Monday, May 11, 2026

Vegan Strawberry-Rose Truffles #recipe and #giveaway Kim Davis

 




KIM DAVIS:  Even though this is posting the day after Mothers' Day, I wanted to wish everyone a happy Mothers' Day, no matter if your children are human or of the fur-or-feather variety! 

I set out to make an edible gift for a dear friend of mine who recently turned 88, and landed on Strawberry-Rose Truffles. The color is such a pretty shade, plus the delicate flavor and fragrance of the rose water complements the tart-sweet flavor of the strawberries. I knew it would be something she would enjoy. However, a few years ago, her doctor put her on a dairy-free and gluten-free diet, and having never needed to eat differently, she struggled to accept the changes. She misses the tempting sweets and desserts, so I wanted to give her something to satisfy her sweet tooth. It took me a few tries to figure out how to make a vegan truffle (the crushed strawberries add a bit of crispy bite to the candy) and I finally landed on the recipe below. My husband, who must also eat dairy-free, was more than happy to sample and give feedback on the truffles and by the third round, pronounced these really good and he'd be happy for me to make more for him... I suppose I'll be making a batch for Father's Day 😀


Be sure to scroll all the way down to find out how you can win a copy of 
Essentials of Murder!


 


Vegan Strawberry-Rose Truffles
 
Ingredients
 
9 ounces vegan white chocolate chips
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled slightly
4 teaspoons rose water
1.5 ounces freeze-dried strawberries
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar



 

Instructions

Crush the strawberries using a food processor, blender, or mortar and pestle into a fine powder. There will be some small pieces which is fine. It adds texture to the finished candy. Set aside.




Whisk the coconut oil and rose water together until emulsified. Don’t skip this step, otherwise the white chocolate may seize and become grainy and overly stiff. 




Add the white chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave on 60% power in 20-second intervals. Stir in between each cycle and heat just until barely melted. Do not overheat!

Gently stir in the ground strawberries and coconut oil mixture. Once completely combined, cover with plastic wrap, making sure the entire surface of the white chocolate is covered.




Allow to come to room temperature, then place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then stir. Refrigerate for an additional 5 minutes if the mixture is too soft to roll into balls.

The mixture firms up quickly. If too firm, break into pieces and heat in the microwave at 60% power in 10-second increments until it can easily be scooped.

Using a small tablespoon-sized scoop, form the truffle mixture into balls. Refrigerate for 5 minutes, then roll each ball in confectioners’ sugar until coated.




Serve truffles at room temperature.


Note

If you don’t have to eat vegan, you can make this using regular white chocolate (chips or bars chopped into small pieces).














Books available at most online retailers

 

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Apple

 





Cupcake Catering Mysteries * Essentials of MurderEssentials of Death

 


About the Author:

Kim Davis writes the Aromatherapy Apothecary cozy mystery series, and the award-winning Cupcake Catering cozy mystery series. She has also written several children’s nature articles published in a variety of magazines. Kim Davis is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

She lives in Southern California with her husband and rambunctious mini Goldendoodle, Missy, who has become an inspiration for several plotlines. When she’s not spending time with her granddaughters or chasing Missy around, she can be found either writing on her next book, working on blogs, or in the kitchen baking up yummy treats to share.

Click here to sign up here for Kim’s newsletter: Newsletter

Connect with Kim: FacebookPinterestInstagramBlueskyBookbubGoodreadsTikTok, and website

 


G I V E A W A Y   T I M E !!!



I'm giving away a print copy of Essentials of Murder!

Comment below and include your email (yourname at yourserver dot com) for a chance to win a copy of Essentials of Murder. (Contest ends 11:59pm on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 and is limited to US residents only.)

Readers, do you make edible gifts for friends or family? If so, what is your favorite edible gift to give?

🎁

83 comments:

  1. Recipe reminds me of Mexican Wedding Cakes I don't eat vegan but recipe looks and sounds good then add a good book like the the one you're giving away then what more can a person want, books sound & look like really good reads
    HOPE I WIN
    don.stewart@zoominternet.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree that books and candy are a great combination of gifts, Crystal! You can always use regular white chocolate in the recipe if you don't want to track down the vegan brand.

      Delete
  2. What a pretty recipe and an excellent gift for a friend. I make birthday cakes and cupcakes for friends as gifts - they are thrilled.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Such lucky friends, Nancy! I know people love to receive homemade baked goods and there are so many ways to decorate cakes and cupcakes to fit the personalities of the recipients.

      Delete
  3. Thank you for the delicious sounding Vegan Strawberry-Rose Truffles recipe. What a great way to make those with dietary limitation not to feel left out! I already have someone in mind that's going to love these.
    Blessed to have already read ESSENTIALS OF MURDER, I'll leave the contest for those that haven't. <3
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope the recipient of the truffles enjoy them as much as we have, Kay! Having so many people with dietary restrictions in my life, I understand how left out they feel when it comes to being unable to eat special goodies, so I'm happy I can share.

      Delete
  4. Thank you for the recipe. Happy Mothers Day. Deborah deborahortega229@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Deborah, and I hope your Mother's Day was special!

      Delete
  5. I would like to make edible gifts for friends even though I don't bake much. Alam22@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These truffles might just be what you're looking for, Amanda! No bake and you use a microwave to melt the white chocolate :) Enjoy!

      Delete
  6. Perfect! I need a birthday gift for a friend and am sure she would live these. I already have this fun book, so good luck to others!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope your friend (and you) enjoys these as much as we have, Marcia!

      Delete
  7. I make peanut butter fudge for friends and family at Christmas time every year. anitalklaboe(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oohh... I want to be your friend, Anita :) I love peanut butter fudge and your friends are definitely lucky recipients!

      Delete
    2. It's a very easy recipe.
      PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE
      1 cup butter (2 sticks)
      1 cup creamy peanut butter
      Melt in microwave for 1 minute.
      Stir
      Add 1 teaspoon vanilla
      Add 1 pound (16 ounces) of confectioners’ sugar. I usually add the sugar till it becomes a soft ball and pulls away from the side of the bowl, so sometimes it’s a little more than 1 pound.
      Place into a waxed paper lined 9 X 9 pan. Use a second piece of waxed paper to press into pan and make level. Optionally, then you can sprinkle chocolate chips over the top and use that second piece of wax paper to press them into the fudge.
      Place in the refrigerator. Take fudge out of the refrigerator to warm up a little before placing onto a cutting board to cut into pieces

      Delete
  8. What a good friend you are to figure out this treat!
    And aren't you lucky to have a trustworthy taste tester in the house!
    I might be tempted to leave half of the balls as they are without the sugar coating for the color contrast.
    libbydodd at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think leaving some of the truffles without the coating is a great idea, Libby! Yes, I have several people willing to taste test for me and I'm lucky to know that they'll be honest about the food so I can create the best version to share.

      Delete
  9. No I don't, but it sounds like a great idea.
    Kit3247@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'd probably omit the strawberries. I don't of any place to, where I live, to get freeze dried berries. Aren't they one of "The Essentials Of Murder"? (joking). johnlong83@rocketmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol, John! Most large grocery stores or supermarkets sell freeze dried fruit. I've seen raspberries and blueberries as well.

      Delete
  11. I am not a great baker. Your recipe sounds great! I would make chocolate chip cookies to give friends. Thank you for the chance to win! nlap3414@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think everyone loves chocolate chip cookies, Nancy! Such a classic treat.

      Delete
  12. My favorite edible gift to give, is lemon curd. I make it for Christmas time. johnlong83@rocketmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Homemade lemon curd sounds divine! Your friends are lucky to be recipients!

      Delete
  13. I actually recently won your book so please don't select me. I am not a great baker so I usually rely on my local bakery if I am giving edible gifts. aprilbluetx at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are some yummy treats out there and I'm sure no one minds where the edible gift comes from, April. It's the sentiment of being thought of that counts!

      Delete
  14. donnardobbs@aol.comMay 11, 2026 at 11:40 AM

    Sounds delicious and very pretty! Thank you for the giveaway!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome, Donna! I was super pleased at how pink they turned out without relying on artificial food coloring.

      Delete
  15. Beautiful and delectable treat. I make marble cake, brownies and apple cake for family occasions. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your family is so lucky to be recipients of you delicious treats too!

      Delete
  16. These look so pretty. What a great gift idea. Thank you.
    lindalou64(@)live(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Linda! Once I got the recipe figured out, they were pretty easy to make too.

      Delete
  17. Those strawberry-rose truffles sound amazing and are so pretty! I have given out cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies for special occasions.

    Thank you for the chance!
    jarjm1980(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chocolate chip cookies are such a great treat to share since everyone loves them! They're a "classic" for a reason :)

      Delete
  18. I like white chocolate. pmr3956 (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. White chocolate is so versatile and can be paired with so many different flavors!

      Delete
  19. Like sea salt dark chocolate! reneela2000(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yum, Renee... that is such a great combination!

      Delete
  20. I used to make cookies, but I don't anymore. cruhnke70@gmail.com Christa Ruhnke

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've cut back on the amount of treats I bake to give out as well. Hopefully others share their goodies with you now!

      Delete
  21. These look so pretty! Over the years I have made many different kinds of edible gifts. They included cookies, cupcakes, brownies, bourbon balls, loaf cakes like banana-nut bread, glazed pecans, Texas Trash party mix, Rooster's Famous Firecrackers, green tomato relish, cheese wafers and homemade vanilla.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure all your friends and family are grateful to be on your "gifting" list, Lynn! Everything sounds utterly delectable! I had to look up what Rooster's Famous Firecrackers were, and now I have the urge to trying making them :)

      Delete
  22. I do that for friends around Christmas. I love to bake and give away assorted cookies. cherierj (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think Christmas is the most popular time of the year to share edible gifts, especially cookies! You have some very lucky friends, Cherie :)

      Delete
  23. Wow that looks yummy! I make Rice Crispy Treats with cookie or candy pieces mixed in for all the kids in the family when we have family gatherings.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wow that looks yummy! I make Rice Crispy Treats with cookie or candy pieces mixed in for all the kids in the family when we have family gatherings. mjla87@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Mary! I've never thought to mix in candy or cookie pieces into Rice Crispy Treats... sounds decadent and I'll have to give it a try!

      Delete
  25. I have been on a kick recently making cranberry banana bread. The tartness of the fresh/frozen cranberries with the sweet banana bread is a new favorite across my family. awanstromatyahoodotcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The combination of bananas and cranberries in bread form sounds like perfection, April! And I just happen to have some frozen cranberries in the freezer too :)

      Delete
  26. I sometimes make foodstuffs as gifts. I appreciate receiving something homemade. laurelwhitney123@icloud.com laurelwhitney69@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Homemade gift items - whether you give or receive - is extra meaningful!

      Delete
  27. Your recipe looks delicious. I used to make cookies or fudge as gifts for Christmas years ago, but now I buy food gifts like Garrett's Popcorn or Frango Mints.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh goodness, Dianne, Frango Mints... yum!!! I was gifted a small box last week and I'm hoarding them, lol!

      Delete
  28. This looks delicious. Yes we make homemade scotch a Roos for gifts and home made bread. Typically banana bread izucchini bread.
    wishingbear863@aol.com Karen t

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Everyone loves to receive homemade sweet bread! What a special treat for your friends and family, Karen!

      Delete
  29. I make cookies
    Jewelldawn48@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love making cookies to give out at Christmas but like to mix it up with other treats at non-holiday times.

      Delete
  30. I have not been able to the past two years, but my favorite is to make peanut brittle, trail mix and Chex mix at Christmas to give to family and friends. Sissie_sue@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Kim, these look so good! Thanks for the recipe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Ang! Sure wish I could reach through the screen and share a piece with everyone :)

      Delete
  32. Chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies OR peanut butter blossoms are my favorites to make. Thank you for recipe AND the chance to win.
    madamhawk at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Count me in for anything with the combination of chocolate and peanut butter - yum!

      Delete
  33. Luckily for everyone I know, I don’t share baked goods! Lol!! Lindaherold999@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol, Linda! Hopefully other people are willing to share their treats with you!

      Delete
  34. I bake my friends chocolate toffees.

    Bmijrkd@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chocolate toffee sound absolutely incredible, Kristie!

      Delete
  35. We bake so many things at Christmas time that make wonderful gifts like chocolate fudge, peanut butter fudge, peanut butter balls, spiced pecans, dingbats(porcupine balls), pumpkin bread, needhams, pizzelles, pressed cookies, cutout cookies, & gingerbread cookies.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, Joannie, that is quite the impressive list of goodies you give out at Christmas! Your friends and family are incredibly lucky to be on the recipient list!

      Delete
  36. I like to make cookies around Christmas. That’s when I have the most time.
    2kweeks@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Christmas time is also my time to bake lots of cookies, Kim! In fact, it doesn't really seem like the season until I start baking :)

      Delete
  37. Those sound amazing!! I love cookies but I tend to be lazy & not make them....I prefer something I can do all at once and let them go (like a cake or brownies). My kids love to make cookies at Christmas, though I typically have to do cleanup lol
    Sarah
    joshandsarah04(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree it's nice to have a one and done like you do with cake or brownies! But what a great way for your kids to make memories by baking Christmas cookies together!!! And eventually (hopefully) they'll grasp the concept of cleanup :)

      Delete
  38. Thank you for sharing this recipe. They look so good.
    I do gift baking at Christmas time. I like making crinkle cookies and fudge.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It just doesn't seem like Christmas in my house until I start baking the cookies :) I haven't made fudge in a long, long time... you're inspiring me, Sally!

      Delete
  39. I used to give Christmas cookies that I baked.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Christmas cookies are a very popular edible gift to make, Julie! And to receive as well :)

      Delete
  40. I make homemade Angel Food Cake and give it as gifts. Thank you! deborahdumm(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a wonderful and thoughtful gift, Deborah! I've never really gotten the hang of angel food cake, although my husband likes it. At least my supermarket bakery sells them and when served smothered with strawberries and vanilla ice cream, it's pretty difficult to tell it's not homemade :)

      Delete
  41. I have gifted food, but not usually anything I make myself. My SIL likes to tell me that for holidays I buy for her kids and don't need to buy for her. I get around it by buying for the kids and doing a family gift. Everyone has their favorite kind of snack, so I include something for everyone, a gift card for general use of for a meal, and some fun or useful gadgets for my brother and SIL.
    jentroy@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. Catherinewalke@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Thank you for a chance to win a copy of your book. baileybounce2@att.net

    ReplyDelete