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These Strawberry Shortcake Truffles bring together everything you love about a classic strawberry shortcake in a sweet bite sized treat. Each truffle bursts with strawberry flavor and a creamy center then is finished with a drizzle of white chocolate plus a touch of shortcake crumb on top. Whenever I am asked to bring dessert to a family gathering people hope it will be these truffles and they disappear quickly from the plate.
I first made these truffles for a school bake sale and I spent the whole afternoon hearing people rave about the strawberry flavor. Now whenever there is a special occasion my family always requests them.
Ingredients
- Box of extra moist strawberry cake mix: this creates the strong strawberry base look for brands with real fruit powder for best flavor
- Block of cream cheese softened: room temperature makes mixing much easier and gives a smooth creamy texture
- Vanilla: adds warmth and brings out the berry notes
- Light pink candy melts: for that lovely pastel color and sweet outer shell when buying check that they are shiny and not chalky to help ensure smooth melting
- White candy melts: perfect for a beautiful finish pick a reputable brand for best taste
- Crumbled shortcake for garnishing: gives that authentic shortcake flair I use a simple store bought pound cake and crumble it by hand
Instructions
- Prepare Workspace:
- Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside so you are ready to place the truffles down as you work.
- Mix the Base:
- In a medium mixing bowl combine the strawberry cake mix cream cheese and vanilla. Mix for two to three minutes. At first it will look very crumbly but keep mixing until it turns into a cohesive pink dough with no streaks.
- Shape the Truffles:
- Use a one inch cookie scoop to scoop out the mixture. Roll each scoop between your palms until smooth and round. Aim for balls about one to one and a half inches wide. Place them evenly spaced on the parchment paper.
- Chill the Dough:
- Refrigerate the tray of truffle balls for one hour. This helps them firm up for easy dipping.
- Melt the Pink Candy Coating:
- About ten minutes before chilling ends place the pink candy melts into a microwave safe bowl. Heat at fifty percent power or on defrost for one minute. Stir well. Continue microwaving in thirty second intervals stirring between each session until the melts look completely smooth and pourable.
- Coat Each Truffle:
- Use two forks or dipping tools to lift one truffle at a time into the melted candy. Gently turn to cover all sides then lift out. Let excess coating drip off before returning the ball to the parchment paper. Repeat with all truffles.
- Chill Again:
- Place the coated truffles back in the refrigerator for thirty minutes to let the shell set.
- Drizzle the White Chocolate:
- Just before the second chill finishes melt the white candy melts the same way as the pink. Pour the melted candy into a piping bag with a small round tip. Drizzle thin lines across the top of each truffle moving back and forth. While the lines are still wet sprinkle with crumbled shortcake so it sticks.
- Final Chill:
- Return the finished truffles to the refrigerator for a final thirty minutes so everything sets perfectly before serving.
The cream cheese is my favorite part of these truffles since its richness balances the sweetness of the strawberry and candy coating. I will never forget the first time my niece tasted one and she said it was like eating a strawberry cloud.
Storage Tips
Keep truffles in an airtight container in the fridge where they stay fresh for up to five days. Stack with parchment between layers to avoid sticking. These also work well for transporting to potlucks or parties since they hold their shape once chilled.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a different twist swap out the strawberry cake mix for lemon or funfetti mix. Dairy free cream cheese works if you need these truffles to be lactose friendly. If you cannot find pink candy melts white almond bark with a drop of pink gel coloring creates a similar look.
Serving Suggestions
Set these on a pretty cake stand at showers or birthdays for an eye catching treat. Pair with coffee or sparkling water for afternoon tea. I sometimes tuck a handful into a cute box for a sweet homemade gift.
Cultural and Holiday Moments
Strawberries and shortcake have a long history in American summer parties and picnics. Turning this classic into truffles not only makes it more modern but also easy to serve at big gatherings without plates and forks. My grandmother used to make shortcake from scratch but she absolutely loves this truffle shortcut.
Seasonal Adaptations
Crush freeze dried strawberries and mix into the coating for a sharper berry flavor. Change up the garnish with seasonal sprinkles for holidays. Try a chocolate cake base and chocolate drizzle for a wintery version.
Success Stories
I have made these with preschoolers and they loved rolling the dough and sprinkling on the crumbs. Every time I bring these to a baby shower they get more attention than any cake or cookie on the table.
Freezer Meal Conversion
If you want to make truffles far ahead assemble and freeze the finished balls uncovered until solid. Transfer them to a zippered bag and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and drizzle with white chocolate just before serving for best results.
These strawberry shortcake truffles are a hit for any event and so easy to make ahead. With simple steps and big flavor they quickly become a new favorite treat.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What makes these truffles smooth and creamy?
The softened cream cheese blended with strawberry cake mix lends a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture to each bite.
- → How do you achieve vibrant pink color?
The pink hue comes from both the moist strawberry cake mix and the pink candy melts used for the outer shell.
- → Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed mix?
Yes, substituting a homemade strawberry cake for the mix produces a similar flavor, though moisture levels may vary.
- → How do you ensure a smooth drizzle?
White candy melts are microwaved gently and piped immediately for a glossy, even finish over chilled truffles.
- → What role do the shortcake crumbs play?
The crumbs add a satisfying crunch and highlight the classic shortcake flavor in every bite.
- → Are these suitable for make-ahead desserts?
Yes, the truffles keep well in the refrigerator and are ideal for preparing in advance for special occasions.