Valentine Gnome Strawberry Cheesecake

Whip the softened cream cheese in a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer fitted with a paddle attachment for 3-5 minutes until smooth. Turn the mixer off and add the cold heavy cream, strained strawberry puree, powdered sugar, and pink food coloring (if using). Whip on low speed initially, then slowly increase to the highest speed until the mixture is thick and smooth (2-3 minutes).

Wipe the silicone mold with a paper towel saturated with vinegar or alcohol; this helps maintain the shiny finish of chocolate or candy melts. To create the Gnome cavities, melt white chocolate and separate it into two bowls, coloring one with pink oil-based food coloring gel. Coat the silicone mold using a brush, spoon, or cakesicle stick. Freeze the coated mold for 5-10 minutes before adding the filling.

For the filling, add 2 tablespoons of the cheesecake cream mixture and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed graham crackers into each cavity. Follow with a thin layer of pink chocolate, then freeze for 10-15 minutes. Once set, release the sides of the mold first before gently pushing out the gnome from the bottom. Lightly warm the surface of the gnomes with a small torch or use a bit of melted chocolate to adhere marshmallow hearts (cut in half), arms, and legs.