notes
- Store truffles in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Chilling the dough helps with easier shaping and rolling. Allowing the rolled balls to rest for 15 minutes before coating prevents cracking in the outer layer.
- If you prefer not to use the oven for heat treating the cake mix, microwave it in a safe bowl for 3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds for even heating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
