The holidays are my absolute favorite time of year for two big reasons: the endless excuses to indulge in sweet treats and the nostalgia that comes with them. Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes are a holiday staple in my house (and, let’s be honest, an indulgence I look forward to every year). But this recipe takes them to the next level. These Christmas Tree Cake Balls are creamy, festive, and ridiculously easy to make, even if you’re not the most confident in the kitchen. Plus, they’re no-bake—hello, stress-free holiday prep!

One year, I made these for a holiday potluck, and they were the first dessert to disappear. Someone even asked if I’d bought them from a bakery! There’s just something magical about combining those soft, nostalgic cakes with cream cheese and coating them in a sweet candy shell. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch because they vanish fast.

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe

A nostalgic twist with a bit of creativity

If you’ve never tried Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, let me paint you a picture. These are fluffy vanilla cakes layered with cream filling, covered in a smooth white icing, and finished with festive green sprinkles and red icing stripes. They’ve been around since the 1980s and have become a cherished holiday snack for so many families. By transforming them into cake balls, you get all the deliciousness of the classic cakes in bite-sized, party-ready form. Plus, the red and green decorations make them the perfect addition to any dessert tray!

Let’s talk ingredients: simplicity meets holiday cheer

This recipe has only a handful of ingredients, making it as simple as it is delightful. Here’s what you’ll need:

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes: These are the heart and soul of the recipe. Their moist, sweet vanilla flavor is perfect for creating a rich truffle-like texture when combined with cream cheese. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with vanilla snack cakes or Swiss rolls, but the festive vibes might take a small hit.
Cream cheese (softened): This is what binds the cake balls together while adding that creamy richness. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing. Pro tip: Neufchâtel cheese is a slightly lighter option if you’re looking to cut some calories.
White almond bark: This creates the smooth, glossy coating for the truffles. You could also use white chocolate chips, but almond bark melts more evenly and sets up beautifully.
Red candy melts: For those signature Christmas stripes! If you don’t have candy melts, white chocolate dyed with a bit of gel food coloring works too.
Green sprinkles: Because what’s a Christmas treat without a pop of festive color?

Kitchen gear you’ll need (and a few swaps)

This recipe doesn’t demand any fancy tools, but having the right gear will make the process a breeze:

Rimmed baking sheet and parchment paper: Essential for chilling the cake balls and keeping the coating process tidy. If you’re out of parchment paper, wax paper works as well.
Electric mixer: Makes blending the cakes and cream cheese super easy. If you don’t have one, a wooden spoon and some elbow grease will get the job done!
Fork or dipping tool: These are great for dipping the truffles into the melted almond bark without making a mess. I’ve even used a skewer in a pinch.
Microwave-safe bowls: For melting the almond bark and candy melts. A double boiler works too if you prefer.

Step-by-step: How to make these festive treats

Ready to whip up some holiday magic? Let’s get started!

Prep your workspace: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This will keep your truffles from sticking and make cleanup so much easier.
Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese and Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. (Pro tip: Crumble the cakes with your hands first—it’s oddly satisfying!) Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and dough-like. At this stage, it smells heavenly, and you might be tempted to sneak a bite. No judgment!
Roll the balls: Scoop out the dough (about 1 tablespoon per ball) and roll it between your palms to form smooth, even balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round—imperfections add character!
Chill time: Cover the balls with plastic wrap and pop them into the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you’ve planned ahead. Chilling helps them firm up, making them easier to coat.
Melt the almond bark: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white almond bark in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until it’s completely smooth. Be patient here—overheating can cause the bark to seize.
Dip and coat: Use a fork or dipping tool to submerge each chilled ball into the melted almond bark. Gently tap the fork on the side of the bowl to remove any excess coating, then place the ball back on the parchment paper.
Add the sprinkles: While the coating is still wet, sprinkle a pinch of green sprinkles on top. They’ll stick beautifully to the glossy surface.
Drizzle with red chocolate: Melt the red candy melts in the microwave (same method as the almond bark), then transfer the melted candy to a piping bag or small plastic baggie. Snip off a tiny corner and drizzle red chocolate over the truffles for that classic Christmas Tree Cake look.
Let them set: Allow the truffles to cool and harden completely. Pop them in the fridge for about 10 minutes if you’re impatient like me.

Variations you’ll love

Gluten-free: Swap the Christmas Tree Cakes for a gluten-free vanilla snack cake. You’ll still get the festive vibes without the gluten!
Vegan option: Use vegan cream cheese and substitute the cakes with a plant-based alternative (many grocery stores carry them now).
Chocolate lover’s twist: Dip the balls in melted milk or dark chocolate instead of white almond bark. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint for a holiday-chocolate combo.
Peppermint flair: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing twist.
Mini Christmas Trees: Shape the cake balls into tiny tree shapes before chilling, then decorate with a mix of sprinkles and colorful drizzles.

How to serve and impress

These cake balls look stunning on a holiday dessert platter! Arrange them on a festive tray lined with greenery or parchment paper. For extra sparkle, sprinkle some edible glitter over the truffles just before serving. Pair them with other bite-sized treats like cookies, fudge, or mini pies to create a dazzling dessert buffet.

Perfect drink pairings

Since these truffles are sweet and rich, they pair wonderfully with:

Coffee: A warm cup of black coffee or a seasonal latte balances the sweetness beautifully.
Hot cocoa: Because chocolate on chocolate is never a bad idea during the holidays.
Spiced wine: Mulled wine’s warm, fruity notes complement the creamy vanilla flavor perfectly.
Milk: A classic, because who doesn’t love milk with cake?

Storing and reheating tips

Store these cake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. (Good luck keeping them around that long—they’re addictive!) For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Scaling up or down

This recipe makes about 24 truffles, but it’s super easy to scale. If you’re making them for a large crowd, double the recipe and use multiple baking sheets. For a smaller batch, just halve the ingredients. One note: the smaller the batch, the more tempting it is to eat all the dough before finishing. Trust me on that!

Friendly advice for common issues

Coating too thick? Thin your almond bark with a teaspoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil for a smoother consistency.
Truffles falling apart during dipping? They may not have chilled long enough. Pop them back in the fridge or freezer for a quick fix.
Candy melts seizing up? Stir in a bit of shortening to save the day.

Ready to bake up some holiday cheer?

I can’t wait for you to try these Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Balls! Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting them to friends, or just indulging at home, they’re guaranteed to bring some festive joy to your holiday season. Don’t forget to get creative with decorations—your personal touch is what makes them special.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other flavors of Little Debbie cakes?
Absolutely! Zebra Cakes or even the chocolate Christmas Tree Cakes work wonderfully.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I skip the candy melts?
You can drizzle extra almond bark instead, or use melted white chocolate tinted with food coloring.

4. Can kids help make these?
Definitely! Kids love rolling the dough into balls and adding sprinkles—it’s a fun holiday activity.

5. Can I use leftover frosting instead of cream cheese?
You could, but cream cheese gives the truffles a creamy, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.