If you are looking to add a burst of festive cheer to your holiday dessert table, the Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls Recipe offers an irresistible combination of soft, creamy, and crunchy textures wrapped in joyful colors. These bite-sized treats bring back the nostalgic flavors of the beloved Christmas Tree Cakes, transformed into delightful cake balls that are as fun to make as they are delicious to eat. Whether you need a quick dessert for a last-minute gathering or a charming homemade gift, this recipe will quickly become your holiday go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together to create a delightful treat that balances sweetness, richness, and a festive look. Each item plays a vital role in flavor, texture, and presentation, making the process both straightforward and rewarding.
- Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes: The star of the recipe, these provide the perfect holiday cake base with their iconic raspberry filling and moist yellow cake.
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds creamy richness and helps bind the crumbled cake into a dough-like consistency for rolling.
- White chocolate chips or almond bark: Used to coat the cake balls, creating a smooth, sweet exterior that complements the fruity filling.
- Coconut oil (optional): Helps melt the chocolate coating to a silky texture, making dipping easier and giving a beautiful finish.
- Red and green sprinkles: Festive decorations that add a cheerful holiday touch and a little crunch.
How to Make Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls Recipe
Step 1: Crumble and Mix the Cake
Begin by taking your box of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes and crumble them finely with a fork or your hands into a large bowl. The goal is to create small crumbs without large chunks, which will ensure a smooth cake ball texture. Once you have your perfectly crumbled cake, add the softened cream cheese. Mix them together thoroughly until the mixture turns into a cohesive, dough-like consistency that is easy to shape.
Step 2: Chill the Mixture
Pop the cake and cream cheese mixture into the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. Chilling firms it up just enough to make rolling easier and helps maintain the shape during the next steps, ensuring your cake balls hold together beautifully.
Step 3: Roll into Balls and Freeze
Once chilled, scoop out portions and roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch balls. Place these on a parchment-lined tray, spacing them to prevent sticking. Then, freeze the balls for 15 to 20 minutes. This quick freeze solidifies the outside, making dipping smoother and less messy.
Step 4: Melt the White Chocolate Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips or almond bark with the optional coconut oil, which helps the coating achieve a smoother consistency. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring well in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and silky smooth. This careful melting process prevents burning and ensures that your cake balls get a beautiful, even coating.
Step 5: Dip and Decorate
Using a fork or toothpick, dip each chilled cake ball fully into the melted chocolate, gently tapping off any excess before setting them back on the parchment paper. While the coating is still soft, generously sprinkle with festive red and green sprinkles to instantly brighten them up with holiday spirit.
Step 6: Set the Coating and Store
Let the coated cake balls sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens, or speed up the process by refrigerating them for 10 to 15 minutes. Once set, keep them stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and flavor.
How to Serve Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Add an extra touch of whimsy by dusting the cake balls lightly with powdered sugar or edible glitter to make them sparkle. Fresh mint sprigs or small candy canes alongside create a charming presentation perfect for any holiday party.
Side Dishes
Pairing these cake balls with a cup of hot cocoa or a robust coffee complements their sweetness beautifully. For a more indulgent spread, serve them alongside creamy eggnog or spiced mulled wine to elevate the festive experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls Recipe on a decorative tiered platter framed with pine branches and fairy lights for instant eye candy. Alternatively, package them in colorful holiday tins or clear gift bags tied with ribbon for delightful, homemade gifts that friends and family will cherish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover cake balls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and maintain their texture. They stay delicious for up to five days and remain a convenient grab-and-go treat throughout the holidays.
Freezing
To enjoy these festive bites beyond the holiday season, freeze them on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Properly stored, the cake balls can last for up to a month without losing quality, perfect for planning ahead or spontaneous celebrations.
Reheating
The Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls don’t require reheating, as they are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer a softer texture, let them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow the coating to soften slightly without losing the festive crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other flavors of Little Debbie cakes?
Absolutely! While the Christmas Tree Cakes provide the perfect holiday flavor, you can experiment with chocolate or other seasonal Little Debbie cakes for unique twists on this recipe.
Is cream cheese necessary in this recipe?
Yes, the cream cheese acts as a binder that transforms the crumbled cake into a rollable mixture and adds a smooth, tangy richness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Can I substitute the white chocolate coating?
You can swap the white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate chips if you prefer a different taste or color. Just be sure to melt them carefully to maintain the smooth dip.
How long do the cake balls last?
When stored in an airtight container refrigerated, they stay fresh and tasty for up to five days, making them great for party prep or gifting.
Are these cake balls gluten-free?
The traditional Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes contain gluten, so this recipe is not gluten-free unless you find a gluten-free cake alternative to substitute.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls Recipe for your holiday celebrations. They’re fun, festive, and whip up fast enough to impress without any fuss. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or indulging in a sweet holiday moment by yourself, these cake balls bring a jolt of warmth and joy in every bite. Give this recipe a try this season and watch it become a cherished tradition!
Print
Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 cake balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these festive Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls, a no-bake holiday treat featuring crumbled Christmas Tree Cakes blended with cream cheese and coated in white chocolate. Easy to make and perfect for gifting or party platters, they combine sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures with a splash of colorful sprinkles for holiday cheer.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 box Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (5 cakes)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
Coating
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or almond bark
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)
Decoration
- Red and green sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the cake mixture: In a large bowl, crumble the Christmas Tree Cakes finely using a fork or your hands. Add the softened cream cheese and mix thoroughly until the mixture reaches a dough-like consistency.
- Chill the mixture: Place the cake and cream cheese mixture in the fridge and chill for 20 to 30 minutes. This firms up the dough slightly, making it easier to shape.
- Shape the balls: Once chilled, roll the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls and arrange them on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze these balls for 15 to 20 minutes until they are firm.
- Melt the coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips or almond bark with coconut oil, if using. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Dip the cake balls: Using a fork or toothpick, dip each frozen cake ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place coated balls back onto the parchment paper.
- Decorate: Immediately sprinkle the dipped balls with red and green festive sprinkles before the coating sets.
- Set the coating: Let the coating harden at room temperature or refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes for quicker setting.
- Store: Keep the cake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- You can substitute chocolate-flavored Christmas Tree Cakes or use chocolate coating instead of white chocolate for different flavor variations.
- These cake balls make excellent holiday gifts and party treats.
- The recipe can be prepared ahead of time and stored refrigerated, making it convenient for holiday entertaining.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
