Strawberry Buttercream Candy Bites Recipe

ByJulia
Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 61 reviews

If you’re craving a sweet little treat that’s bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, you’re going to LOVE this Strawberry Buttercream Candy Bites Recipe. Honestly, these bite-sized delights are some of my favorite homemade confections — they feel fancy but come together without any stress. Keep reading because I’m about to share every tip and trick to make sure your candies turn out perfectly!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Cooking down fresh strawberries concentrates their natural sweetness and tang, giving these candy bites a truly authentic taste.
  • Creamy, Balanced Texture: Combining butter and cream cheese creates a smooth, luscious filling that’s easy to work with but still holds shape once chilled.
  • Rich Chocolate Coating: Dipping in dark chocolate adds a luxurious contrast that complements the sweet-tart strawberry buttercream perfectly.
Strawberry Buttercream Candy Bites, strawberry candy treats, homemade strawberry confections, easy berry candies, no-bake strawberry sweets - The image shows a wooden table covered with chocolate-covered round treats placed on white paper cups arranged on and around two silver plates. Each chocolate piece is dark brown and topped with a small sprinkle of white flakes. One treat has a bite taken, revealing a pink filling inside. There are two strawberries dipped in chocolate, halved with green leaves on top, placed on white paper cups. Some loose white flakes and bright pink flowers with green stems are scattered around the table. A white lidded dish with strawberries inside sits on the left, and a small white bowl of coarse white sugar with a silver spoon rests on the right, all on a white marbled surface background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Strawberry Buttercream Candy Bites Recipe are simple but carefully selected to create that perfect balance of freshness, creaminess, and sweetness. Choosing ripe strawberries and good-quality butter and cream cheese really makes a big difference, so I always hint at shopping with care.

Strawberry Buttercream Candy Bites, strawberry candy treats, homemade strawberry confections, easy berry candies, no-bake strawberry sweets - Flat lay of fresh medium-sized strawberries with tops removed, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a stick of salted butter, a block of cream cheese, a small white bowl with clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl filled with powdered sugar, a small white bowl containing cornstarch, a drop of pink/red food coloring on a white ceramic spoon rest (to show the color without utensils), a pile of dark chocolate melts, and a small white bowl of coarse sugar, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic platter, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Fresh strawberries: Use ripe, fragrant berries for the best puree — this gives your candies that natural bright strawberry flavor without artificial ingredients.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the strawberry puree while helping to cook down the mixture into a thick paste.
  • Salted butter: The salt balances the sweetness and enriches the filling’s flavor — don’t skip salted!
  • Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese brings tanginess and creaminess, making the filling smooth and luscious.
  • Vanilla extract: Just a touch enhances the overall flavor and makes everything taste a little warmer and more complex.
  • Powdered sugar: Key for sweetness and giving the buttercream filling structure — it also helps with rolling the candy bites.
  • Cornstarch: A small sprinkle prevents stickiness and helps firm up the filling without changing the flavor.
  • Food coloring (optional): If you want your candies to look as pretty as they taste, a drop of pink or red food coloring really helps boost that strawberry vibe.
  • Dark chocolate melts: For coating, I prefer dark chocolate for a rich contrast, but milk or white chocolate works too!
  • Coarse sugar (optional): For a sparkling finishing touch on top — this is totally optional but adds a fun texture.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’ve played around with this Strawberry Buttercream Candy Bites Recipe quite a bit, and you’ll find it’s easy to tweak to match your preferences — whether you want it sweeter, more tart, or even dairy-free. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

  • Variation: I sometimes swap half the dark chocolate for white chocolate chips to create a swirled look — it’s pretty and adds a subtle hint of creaminess.
  • Dietary Modification: For a dairy-free version, try using vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives, but keep in mind the texture may be a bit different.
  • Seasonal Twist: In cooler months, a tiny sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom into the buttercream adds warmth and pairs beautifully with strawberry.
  • Intensity: If you want your candies super strawberry-y, increase the strawberry quantity or add freeze-dried strawberry powder for extra punch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Buttercream Candy Bites Recipe

Step 1: Puree and Reduce Your Strawberries

Start by tossing fresh, hulled strawberries into a food processor or blender and blitzing until smooth — no chunks! Then, transfer that lovely puree to a small saucepan and add sugar. Turn the heat to medium and keep stirring as the mixture comes to a slow boil. The goal here is to cook off the excess water, concentrating that strawberry flavor into a thick, spreadable paste. It usually takes about 10 minutes. Don’t rush or turn up the heat too high lest it burn — patience here is key.

Step 2: Cool and Cream Your Butter and Cheese

Once your strawberry puree is reduced and cool, combine softened butter and cream cheese in a large bowl or stand mixer. I usually use my KitchenAid with the paddle attachment and beat on medium speed until creamy and lump-free. This step ensures your buttercream filling is smooth and luscious — the base for your strawberry magic!

Step 3: Build the Buttercream Filling

Mix in vanilla extract and about a cup of powdered sugar to your butter mixture to get things started. Then stir in the cooled strawberry paste. After that, add cornstarch followed by the rest of the powdered sugar, half a cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. This gradual approach helps you control the texture — you want it firm enough to shape but still soft and creamy. If you want an extra pop of pink, add a single drop of red or pink food coloring here.

Step 4: Chill and Roll the Candy Bites

Spread your buttercream mixture into a shallow pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and pop it into the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling firms up the filling, which makes it easier to handle. When it’s time to shape, dust your hands with powdered sugar to prevent stickiness, then scoop and roll roughly tablespoon-sized balls. Don’t worry if the dough sticks to your hands — just keep dusting with powdered sugar as you go. If it becomes unmanageable, a quick 10-minute chill in the freezer works wonders.

Step 5: Dip in Melted Chocolate and Decorate

While your little buttercream balls chill in the freezer, melt the dark chocolate melts according to the package instructions. I like to melt them gently in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts to avoid burning. Using a butterknife as a handy dipping tool, cover each ball completely in chocolate, then transfer it onto wax paper. For an optional touch of elegance, sprinkle coarse sugar on top right after dipping. Let the chocolate harden at room temperature — or speed it up by placing them in the fridge.

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Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Buttercream Candy Bites Recipe

  • Reducing the Strawberry Puree: Keep the heat moderate and stir often to avoid burning — patience here creates the best flavor and texture.
  • Chill Time: Don’t skip or shorten the chilling — the firmness after refrigeration makes rolling so much easier and less sticky.
  • Handling Sticky Buttercream: Dust your hands generously with powdered sugar and re-dust as needed. Or freeze the mixture briefly if it gets too soft to handle.
  • Chocolate Dipping Technique: Use a butterknife to coat candies one at a time to keep control and create a neat, smooth shell.

How to Serve Strawberry Buttercream Candy Bites Recipe

Strawberry Buttercream Candy Bites, strawberry candy treats, homemade strawberry confections, easy berry candies, no-bake strawberry sweets - The image shows two round chocolate balls on a small silver plate with scalloped edges. Each chocolate ball is smooth and dark brown, topped with white sugar crystals. One chocolate ball sits in a white paper cup liner, while the other lies directly on the plate. Next to the chocolates is a small bright pink carnation flower with a green stem, slightly touching the plate. The plate is placed on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture background partly visible. A clear glass jar with water and green stems is positioned behind the plate, and part of a white cloth napkin is seen near the jar photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a tiny bit of coarse sugar or even freeze-dried strawberry crumbs over the chocolate coating — it adds a festive sparkle and a little extra strawberry punch without overpowering the buttery core. For a fancy touch, edible glitter or tiny edible flowers can also make these candies pop beautifully on a dessert platter.

Side Dishes

These candy bites pair surprisingly well with a simple cup of green or black tea — the slight bitterness of the tea balances the sweet strawberry buttercream perfectly. I’ve also served them alongside fresh fruit or a bowl of lightly sweetened whipped cream for an elevated dessert board.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays and holidays, I like to arrange these Strawberry Buttercream Candy Bites on a tiered dessert tray sprinkled with rose petals or mint leaves. Another fun idea is packaging them individually in little cello bags tied with a pink satin ribbon — great for gifts or party favors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover candy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to a week, although I always find they taste best after coming to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This little rest helps the buttercream soften slightly and the chocolate lose some of its snap for a lovely texture.

Freezing

If you want to make these well ahead of time, they freeze nicely. Freeze the uncoated buttercream balls on a baking sheet first, then dip in chocolate and freeze again to set. Wrapped tightly, they can last in the freezer for up to a month — perfect for holiday prep!

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen candy bites, thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for an hour or so. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the chocolate unevenly. Letting them gently come to room temp helps keep the texture and flavor spot-on.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the Strawberry Buttercream Candy Bites Recipe?

    Yes! You can use thawed frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to drain off any excess liquid after thawing to prevent the buttercream filling from becoming too watery.

  2. Why do I need both butter and cream cheese in the filling?

    The combination balances richness and tanginess— the butter gives smooth creaminess and firmness, while cream cheese adds a slight tartness that boosts flavor and keeps the filling from being too heavy.

  3. How can I prevent the buttercream mixture from being too sticky?

    Dust your hands well with powdered sugar when rolling and keep some handy to re-dust as needed. If it’s still too sticky, chill the mixture in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm it up before rolling.

  4. Can I use other types of chocolate for coating?

    Absolutely! While dark chocolate provides a nice balance to the sweet strawberry buttercream, milk or white chocolate melts also work well. Just pick your favorite and enjoy the results!

  5. How long do these candies keep?

    Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for about a week. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Buttercream Candy Bites Recipe is one of those little homemade gems that never fails to impress — both with flavor and presentation. Every time I serve them, friends ask for the recipe, and I love how easy it is to whip up something so special without hours in the kitchen. Now that I’ve shared all my best tips and secrets, I hope you’ll give them a try and enjoy every bite as much as I do. Happy candy-making, friend!

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Strawberry Buttercream Candy Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 61 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 45 candies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these luscious Strawberry Buttercream Candies, combining the fresh sweetness of strawberries with creamy butter and cream cheese, all coated in rich dark chocolate. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat, these candies offer a smooth, fruity filling wrapped in a bittersweet shell.

Ingredients

Strawberry Puree

  • 1 ½ cup fresh strawberries tops removed (about 12 medium-sized strawberries)
  • 2 Tbsp sugar

Buttercream Filling

  • ½ cup salted butter softened (1 stick)
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 drop pink/red food coloring (optional)

Chocolate Coating

  • 12 oz dark chocolate melts
  • Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Strawberry Puree: In a food processor or blender, puree the fresh strawberries until completely smooth with no discernible pieces.
  2. Cook Strawberry Reduction: Transfer the puree to a small saucepan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of sugar, and stir. Cook while stirring frequently until it comes to a slow boil.
  3. Reduce Mixture: Continue to cook and stir the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing water to evaporate and the mixture to thicken into a paste. Adjust heat to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  4. Mix Buttercream Base: In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and well combined.
  5. Add Flavoring: Stir in the vanilla extract followed by 1 cup of powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
  6. Combine Strawberry and Dry Ingredients: Add the cooled strawberry reduction to the buttercream base and mix well. Stir in cornstarch, then gradually add the remaining powdered sugar about ½ cup at a time until fully incorporated and a thick, workable dough forms. Optionally, add a drop of pink or red food coloring for enhanced color.
  7. Chill Buttercream: Spread the buttercream mixture evenly in a shallow dish, cover with cling wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  8. Form Candies: Once chilled, dust your hands with powdered sugar and roll the buttercream into balls about 1 tablespoon in size. Re-dust hands as needed to manage stickiness. If too sticky, chill the mixture in the freezer for 10 minutes.
  9. Prepare Chocolate Coating: While rolling the candies, melt the dark chocolate melts according to package instructions.
  10. Coat Candies: Using the blade of a butterknife, pick up each buttercream ball, pour melted chocolate over it to coat completely, then slide off onto a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Repeat for all candies.
  11. Harden and Store: Allow the chocolate to harden at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Store candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best flavor and texture, let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Keep hands dusted with powdered sugar while rolling to prevent sticking.
  • If the buttercream is too soft or sticky to work with, briefly chill it in the freezer for 10 minutes.
  • Coarse sugar adds an extra crunch and decorative touch but is optional.
  • You can substitute salted butter with unsalted butter plus a pinch of salt if preferred.
  • Dark chocolate melts work best for coating; white or milk chocolate can be used for variations.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 candy
  • Calories: 110 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 30 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

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