Easy Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe for Fun Treats

Festive holiday treats sparkle with nostalgia when you whip up these delightful little Debbie Christmas tree cake balls that remind everyone of childhood memories.

Sweet crumbs of classic snack cakes blend into irresistible bite-sized delights.

Chocolate and sprinkles add extra magic to these simple yet charming desserts.

Soft cake centers coated in rich chocolate create a perfect winter celebration treat.

Winter gatherings call for something special and unexpected.

Each cake ball brings a burst of cheerful flavor that connects generations.

Serve these delectable bites and watch everyone smile with pure joy.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need for this recipe?

You’ll need Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, cream cheese, vanilla almond bark, red candy melts, and green sanding sugar.

• Can I make these cake balls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cake balls and chill them overnight before coating with almond bark. The completed cake balls can also be stored in the refrigerator for several days.

• Do I need special equipment to make these cake balls?

No special equipment is required. You’ll just need a mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, and a microwave-safe bowl for melting coatings.

• How many cake balls does this recipe typically make?

This recipe usually yields around 18-24 cake balls, depending on the size you roll them. The exact number can vary based on how large or small you make each ball.

Why Cake Balls Are So Fun to Make

• Transform beloved Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes into delightful truffles with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Reimagine a childhood favorite into an elegant, shareable dessert that brings back sweet memories while creating new ones.
• Personalize the cake balls with different sprinkles or decorative touches to match your holiday theme or personal style.

Ingredients for Little Debbie Cake Balls

• Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes: Classic holiday snack cake that forms the core of the recipe.
• Cream Cheese: Soft cheese that helps bind the cake balls and adds rich, creamy texture.

• Vanilla Almond Bark: Smooth white chocolate coating that creates a sweet outer shell for the cake balls.
• Red Candy Melts: Colorful chocolate coating used for decorative drizzle.

• Green Sanding Sugar, Butter or Oil: Provides sparkly decoration and helps prevent sticking during ball formation.

How to Form Tree Cake Balls Fast

Step 1: Crush Christmas Tree Cakes

Unwrap the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Break them down completely into crumbly pieces.

Mix in softened cream cheese, blending until the mixture becomes a smooth, cohesive dough that holds together perfectly.

Step 2: Shape Delightful Cake Balls

Grab small portions of the dough and roll them into smooth, uniform balls using your palms.

If the mixture feels sticky, lightly coat your hands with cooking spray or a touch of vegetable oil.

Arrange the cake balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Refrigerate for at least two hours to firm them up completely.

Step 3: Prepare Vanilla Coating

Select a microwave-safe bowl for melting vanilla almond bark.

Heat the coating in short 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval to ensure smooth, even melting.

Avoid overheating to prevent burning or seizing of the chocolate.

Step 4: Coat with Vanilla Goodness

Remove the chilled cake balls from the refrigerator.

• Submerge each ball completely in melted almond bark
• Gently tap off excess coating
• Place coated balls back on the parchment-lined sheet
• Sprinkle green sanding sugar while the coating remains wet

Step 5: Create Festive Drizzle

Melt red candy melts using the same microwave technique.

Transfer to a piping bag or resealable plastic bag.

Snip a tiny corner and create delicate, wavy lines across the coated cake balls to mimic the original Christmas Tree Cake design.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Place the decorated cake balls in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to set the coating completely.

Once firm and glossy, they’re ready to delight friends and family with a nostalgic holiday treat.

Helpful Hints for Tree Cake Balls

• Refrigerate the cake balls for at least 2 hours to help them firm up, making dipping easier and preventing crumbling during the coating process.
• Use a fork or dipping tool to gently submerge cake balls in melted almond bark, allowing excess to drip off for a clean, even coating.
• Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray when rolling balls to minimize sticking and create smoother, more uniform shapes.
• Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with a small corner snipped to create neat, thin lines of red candy melt for a professional-looking finish.
• Prepare the cake balls a day in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing you to have a stress-free dessert ready for holiday gatherings.

How to Keep Tree Cake Balls Fresh

• Store cake balls in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep chilled to maintain texture and prevent melting.
• Wrap individual cake balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Remove from fridge 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor. Consume within 2 hours of bringing to room temperature.
• Avoid microwaving as coating may crack. Gently warm in 5-second intervals if needed, but best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature.

Best Pairings for Tree Cake Balls

• Festive Flavor Companions: Elevate Your Christmas Tree Cake Balls
• Brew Bold Espresso Pairing: Rich, dark espresso cuts through the sweetness, creating a perfect balance with the creamy cake balls. The robust coffee notes complement the vanilla and sugary coating, offering a delightful contrast that intensifies the dessert's holiday charm.
• Spike with Peppermint Schnapps: Add a spirited holiday twist by serving these cake balls alongside chilled peppermint schnapps. The cool, minty liqueur echoes the festive theme and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, sweet treat.
• Garnish with Cinnamon Mulled Wine: Warm, spiced mulled wine brings a cozy Christmas embrace to these cake balls. The wine's deep, aromatic notes of cinnamon and clove dance beautifully with the sweet cake, creating a nostalgic winter wonderland experience.
• Complement with Toasted Nuts: Scatter some roasted almonds or pecans around the serving plate. These nutty, slightly salty bites offer a delightful textural contrast and enhance the overall flavor profile of the Christmas Tree Cake Balls.

Tree Cake Ball Flavors to Explore

• Gluten-Free Christmas Cheer Balls: Replace Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes with gluten-free vanilla cake and use gluten-free cream cheese for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Winter Wonderland Bites: Substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese alternative, use dairy-free white chocolate for coating, and replace traditional candy melts with plant-based chocolate for a cruelty-free treat.
• Low-Sugar Holiday Truffles: Swap regular cakes with sugar-free cake mix, use reduced-fat cream cheese, and opt for sugar-free white chocolate coating to create a diabetic-friendly dessert option.
• Nutty Festive Fusion: Incorporate finely chopped toasted almonds or pecans into the cake ball mixture for added texture and a rich, nutty flavor profile that complements the sweet coating.