Why You’ll Love Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe

This recipe uses just a handful of simple ingredients to turn a nostalgic snack into an impressive dessert. There’s no baking required, and the fun decorations make these bite‑sized cake balls ideal for holiday celebrations, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

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

Little Debbie vanilla Christmas Tree snack cakes
Cream cheese, softened
White chocolate melting wafers
Red vanilla flavored melting candy wafers
Green sanding sugar sprinkles

Full Ingredients List:
10 Little Debbie vanilla Christmas Tree snack cakes, unwrapped (from 2 – 8.62 oz boxes)
8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
20 ounces white chocolate melting wafers
6 ounces red vanilla flavored melting candy wafers
1 tablespoon green sanding sugar sprinkles

Directions

Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats and set aside.
In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese and beat with a handheld mixer until fluffy and smooth.
Break the Little Debbie snack cakes into smaller pieces and mix them into the cream cheese until mostly smooth.
Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon measure, scoop portions of the mixture and roll into balls with your hands. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Freeze the cake balls for 30–45 minutes until solid.
Melt the white chocolate wafers according to package directions.
In a separate bowl, melt the red candy wafers and transfer them to a piping bag with the tip cut off.
Dip each frozen cake ball into the melted white chocolate, lifting with a fork and tapping off excess.
Pipe a decorative red zig‑zag pattern on each coated cake ball and sprinkle green sanding sugar on top.
Let set for 15–20 minutes until the coating is firm before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 35 cake balls
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill/Freeze Time: 30–45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Variations

Swap in other Little Debbie snack cakes like Birthday Cakes or Zebra Cakes if Christmas Tree cakes aren’t available.
Replace white melting wafers with vanilla almond bark and add gel food coloring for custom colors.
Make cake pops by inserting sticks before dipping.
Use colored sprinkles or edible glitter instead of sanding sugar for non‑holiday themes.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
To freeze: Store in an airtight container or freezer bag, with layers separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months.
To serve: No reheating required; serve chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

What type of Little Debbie cakes work best for these cake balls?

Any Little Debbie snack cake can be used, although the Christmas Tree Cakes give the most festive look.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake balls ahead of time and freeze them until needed.

Do I have to use cream cheese?

Cream cheese helps bind the crumbled cakes and adds a creamy texture, but you can use flavored cream cheese for variation.

Can I use chocolate instead of white melting wafers?

Yes, white chocolate can be substituted; just be sure it’s melted smoothly for coating.

How do I prevent the sprinkles from falling off?

Add sprinkles immediately after dipping, before the chocolate coating sets.

Can I make these without a freezer?

Yes, you can refrigerate the balls for a longer time if you don’t have access to a freezer.

What’s the best way to melt the candy wafers?

Use a microwave in short intervals or a double boiler, stirring until smooth.

Are these suitable for gift giving?

Absolutely. Package them in festive tins or treat boxes for a delightful homemade gift.

Can I halve this recipe?

Yes, the recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on how many you want to make.

How should leftovers be served?

Leftovers are best served chilled or at room temperature and should be enjoyed within a week if refrigerated.

Conclusion

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Balls are an easy and festive treat that bring holiday cheer with minimal effort. With simple ingredients and delightful decorations, they’re perfect for parties, celebrations, or gifting — and they taste just as good as they look.