If you’re anything like me, the sight of those iconic Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes instantly sparks childhood nostalgia. Their soft, sweet layers and festive decorations are pure holiday joy. But what if I told you we could take that beloved treat and transform it into an even more indulgent, party-ready dessert? Enter Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Balls: creamy, sweet, and irresistibly festive!

The first time I made these was for a holiday cookie exchange, and I have to confess—these weren’t exactly “cookies.” (Luckily, no one cared.) The moment I placed these little truffle-like bites on the dessert table, they vanished. Not only are they adorable, but they’re also insanely delicious, with their rich, creamy centers and candy-coated exteriors. Plus, they’re super easy to make—no baking involved, just a bit of mixing, rolling, and dipping. Let’s dive into this recipe that’s guaranteed to steal the show at your next holiday gathering!

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe

A sweet holiday tradition with a twist

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes have been a holiday staple since the late 1980s. Their bright, festive design and unmistakable flavor make them a seasonal favorite for kids and adults alike. But lately, these cakes have found new life as an ingredient in creative recipes like this one. By combining them with cream cheese and coating them in candy, you get a fun, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for gifting, snacking, or wowing your guests.

What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can mix up the decorations, experiment with different coatings, and even turn it into a fun holiday activity for kids. But before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk ingredients!

Let’s talk ingredients: festive and flavorful essentials

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes: These are the star of the show! Their moist, sweet layers and creamy filling provide the perfect base for these truffles. If you can’t find them, you could substitute other snack cakes, but the holiday magic might be lost just a bit.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds richness and helps bind the cake mixture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Vanilla almond bark: This forms the outer shell of the cake balls. It’s smooth, sweet, and easy to work with. White chocolate chips can work in a pinch, but almond bark is more forgiving when melting.
Red candy melts: These are for the decorative drizzle that mimics the iconic red stripes on the Christmas Tree Cakes. They’re easy to melt and pipe, but you could also use regular red icing if needed.
Green sanding sugar: A finishing touch of sparkle that ties everything together! If you’re out of green sprinkles, any festive decoration—silver stars, gold dust, or even crushed candy canes—would work beautifully.

Kitchen gear: what you’ll need to whip this up

Good news—this recipe doesn’t require any fancy equipment! Here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing bowl: For combining the cake and cream cheese mixture.
Parchment paper: Essential for lining your baking sheet so the cake balls don’t stick.
Microwave-safe bowls: For melting the almond bark and candy melts. A double boiler works too if you prefer.
Fork or dipping tool: Makes it easier to coat the cake balls evenly. If you don’t have a dipping tool, a fork works like a charm.
Piping bag (or zip-top bag): For drizzling the melted candy melts. Just snip off a tiny corner for a DIY piping tool.
Baking sheet: For chilling and setting the cake balls.

Step-by-step: making Christmas tree cake balls

Ready to bring some holiday magic to life? Here’s how it’s done:

Prep the base: Start by unwrapping those adorable Christmas Tree Cakes and tossing them into a large mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese and beat everything together until smooth and well-combined. You’ll end up with a thick, sticky dough that smells like Christmas in a bowl!
Roll into balls: Scoop out about 1-inch portions of the dough and roll them into balls using your hands. (Tip: Lightly greasing your hands with a touch of butter or oil can help prevent sticking.) Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours—or overnight if you’re prepping ahead.
Melt the almond bark: When the balls are chilled and firm, it’s time to coat them! Melt the vanilla almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between. Be patient—burnt candy coating isn’t fun to clean up.
Dip and decorate: Using a fork or dipping tool, gently dip each cake ball into the melted almond bark. Let the excess drip off, then place the coated ball back onto the lined baking sheet. While the coating is still wet, sprinkle a pinch of green sanding sugar on top.
Add the drizzle: Melt the red candy melts in the same way as the almond bark. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag, snip a tiny corner, and drizzle thin, wavy lines over the truffles to mimic the classic Christmas Tree Cake design.
Set and serve: Let the cake balls sit in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to fully set. Once firm, they’re ready to serve!

Variations to make it your own

Gluten-free: Substitute with a gluten-free snack cake. Just ensure the decorations and almond bark are also gluten-free.
Vegan-friendly: Swap out the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative, and use vegan white chocolate instead of almond bark.
Different coatings: Don’t limit yourself to white almond bark—milk or dark chocolate coatings would taste amazing, though they’d lose the Christmas Tree Cake look.
Flavor boosts: Mix a splash of peppermint or vanilla extract into the cake mixture for an extra festive flavor.
Seasonal themes: You can adapt this recipe for other holidays by swapping the Christmas decorations for seasonal ones (e.g., pastel colors for Easter).

Serving and presentation ideas

These cake balls are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the taste buds. For a festive display, arrange them on a tiered cake stand, sprinkle with a bit of powdered sugar “snow,” or nestle them in mini cupcake liners. Want to impress at a party? Serve alongside a hot chocolate bar with all the fixings—whipped cream, candy canes, and marshmallows galore!

Drink pairings to elevate your dessert

Speaking of hot chocolate, that’s my favorite pairing for these cake balls. A rich, creamy mug of cocoa complements the sweet truffles perfectly. If you’re hosting adults, a glass of sparkling wine or even a holiday-themed cocktail (like cranberry mimosas) works beautifully. For kids, milk with a splash of vanilla extract feels extra special!

Storage and reheating tips

Store your cake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’re planning to keep them longer, pop them in the freezer—just thaw in the fridge before serving. (Pro tip: Freeze them before dipping if you’re making a big batch. It keeps the balls firm and makes dipping much easier.)

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe yields about 20-24 cake balls, depending on their size. If you’re feeding a crowd, it’s easy to double or even triple the ingredients. Just be sure to work in smaller batches when dipping and decorating to prevent the almond bark from hardening too quickly.

Friendly fixes for common issues

Sticky dough: If your dough is too sticky to roll, chill it for 30 minutes before shaping.
Messy coating: If the almond bark is too thick, stir in a small amount of coconut oil to thin it out.
Cracks in the coating: This happens if the balls are too cold. Let them sit for a few minutes before dipping.

Wrap it up and enjoy!

Whether you’re sharing these Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Balls with friends, gifting them to neighbors, or keeping a stash for yourself (no judgment!), they’re sure to bring some holiday cheer. They’re simple, festive, and so delicious that you might just make them a new tradition in your kitchen. Give them a try, and don’t be afraid to put your own spin on them. Happy holidays and happy snacking!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of snack cake?
Yes! While Christmas Tree Cakes are ideal for their festive flair, other snack cakes like Zebra Cakes or Swiss Rolls can work too.

2. Can I freeze these?
Absolutely! Just store them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.

3. What if I don’t have almond bark?
White chocolate chips work too, though you may need to add a bit of coconut oil to achieve a smooth, dippable consistency.

4. How long do these take to make?
Plan for about 2 hours of chilling time, but the actual hands-on prep takes just 30-40 minutes.

5. Can I add flavors like peppermint or almond?
Of course! A few drops of extract mixed into the dough or melted coating can add a fun twist.