Strawberry cheesecake truffle bites — you heard me right!

Look what I made! This is what happens if I’m left alone in the kitchen too long.

I start out to make super healthy, organic, fennel twig, green tea, echinacea, kale smoothie cookie bars but when I’m finished I realize I “accidently” made Strawberry Cheesecake Truffle Bites. I’m just as surprised as you.

Let’s make the best of the situation by saying you can learn this technique and use it with any flavor cake mix and frosting combination that floats your boat. I’ve seen cake pops in bakeries for $1 each or more. You can make this whole batch for under $5.

Lots of people make cake pops, or cake bites. They’re all over Pinterest in every flavor and color you can imagine in your Willy Wonkiest of dreams.

But something was missing. I wanted a sweet, fruity, jammy surprise in the center when you take a bite. You too? Here’s how to do it.

Prepare cake mix (I used strawberry) for a 9 x 13 pan according to directions on box. Cool the cake completely. While the cake is baking, place scant quarter teaspoons of jam on waxed paper and place in the freezer.

Once the cake is cooled crumble it into a large bowl and beat it with an electric mixer until reduced to fine crumbs. Spoon 3/4 to 1 cup frosting (I used cream cheese frosting) into the crumbs and blend with mixer until combined. Cover and freeze for 30 minutes.

Next, we roll ‘em up. This is a great time to bribe family members to help you. Find a baking sheet that will fit into your freezer and cover with waxed paper. Retrieve the crumb mixture and frozen jam.

Working in batches, keeping some of the mix and jam in the freezer, place one tablespoon of the mixture onto the palm of your hand and put a dollop of jam in the middle.

Form the crumb mixture into a ball around the jam and place on the prepared baking sheet. Place finished bites in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare to dip the finished bites in white chocolate. Melt white chocolate chips, almond bark or vanilla baking chips in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between until smooth.

Prepare another waxed paper lined baking sheet. Place each truffle on a fork and roll the bite around in the chocolate letting the excess drip back into the bowl.

Using a toothpick, gently ease the dipped bite onto the waxed paper. If you want to get fancy; drizzle a little chocolate on top or hit them with some sprinkles. Repeat until all truffle bites are coated and irresistible.

If the chocolate thickens pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds and stir. Place truffles in the fridge to set up. Give these to people you want to make happy because it works.

Frugal Festive Food contributed by Patti Diamond from Divas On A Dime – Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! www.divasonadime.com Join us on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom.