If you’re looking for the ultimate festive treat that’s equal parts nostalgic, eye-catching, and downright irresistible, you have to try these Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls. They’re the perfect combination of soft cake, creamy filling, and a crisp white chocolate shell—plus, the red and green drizzle makes them a total showstopper at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re planning a cookie swap, need a last-minute dessert for a party, or just want to whip up something special with the family, Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls are guaranteed to disappear fast!

Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a handful of ingredients can deliver such decadent results. Each component is essential, from the iconic Little Debbie cakes that bring holiday magic, to the creamy binder and luscious coating. Let’s see what you’ll need to bring these festive bites to life:

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (5-count box, vanilla or chocolate): The star of the show—these cakes provide all the nostalgic flavor and festive flair!
Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds a tangy richness and helps bind the mixture into perfectly poppable balls.
White chocolate or almond bark (10 ounces, for coating): Creates a smooth, sweet shell that holds everything together and adds a satisfying crunch.
Holiday sprinkles (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a burst of color and crunch—totally optional but highly recommended for that extra holiday cheer.
Red and green candy melts or colored drizzle (optional): For those who love to decorate, these make your Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls look even more festive and fun!

How to Make Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls

Step 1: Crumble the Cakes

Start by unwrapping all your Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes and crumbling them into a large mixing bowl. You can use your hands for a rustic texture or a fork if you want it extra fine. This is where all the flavor begins, and you can already smell that signature holiday aroma!

Step 2: Mix in the Cream Cheese

Add the softened cream cheese to the bowl. Using a spatula or your hands, mix everything together until it’s fully combined and forms a dough-like consistency. The cream cheese not only adds creaminess but also helps the mixture hold together beautifully.

Step 3: Shape Into Balls

Take about a tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet as you go. You should end up with about 20 to 24 cake balls, depending on how generous your scoops are—no judgment if you sneak a taste!

Step 4: Chill Until Firm

Pop the tray into the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. This step is key for getting the cake balls firm enough to dip without falling apart, and it makes the coating process a breeze.

Step 5: Coat with White Chocolate

While your cake balls are chilling, melt the white chocolate or almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth and silky. Using a fork, dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate to coat, tapping gently to remove excess, and place them back on the parchment paper.

Step 6: Decorate and Set

Before the coating sets, quickly add your holiday sprinkles for a pop of color and crunch. If you want to go all out, drizzle with melted red and green candy melts for that classic Christmas look. Allow the coating to set completely—just a few minutes at room temperature or a quick trip to the fridge will do the trick.

How to Serve Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls

Garnishes

Garnishing your Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls is half the fun! A scattering of festive sprinkles or a delicate drizzle of red and green candy melts instantly elevates these treats from simple to stunning. You can even dust them lightly with edible glitter for a magical, snowy effect.

Side Dishes

Pair these cake balls with a cozy mug of hot cocoa, a platter of holiday cookies, or a bowl of fresh berries for a colorful spread. They also shine alongside a cheeseboard for a sweet counterpoint to all those savory bites—trust me, your guests will be talking about your dessert table for weeks!

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is everything during the holidays! Arrange your Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls in mini cupcake liners, stack them on a tiered stand, or package them in festive tins for easy gifting. For parties, try skewering them on lollipop sticks for a fun cake pop twist that kids (and adults) will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect for prepping ahead of your holiday gatherings.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these! Place the finished cake balls in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge before serving for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

These cake balls are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If they’ve been in the freezer, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for a perfectly soft center and crisp shell.

FAQs

Can I use chocolate Little Debbie cakes instead of vanilla?

Absolutely! Both vanilla and chocolate Christmas Tree Cakes work beautifully. Choose your favorite, or mix both for a fun variety on your dessert tray.

Do I have to use cream cheese?

Cream cheese is what gives the cake balls their creamy, truffle-like texture. If you need a substitute, try using a thick vanilla frosting, but the flavor and consistency will be a bit different.

Can I make these in advance for a party?

Yes, Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls are a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Prepare them up to five days in advance and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to dip the cake balls without making a mess?

Using a fork or dipping tool helps you coat each ball evenly while letting excess chocolate drip off. Work quickly, especially if you’re adding sprinkles, so they stick before the chocolate sets.

Are Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls gluten free?

Unfortunately, since the Christmas Tree Cakes contain wheat, these cake balls are not gluten free. You could experiment with a gluten-free snack cake as a base if you need a gluten-free version.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls enough—whether you’re a longtime fan of the iconic snack cakes or just looking for an easy, festive dessert, they’re sure to bring smiles all season long. Gather your loved ones, pour some cocoa, and get ready to make a new holiday tradition!

Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes plus 20–30 minutes chilling time
Yield: 20–24 cake balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in festive Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls, a no-bake holiday treat combining classic Christmas Tree Cakes with creamy cream cheese and a smooth white chocolate coating, topped with optional sprinkles or candy melt drizzle for extra holiday cheer. Perfect for gifting or holiday parties, these easy-to-make bite-sized desserts bring the spirit of Christmas to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 box Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (5-count box, vanilla or chocolate)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened

Coating & Decoration

10 ounces white chocolate or almond bark (for coating)
2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles (optional)
Red and green candy melts or colored drizzle (optional)

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Instructions

Crumble Cakes and Mix: In a large mixing bowl, crumble all the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes using your hands or a fork. Add the softened cream cheese and mix thoroughly until fully combined, forming a dense, dough-like consistency.
Shape Cake Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, ensuring they are uniform in size for even coating and presentation. Place the cake balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
Chill Cake Balls: Freeze the cake balls for 20–30 minutes until firm to ensure they hold their shape during coating.
Melt Coating Chocolate: While the cake balls chill, melt the white chocolate or almond bark in the microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted.
Dip and Coat: Using a fork, dip each chilled cake ball into the melted chocolate, coating it evenly. Gently tap off any excess chocolate to avoid thick clumps.
Add Decorations: Place the coated cake balls back onto the parchment-lined tray. Immediately sprinkle with holiday sprinkles if desired. For extra festive flair, drizzle with melted red and green candy melts.
Set and Store: Allow the coating to set completely at room temperature or refrigerate briefly. Store the finished cake balls in the refrigerator until ready to serve to maintain the best texture.

Notes

Choose vanilla or chocolate Christmas Tree Cakes based on your preferred flavor.
These cake balls make excellent gifts or festive party treats.
They can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and stored refrigerated.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking during chilling and coating.
For a smoother drizzle, gently warm candy melts before use to avoid clumps.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American