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Little Debbie Cake Balls

Published: Dec 15, 2025 by Cheryl · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Bite-sized and bursting with nostalgic flavor, these Little Debbie Cake Balls are a no-bake treat made with the beloved Christmas Tree Cakes, softened cream cheese, and a creamy white chocolate coating. I find them perfect for holiday parties, gift boxes, or a quick sweet fix straight from the fridge. With minimal effort and maximum reward, these festive treats come together in less than an hour.

Little Debbie Cake Balls

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 box Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (5-pack, any flavor)

4 oz cream cheese, softened

12 oz white chocolate or almond bark, melted

Optional: sprinkles or crushed candy canes for decoration

Directions

I start by breaking the Christmas Tree Cakes into pieces in a large mixing bowl.

I add the softened cream cheese and mix everything until it becomes a thick, dough-like mixture. I like using a hand mixer, but hands work just as well.

I roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Then, I freeze the balls for 30 minutes so they’re easier to dip.

While they chill, I melt the white chocolate or almond bark following the package instructions.

Once the balls are firm, I dip each one into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s fully coated.

Before the chocolate sets, I top them with festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes for extra flair.

I let the cake balls rest until the chocolate is completely hardened, then I refrigerate them in an airtight container.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 20 cake balls

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories per serving: 160 kcal

Variations

I like switching up the flavor by using different varieties of Little Debbie cakes like Birthday Cakes or Zebra Cakes.

For a richer taste, I sometimes dip them in milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate.

I’ve also tried mixing in a splash of peppermint extract to the cream cheese during the holidays for a minty twist.

Swapping sprinkles for edible glitter or mini chocolate chips adds a playful look for themed parties.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cake balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They taste great chilled, but if I want a softer bite, I leave them at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before eating. I don’t recommend freezing them after they’re coated, as the white chocolate can crack when thawed.

FAQs

How far in advance can I make Little Debbie Cake Balls?

I usually make them up to 3 days ahead of time. They hold up well in the fridge and actually taste better after a day as the flavors meld.

Can I use a different brand of snack cakes?

Yes, I’ve used similar snack cakes from other brands with great results. Any cake with a creamy filling will work.

Do I have to freeze the cake balls before dipping?

Freezing helps them firm up so they don’t fall apart in the melted chocolate. I always chill them for at least 30 minutes.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

I’ve used low-fat cream cheese before, and while the texture is slightly softer, it still works fine for this recipe.

What if I don’t have a hand mixer?

I just use clean hands to mix the cake and cream cheese—it’s a bit messier, but very effective.

Conclusion

These Little Debbie Cake Balls are a playful, easy, and nostalgic treat that I keep coming back to, especially during the holidays. Whether I’m making them for a party, a cookie swap, or just because, they always deliver on flavor and fun with very little effort. With endless ways to customize and decorate, I know I’ll be making these year after year.


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Little Debbie Cake Balls

Little Debbie Cake Balls


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  • Author: Cheryl
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 20 cake balls
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Bite-sized, no-bake treats made with Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, cream cheese, and a white chocolate coating. Perfect for holiday parties or quick sweet cravings.


Ingredients

1 box Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (5-pack, any flavor)

4 oz cream cheese, softened

12 oz white chocolate or almond bark, melted

Optional: sprinkles or crushed candy canes for decoration


Instructions

  1. Break the Christmas Tree Cakes into pieces in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add the softened cream cheese and mix until a thick, dough-like consistency forms. Use a hand mixer or clean hands.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Freeze the balls for 30 minutes to firm them up for dipping.
  5. Melt the white chocolate or almond bark according to package instructions.
  6. Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate until fully coated.
  7. Top with festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes before the chocolate sets.
  8. Allow the cake balls to rest until the coating hardens completely.
  9. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

Can be made up to 3 days in advance for convenience.

Use any flavor of Little Debbie cakes like Birthday or Zebra Cakes.

For a richer taste, use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate.

A splash of peppermint extract can add a festive minty twist.

Decorate with mini chocolate chips or edible glitter for themed parties.

Best stored in the fridge; bring to room temp for a softer bite.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cake ball
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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Hey there! I’m Cheryl and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that food has a way of bringing people together.

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