Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe

When it comes to holiday desserts, there’s something magical about turning a nostalgic favorite into something new. Enter Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Balls! These festive bites are like little pops of Christmas joy—rich, creamy, and coated in a candy shell with just the right amount of crunch. Perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or just indulging on the couch with a mug of hot cocoa. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be on your must-make list every December!

I first made these during a last-minute baking experiment a few years ago. I had guests coming over, and a couple of boxes of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes were staring at me from the pantry. I thought, why not? The result? A decadent, no-bake dessert that vanished off the plate faster than I could set it down. Watching everyone’s eyes light up with that first bite was all the confirmation I needed that this little experiment was a big win.

So, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s make these easy, festive treats together!

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe

The origin story of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the star of this recipe: Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. These iconic holiday treats debuted in the 1980s and have been a seasonal staple ever since. With their soft vanilla cake, creamy filling, and signature white icing topped with sprinkles, they practically scream Christmas cheer. Over the years, they’ve gained a cult following, inspiring everything from themed parties to creative recipes like this one. Turning them into cake balls is just the next evolution of their delicious legacy.

Let’s talk ingredients: holiday magic in every bite

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes

These are the foundation of the recipe. The soft cake and creamy filling provide the perfect texture for the truffle base. If you can’t find these (though they’re usually everywhere during the holidays), you can substitute any vanilla snack cake or even homemade sheet cake. Just add a bit more cream cheese for the right consistency.

Cream cheese

This is the glue that binds the cake crumbs into a luscious dough. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. Low-fat works, but full-fat gives the best flavor and creaminess.

White almond bark

This acts as the candy coating, giving the truffles a smooth, slightly crunchy exterior. You can swap it for white chocolate chips, but almond bark melts more evenly and is easier to work with. If you want to get fancy, you could even use a mix of white and dark chocolate!

Red candy melts

For that festive drizzle! They add a pop of color and a professional-looking finish. If you don’t have candy melts, regular red-dyed white chocolate or even colored icing works just fine.

Green sprinkles

Because no Christmas treat is complete without a little sparkle! Feel free to go wild with other shapes or colors if you’re feeling creative.

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you can skip)

Making these cake balls doesn’t require fancy equipment, but a few key tools make the process smoother:

  • Rimmed baking sheet: A must for keeping your truffles in place while chilling and decorating.
  • Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Mixing bowl: Go for a larger one—you’ll need room to really combine the cream cheese and cakes.
  • Fork or dipping tool: This is essential for neatly coating the truffles in melted almond bark. Don’t have a dipping tool? A toothpick or spoon works too.
  • Piping bag (or a zip-top bag): Perfect for drizzling the red candy melts. Just snip off a small corner for a makeshift piping bag.

Step-by-step: how to make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Balls

1. Prep your workspace

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This will be your truffle assembly line, so make sure it’s ready to go.

2. Combine the cakes and cream cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes until fully combined. You want the texture to resemble cookie dough—soft, sticky, and easy to shape. Pro tip: Crumble the cakes with your hands before adding them to the bowl to make mixing easier.

3. Roll into balls

Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time (a small cookie scoop works great here) and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on your lined baking sheet. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling is key—it helps the truffles hold their shape when dipped.

4. Melt the almond bark

When you’re ready to dip, melt the white almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each round until smooth. Be patient—overheating can make it seize up.

5. Dip the truffles

Using a fork or dipping tool, lower each chilled ball into the melted almond bark, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently tap the fork on the side of the bowl to remove excess coating. Place the dipped truffle back on the baking sheet.

6. Add sprinkles

Before the almond bark sets, sprinkle each truffle with a pinch of green sprinkles. (This step is where the magic happens—feel free to get creative with your decorations!)

7. Drizzle with red candy melts

Melt the red candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, then transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag. Snip off a tiny corner and drizzle over the truffles for that festive finishing touch.

8. Chill and set

Pop the tray back in the fridge for about 10 minutes to let the coating and drizzle set fully. Then, they’re ready to serve or store!

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe

Variations and adaptations to try

  • Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free vanilla snack cake and check that your almond bark and sprinkles are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan option: Swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use vegan snack cakes.
  • Seasonal flair: Swap the Christmas tree cakes for other seasonal Little Debbie treats, like Easter Egg Cakes in the spring or Pumpkin Delights in the fall.
  • Chocolate twist: Use chocolate almond bark and chocolate sprinkles for a richer flavor.
  • Peppermint magic: Crush some candy canes and sprinkle them on top for a minty spin.

Serving and presentation ideas

To really wow your guests, arrange the cake balls on a festive platter lined with greenery or a dusting of powdered sugar to mimic snow. For gifting, package them in clear treat bags tied with a holiday ribbon. Pair them with cookies and other treats for a show-stopping dessert table!

Drinks that pair perfectly

These cake balls are sweet and rich, so balance them with drinks like:

  • A classic hot cocoa (top it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair).
  • A glass of chilled milk—simple, but always a winner with cake-based treats.
  • For the adults, mulled wine or a creamy eggnog is a perfect complement to the festive vibes.

Storing and reheating tips

Store your Christmas Tree Cake Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you’re making them ahead, they freeze beautifully! Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper. To serve, thaw in the fridge for a few hours.

Scaling the recipe

Need more (or fewer) cake balls? This recipe is easy to scale! For a larger batch, simply double or triple the ingredients. Just keep in mind you’ll need extra fridge space for chilling multiple trays. If scaling down, you may have leftover almond bark or candy melts—but hey, extra drizzle is never a bad thing!

Friendly advice for common hiccups

  • Truffles won’t hold their shape? Chill the mixture longer or add a touch more cream cheese.
  • Almond bark seizing up? Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil and reheat gently.
  • Drizzle looking messy? Practice on parchment first to perfect your technique.

Go ahead, make some magic!

Whether you’re a die-hard Little Debbie fan or just looking for a quick and fun holiday treat, these Christmas Tree Cake Balls are sure to impress. Customize them to fit your style, share them with loved ones, or hoard them for yourself (no judgment!). Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out—I love hearing your kitchen stories!

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use a different type of snack cake?

Absolutely! Any soft, pre-filled snack cake will work. Just adjust the cream cheese if needed.

2. Do I need to refrigerate these?

Yes, due to the cream cheese, these are best kept chilled until ready to serve.

3. What’s the best way to melt almond bark?

Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each. If it thickens, add a touch of oil.

4. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! They’re even better after chilling overnight, and they freeze well for longer storage.

5. Can kids help with this recipe?

Definitely! Rolling the balls and adding sprinkles are perfect tasks for little helpers. Just keep an eye on the melted candy coating.

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Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe

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 Turn festive Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes into creamy, no-bake truffles. Perfect for holiday parties or gifting!

  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
  • Yield: 24 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes 2 boxes
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 16 ounces vanilla almond bark
  • 1 cup red candy melts
  • green sugar sprinkles

Instructions

1. Prep your workspace

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This will be your truffle assembly line, so make sure it’s ready to go.

2. Combine the cakes and cream cheese

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes until fully combined. You want the texture to resemble cookie dough—soft, sticky, and easy to shape. Pro tip: Crumble the cakes with your hands before adding them to the bowl to make mixing easier.

3. Roll into balls

Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time (a small cookie scoop works great here) and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on your lined baking sheet. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling is key—it helps the truffles hold their shape when dipped.

4. Melt the almond bark

When you’re ready to dip, melt the white almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each round until smooth. Be patient—overheating can make it seize up.

5. Dip the truffles

Using a fork or dipping tool, lower each chilled ball into the melted almond bark, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently tap the fork on the side of the bowl to remove excess coating. Place the dipped truffle back on the baking sheet.

6. Add sprinkles

Before the almond bark sets, sprinkle each truffle with a pinch of green sprinkles. (This step is where the magic happens—feel free to get creative with your decorations!)

7. Drizzle with red candy melts

Melt the red candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, then transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag. Snip off a tiny corner and drizzle over the truffles for that festive finishing touch.

8. Chill and set

Pop the tray back in the fridge for about 10 minutes to let the coating and drizzle set fully. Then, they’re ready to serve or store!

Notes

Serving and presentation ideas

To really wow your guests, arrange the cake balls on a festive platter lined with greenery or a dusting of powdered sugar to mimic snow. For gifting, package them in clear treat bags tied with a holiday ribbon. Pair them with cookies and other treats for a show-stopping dessert table!

  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert

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