If there’s one treat that instantly brings a festive twinkle to the dessert table, it’s Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls. These bite-sized balls of holiday magic combine the nostalgic sweetness of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes with creamy richness and a delicate white chocolate shell. Easy to make, dazzlingly pretty, and completely addictive, they’re the ultimate Christmas treat to wow every guest—and guaranteed to spark joy at any holiday gathering.

Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls is refreshingly short, but don’t underestimate these essentials! Each one plays a starring role in creating the creamy texture, holiday flavor, and festive look that defines the cake balls everyone can’t stop talking about.

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes: The original star of the show, these individually wrapped cakes lend soft vanilla or chocolate flavor and that signature holiday look to your cake balls.
Cream cheese (softened): Acts as a creamy binder, turning crumbly cakes into a silky, dough-like filling that melts in your mouth.
White chocolate chips or almond bark: Provides a luscious, smooth coating that delicately hugs each cake ball and balances the sweetness inside.
Sprinkles or crushed candy canes: The finishing touch for a pop of color, sparkle, and crunch—turning each bite into a little edible celebration!

How to Make Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls

Step 1: Crumble the Cakes

Begin by unwrapping every one of those adorable Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes and placing them into a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or your clean hands to break them apart until you have fine, moist crumbs—think of it as giving the cakes a festive makeover. This crumbly base is the secret to the soft, melt-in-your mouth texture that makes everyone reach for seconds.

Step 2: Blend with Cream Cheese

Add the softened cream cheese directly to your cake crumbs. Using a spatula (or just your hands), mix until everything is fully combined and the mixture holds together like cookie dough. Make sure there are no streaks of cream cheese left. The result is a rich, luscious dough that’s incredibly satisfying to roll!

Step 3: Shape into Cake Balls

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it between your palms to form smooth balls. Place them in neat rows on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You’ll end up with about 20 bite-sized beauties, each one packed with holiday flavor.

Step 4: Chill to Firm Up

Transfer the tray of rolled balls to the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. This quick chill is key—it firms up the cake balls so they’re sturdy enough to dip into melted chocolate without falling apart. Don’t skip this step; it makes the coating much easier!

Step 5: Dip and Decorate

While your cake balls are chilling, melt the white chocolate chips or almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until completely smooth. One at a time, use a fork to dip each chilled ball into the chocolate, gently tapping off the excess. Quickly add sprinkles or crushed candy canes before the coating sets; this is where Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls get their festive flair!

Step 6: Let Set and Enjoy

Arrange the freshly coated cake balls back onto the parchment and allow them to set at room temperature or pop them into the fridge for about 10 minutes. Once the chocolate is firm, these gorgeous treats are ready to serve, gift, or sneak straight from the tray.

How to Serve Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls

Garnishes

The best part about Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls is dressing them up! Try a playful mix of colorful holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes for peppermint crunch, or even a drizzle of dark chocolate. For a snowy effect, dust them lightly with powdered sugar just before serving. Each little garnish adds a burst of personality and charm to your dessert display.

Side Dishes

These cake balls are dreamy alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa, holiday coffee, or even a glass of mulled wine. For a full-on dessert platter, surround them with chocolate-dipped pretzels, peppermint bark, or classic Christmas cookies. The balance of richness and sweetness plays well with virtually any treat you love to share at holiday gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, nestle your Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls in mini cupcake liners inside a festive tin. If you’re hosting a party, pile them high on a cake stand, create a “Christmas tree” with a foam cone, or thread them onto skewer sticks for a playful cake pop twist. However you present them, expect lots of smiles—and maybe a few disappearing balls when you’re not looking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh, creamy, and perfect for up to 5 days. The chocolate coating helps keep them from drying out, so you always have a little treat ready when cravings strike.

Freezing

These cake balls freeze beautifully! Set them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw in the fridge overnight for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

While Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, if you want to soften the filling slightly, just let them sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes. Never microwave them, as the chocolate coating can melt unevenly and lose its shine.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of Little Debbie cakes?

Absolutely! Little Debbie makes all sorts of fun seasonal cakes, so feel free to experiment with chocolate, red velvet, or any limited-edition flavors for a unique twist on the classic Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls.

What if I don’t have white chocolate chips—can I use dark or milk chocolate?

Yes, both dark and milk chocolate work beautifully as a coating. Dark chocolate adds a bittersweet edge, while milk chocolate keeps things extra-sweet. Pick your favorite or try a drizzle of both for a stunning marbled effect!

How can I make these cake balls gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls, swap in a gluten-free snack cake with similar texture and flavor, and check all your decorating add-ins for hidden gluten.

Do I need to use a food processor to crumble the cakes?

No special equipment is needed—just use your hands or a fork! The texture is best when crumbled by hand, ensuring there are no dense pockets in the finished product.

Will the cake balls keep their shape if left out at room temperature?

If your room is cool, the coating will set nicely and the cake balls will hold their shape for a few hours. For longer periods (like at parties), keep them chilled until ready to serve for the prettiest presentation and best texture.

Final Thoughts

Making (and sharing) Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls is pure holiday happiness in every bite. They’re whimsical, nostalgic, and impossible to resist—so invite some friends over, turn up the music, and get rolling! The magic and memories you create are just as sweet as the treats themselves.

Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: 20 cake balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls! Made with crushed Christmas Tree Cakes and cream cheese, coated in white chocolate, and topped with sprinkles or crushed candy canes, these no-bake treats are perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 box Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (5-count, vanilla or chocolate)
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 cup white chocolate chips or almond bark (for coating)
¼ cup sprinkles or crushed candy canes (for decorating)

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Instructions

Prepare the Cake Mixture: Unwrap the Christmas Tree Cakes and break them up in a mixing bowl. Add cream cheese and mix until a dough forms.
Shape the Cake Balls: Roll the mixture into balls and chill in the freezer.
Coat with Chocolate: Melt white chocolate, dip the chilled balls, and decorate with sprinkles or candy canes.
Set and Serve: Let the coated balls set before serving.