This Valentine's, surprise your loved ones with what they adore most - love and delectable pillow bites. Crafted with just four simple ingredients, these treats are not only a breeze to prepare but also a delight to savor. Perfect for those seeking to express their affection through homemade confectionery, this recipe combines the richness of chocolate with the smoothness of caramel, all held together by a velvety pillow base.
Why You'll Love This:
- Simplicity: With just four ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.
- Decadence: The combination of rich chocolate and creamy caramel offers a luxurious taste experience.
- Versatility: Ideal for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or any special occasion that calls for a sweet gesture.
Perfect Occasion: These pillow bites are perfect for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or any moment when you want to make a heartfelt gesture of love and appreciation. They're also great for gifting, ensuring that your loved ones feel cherished with a homemade treat.
Decoration Tips:
- Personal Touch: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel layer for a sophisticated finish.
- Customization: Decorate with edible gold leaf or colorful sprinkles to match the occasion.
- Presentation: Serve these bites in a charming box or on a decorative plate to enhance the gifting experience.
For the Base:
- 12.3 ounces of crushed pillow cookies
- 7 ounces of milk chocolate
- 4.2 ounces of melted butter
For the Soft Caramel:
- 7 ounces of sugar
- 3.5 ounces of heavy cream (38% fat content)
- 5.3 ounces of butter
- A pinch of salt
For the Coating:
- 10.5 ounces of milk chocolate
- 0.7 ounces of oil
Preparation Steps:
- Base Preparation: In a food processor, pulse the pillow cookies until you get small crumbs (not powdered). Melt the milk chocolate and butter together in short bursts in the microwave, then combine with the crushed cookies until well mixed and uniform. Press firmly into a 8.6-inch square pan and freeze for 40 minutes.
- Caramel Creation: Heat the heavy cream until just about to boil and set aside. In a wide pan on high heat, add sugar. Once the sugar starts caramelizing in the center, reduce to medium heat and gently shake the pan until it turns amber. Add the warm cream and whisk well. Turn off the heat, mix in the butter until smooth, then lightly heat while stirring for a minute. Cool slightly and transfer to a piping bag.
- Assemble: Cut the chilled base into equal rectangles, drizzle a generous amount of caramel on each, and top with a row of pillow cookies. Freeze for 30 minutes to set.
- Coating: Melt the milk chocolate and oil together, dip each bite into the chocolate mixture, shaking off excess, and place on a baking paper-lined tray. Continue with the remaining bites.
Store the treats in the refrigerator. Enjoy these delectable pillow bites with your loved ones and savor the taste of homemade affection!