Sweetheart Delight Bites
Indulge in these charming Sweetheart Delight Bites, perfect for sharing love on any occasion, especially Valentine's Day! These delightful little treats are a fun and engaging activity to make with kids, turning the kitchen into a vibrant workshop of creativity. With a delicious combination of sweetened condensed milk and ground almonds, these treats are not only visually appealing but also melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Gift them to that special someone or enjoy them yourself as a sweet reminder of love. Just remember, the fridge and drying time are not included in the prep time, so plan accordingly!
35
Servings
34
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Icing Sugar
2 ounces (sifted)
Caster Sugar
2 ounces (none)
Ground Almonds
4 ounces (none)
Full-Fat Sweetened Condensed Milk
4 ounces (none)
Red Food Coloring
3-5 drops (none)
Instructions
1
Gather all ingredients and have two heart-shaped cutters ready: one small and one very small.
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift the icing sugar, then add the caster sugar and ground almonds. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
3
Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the sweetened condensed milk. Start mixing with a spoon, then use your hands to knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough.
4
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add the red food coloring to one half and mix until the color is uniform.
5
Wrap both portions of dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
6
On a clean, icing sugar-dusted surface, roll out the pink dough to approximately 1/2 inch thick. Cut out hearts using the larger cutter, re-rolling scraps as necessary.
7
Take the smaller cutter and press it into the center of each large heart to create a cut-out. Use a blunt stick to carefully push out the smaller heart shapes.
8
Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the uncolored dough, ensuring you create an equal number of hearts.
9
Gently press the small cream hearts into the big pink hearts and vice versa, smoothing and flattening as necessary for a perfect fit.
10
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the assembled hearts on it. Leave them to dry overnight at room temperature.
11
Once dried, store the Sweetheart Delight Bites in an airtight tin for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Information
1.4g
Fat
4g
Carbs
0.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweetheart Delight Bites?
Sweetheart Delight Bites are charming, no-bake heart-shaped treats made with a base of ground almonds and sweetened condensed milk, perfect for Valentine's Day.
What is the flavor profile of these treats?
These bites have a sweet, nutty flavor similar to marzipan, enriched by the creaminess of full-fat sweetened condensed milk.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, making these treats is a fun and engaging activity for kids, especially the steps involving cutting out shapes and assembling the hearts.
What special equipment is required?
You will need two heart-shaped cutters: one small and one very small, plus a large mixing bowl and a sieve.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 35 sweetheart bites.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients are icing sugar, caster sugar, ground almonds, full-fat sweetened condensed milk, and red food coloring.
How long does the dough need to be refrigerated?
The dough should be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for 30 minutes to firm up before rolling.
How thick should I roll the dough?
The pink and cream doughs should both be rolled out to a thickness of approximately 1/2 inch.
How do I achieve the two-tone heart effect?
Cut a small heart out of the center of a larger heart and swap it with a small heart of the contrasting color, then press them together.
Do these treats need to be baked?
No, these are no-bake candies that set by drying at room temperature overnight.
What is the best way to store Sweetheart Delight Bites?
Once they have dried overnight, store the bites in an airtight tin to maintain their freshness.
Are the prep times inclusive of drying?
No, the fridge time and the overnight drying time are not included in the initial prep time calculation.
What is the calorie count for one bite?
Each Sweetheart Delight Bite contains approximately 34 calories.
How much fat is in each serving?
There is approximately 1.4g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of these treats?
Each serving provides about 0.6g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a single bite?
One bite contains approximately 4g of carbohydrates.
Why must I sift the icing sugar?
Sifting the icing sugar is essential to remove lumps and ensure a smooth, uniform dough texture.
What type of food coloring is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3-5 drops of red food coloring to achieve the pink dough color.
Can I use a different color for other occasions?
Absolutely, you can substitute the red food coloring for any other color to suit different themes or holidays.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling?
Roll the dough out on a clean surface that has been lightly dusted with icing sugar.
What is the purpose of using caster sugar?
Caster sugar adds sweetness and a fine texture that blends easily with the ground almonds.
Can I use low-fat condensed milk?
The recipe specifies full-fat sweetened condensed milk for the best flavor and a creamy consistency.
How do I remove the small heart shapes from the cutter?
Use a blunt stick to carefully push the smaller heart shapes out of the cutter without deforming them.
Should the drying tray be lined?
Yes, line your baking sheet with parchment paper before arranging the hearts to dry to prevent sticking.
How do I ensure the swapped hearts stay together?
Gently press and smooth the edges where the two colors meet to ensure a perfect, seamless fit.
Are these treats suitable for gifting?
Yes, their charming appearance and delicious taste make them an excellent handmade gift idea.
What is the texture of the finished candy?
The finished bites are firm on the outside but offer a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture inside.
Can I substitute ground almonds with almond flour?
Yes, almond flour can be used as it is essentially finely ground almonds.
How long should they dry before they are ready to eat?
They should be left to dry at room temperature for at least one full night.
Is there any sodium in this recipe?
Based on the nutritional data provided, the sodium content is negligible or not listed.