Candy Hearts Fake Cake

Silky cream cheese and airy whipped cream nestle atop a buttery graham cracker crust, finished with luscious whipped frosting and a pastel crown of crunchy candy hearts—every slice is a sweet, playful celebration.

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This charming dessert takes the nostalgia of conversation hearts and pairs it with a sophisticated, no-bake cheesecake base. It is a show-stopping centerpiece that offers a playful twist on a classic American dessert, perfect for Valentine's Day or any festive gathering.

Ingredients

• For the Crust: 1½ cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs, 5 tablespoons (70 g) unsalted butter, melted, 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
• For the No-Bake Cheesecake Filling: 16 ounces (450 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature, 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
• For the Whipped Frosting: 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold, ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar, sifted, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, A few drops pink gel food coloring (optional)
• For Decoration: 2 cups (about 200 g) conversation heart candies, ¼ cup (40 g) rainbow sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand and clumps together when pressed.

Step 2

Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch (20 cm) springform pan lined with parchment paper. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to smooth and compact the crust. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

Step 3

Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat until fluffy and fully combined.

Step 4

In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain.

Step 5

Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust. Smooth the top with an offset spatula. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 6

Prepare the whipped frosting: In a clean, chilled bowl, whip the remaining 1 cup heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to stiff peaks. Add pink gel food coloring one drop at a time until your desired shade is reached.

Step 7

Release the chilled cheesecake from the pan and transfer to a serving plate. Spread the whipped frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.

Step 8

Gently press conversation heart candies into the sides of the cake, covering the frosting in an even layer. Decorate the top with additional hearts and rainbow sprinkles.

Step 9

Chill the decorated cake for 30 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting and candy to set. Serve chilled.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Bring cream cheese to room temperature for a smooth filling. For a firmer texture, freeze the cake for 1 hour before decorating. Press candies gently to avoid cracking the frosting.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute other cookies for graham crackers to vary crust flavor. Conversation hearts soften if left at room temperature too long; decorate shortly before serving.

Serviervorschläge

Pairs well with sparkling rosé or fruity herbal tea.

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With its vibrant pastel exterior and decadent no-bake filling, this Candy Hearts Fake Cake is a delightful way to share a little sweetness with those you love. Serve it chilled for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Recipe FAQ

→ How long does the cake need to chill before serving?

The cheesecake filling requires at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to set properly. For the best texture and easiest slicing, chill overnight. The final decorated cake benefits from an additional 30 minutes in the refrigerator to help the frosting and candy hearts adhere firmly.

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely. The base cheesecake can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. Add the whipped frosting and candy heart decorations no more than 6-8 hours before serving, as the candies may soften if left at room temperature too long. The undecorated cake also freezes beautifully for up to 1 month.

→ What if I can't find conversation heart candies?

Any small, crunchy candy works beautifully here. Try Swedish Fish, Valentine-themed M&Ms, crushed peppermint candies, or even colorful sprinkles alone. For a different texture, fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries create a stunning contrast against the pink frosting.

→ Why is my cream cheese filling lumpy?

Lumps usually occur when cream cheese isn't fully softened or is overmixed. Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours before beating. Mix just until smooth and combined—overworking can cause the cheese to separate. If you still notice lumps, press the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before folding in the whipped cream.

→ Can I substitute the graham cracker crust?

Certainly. Vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, chocolate sandwich cookies, or even buttery shortbread cookies make excellent crust alternatives. Use the same ratio: 1½ cups crushed cookies mixed with 5 tablespoons melted butter and 2 tablespoons sugar. Press firmly and chill for the same 15 minutes.

→ How do I get clean slices?

Run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe dry, and slice. Clean and rewarm the knife between each cut. Chilling the fully decorated cake for 30 minutes before serving also helps achieve clean edges. For the smoothest cuts, use a thin-bladed slicing knife rather than a serrated bread knife.