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.
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.
📖 Recipe:
Little Debbie Cake Balls
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 cake balls
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- Break the Christmas Tree Cakes into pieces in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the softened cream cheese and mix until a thick, dough-like consistency forms. Use a hand mixer or clean hands.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze the balls for 30 minutes to firm them up for dipping.
- Melt the white chocolate or almond bark according to package instructions.
- Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate until fully coated.
- Top with festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes before the chocolate sets.
- Allow the cake balls to rest until the coating hardens completely.
- 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
