Candy Hearts Fake Cake (Printable)

A delightful dessert featuring a creamy filling on a graham cracker base, finished with whipped frosting and festive candy hearts.

# Ingredient List:

→ For the Crust

01 - 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

→ For the No-Bake Cheesecake Filling

04 - 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
05 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
06 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
07 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold

→ For the Whipped Frosting

08 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
09 - ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
10 - ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
11 - Pink gel food coloring, few drops (optional)

→ For Decoration

12 - 2 cups conversation heart candies (about 200 g)
13 - ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles (about 40 g)

# Directions:

01 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Mix until texture resembles wet sand and clumps together when pressed.
02 - Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan lined with parchment paper. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to smooth and compact the crust. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
03 - Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat until fluffy and fully combined.
04 - 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.
05 - 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.
06 - 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 desired shade is reached.
07 - 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.
08 - 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.
09 - Chill the decorated cake for 30 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting and candy to set. Serve chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The no-bake method means your oven stays free while you create something that looks professionally fancy
  • That impossibly creamy texture comes from folding whipped cream into cream cheese, a trick I learned from a baker who swore it was the secret to lightness
02 -
  • Room temperature cream cheese is the difference between silky smooth filling and a lumpy disappointment you'll want to hide under frosting
  • Conversation hearts start to get weirdly soft if they sit at room temperature too long, so decorate right before the party
03 -
  • Freeze the assembled cake for one hour before decorating if you want those picture-perfect straight sides
  • Work quickly once you start frosting, because cold cream cheese firms up fast
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