Strawberry Truffles

These delicious Strawberry Truffles are creamy, sweet, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. With a smooth strawberry filling coated in rich chocolate, these truffles make for an elegant treat perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to indulge in something sweet!

Ingredients:

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries (or fresh strawberries, finely chopped and pureed)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate (you can also use milk or dark chocolate)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil (to help with smooth coating)
• Optional: Sprinkles, extra freeze-dried strawberries, or crushed graham crackers for decoration

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:

• If using freeze-dried strawberries, place them in a food processor or blender and pulse until finely ground into a powder.
• In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, strawberry powder (or fresh strawberry puree), and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined. The mixture should be thick but smooth.
• Chill the strawberry filling in the fridge for at least 1 hour to firm up slightly, making it easier to shape.

2. Shape the Truffles:

• Once the filling is firm enough to handle, scoop out small spoonfuls (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Place the shaped truffles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Chill the truffles in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to 1 hour until firm.

3. Prepare the Chocolate Coating:

• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate (or your chocolate of choice) in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. Add the vegetable oil or coconut oil to help the chocolate coat the truffles smoothly.

4. Dip the Truffles:

• Once the truffles are chilled and firm, dip each one into the melted chocolate, using a fork or dipping tool to coat them completely. Let the excess chocolate drip off.
• Place the dipped truffles back on the parchment paper. If desired, sprinkle the top of each truffle with extra freeze-dried strawberries, sprinkles, or crushed graham crackers for added decoration.

5. Set the Truffles:

• Allow the chocolate to set by placing the truffles back in the fridge for about 30 minutes. You can also let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to harden.

6. Serve:

• Once the chocolate has fully set, the strawberry truffles are ready to be served. Enjoy them right away or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Tips:

• Fresh Strawberries: If you prefer fresh strawberries, puree them and cook the puree down until thickened to prevent excess moisture from affecting the truffle filling.
• Other Chocolate Options: If you like dark or milk chocolate, feel free to use it instead of white chocolate for the coating.
• Storage: These truffles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

These Strawberry Truffles are a perfect blend of creamy, tangy strawberry filling and rich chocolate coating, making them a delightful treat for any occasion!