Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles for an Easy Holiday Treat

Have you ever looked at a box of those iconic Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes and thought, ‘I wish these were even more fun?’ Well, what if I told you that with just a few simple ingredients and about 30 minutes, you can turn that store-bought goodness into something absolutely magical? These Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles are the no-bake, everyone-can-help, joy-of-the-holidays dessert you didn’t know you needed. They’re so cute, so festive, and a total crowd-pleaser. Let’s make your holiday dessert table a little brighter.

Why You’ll Love This

Honestly, the best part about this recipe is how it takes the pressure off. The holidays are busy enough without stressing over complex Christmas Bakery Desserts. These truffles are wonderfully forgiving—no perfectly tempered chocolate or fancy piping skills required. They’re a fantastic activity to do with kids, and they come together so quickly you can whip up a batch even on the busiest of December days. The familiar flavor of those beloved cakes gets a delicious upgrade, making them feel special and homemade. So good.

Ingredients You’llll Need

• 8 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes: The star of the show, providing that classic flavor and soft cake base.
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened: This acts as our binder, giving the truffle mixture a rich, creamy, and roll-able texture.
• 1 cup white chocolate chips: For melting and dipping, creating that sweet, crackly shell.
• 1 tsp coconut oil or shortening: A little bit of this helps thin the melted chocolate for a smoother, glossier coating.
• Green sanding sugar and red sprinkles: For that festive, signature Christmas tree decoration.

Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step

1. First, unwrap all of your Christmas Tree Cakes and place them in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands or a fork to break them down into fine crumbs. Don’t worry about being perfect—a few small chunks are just fine.
2. Add the softened cream cheese to the bowl. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to mix it all together until it’s completely combined and forms a thick, uniform dough. It should hold together when you pinch it.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the mixture and roll it into smooth, one-inch balls. Place each ball on the prepared sheet. Pop the entire tray into the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This chilling step is crucial—it makes the truffles so much easier to dip later!
4. While the truffles are chilling, create your double boiler. Add an inch of water to a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top, making sure the bottom doesn’t touch the water. Add the white chocolate chips and coconut oil to the bowl and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth. Turn off the heat.
5. Remove the truffles from the freezer. Using a fork or a dipping tool, dip each chilled truffle ball into the melted white chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to let any excess chocolate drip off.
6. Place the dipped truffle back onto the parchment paper. Immediately, while the chocolate is still wet, decorate with green sanding sugar and a few red sprinkles. Repeat with all remaining truffles.
7. Let the chocolate coating set completely at room temperature, which should take about an hour. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop them back in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to speed things up.

Tips For Success With Truffles

• Your cream cheese must be soft. If it’s cold, it won’t mix in evenly and you’ll end up with streaky, lumpy truffle dough. Let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes before you start.
• Don’t skip the freezer time! A firm, cold truffle is your best friend when it comes to dipping. It prevents the cake ball from falling apart in the warm chocolate.
• If your melted chocolate seems too thick for dipping, add another tiny pinch of coconut oil to thin it out. A little goes a long way.
• Get creative with your decorations! Those classic red and green sprinkles are perfect, but you could also use crushed peppermints, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a drizzle of dark chocolate.
• This is a messy, fun job. Perfect for little helpers. Just embrace the sprinkle-covered countertops—it’s all part of the holiday spirit!

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a dairy-free version, use your favorite plant-based cream cheese and vegan white chocolate chips. If you can’t find the Christmas Tree Cakes, the Little Debbie Strawberry Shortcake Roll snacks work beautifully and give you a pretty pink truffle. And if you’re a chocolate lover, try rolling the finished truffles in crushed Oreo cookies or cocoa powder instead of dipping them. You could even add a quarter teaspoon of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate for a cool, festive twist.

Pairing Ideas for Your Truffles

These sweet, creamy truffles are perfect alongside other holiday treats. They look adorable on a dessert platter next to some fudgy Crinkle Cookies Christmas style or elegant Christmas Macarons. For a truly show-stopping spread, you could even crumble a few on top of individual portions of a rich Black Forest Trifle. And of course, they pair perfectly with a big mug of hot cocoa or a cozy cup of coffee while you’re watching your favorite holiday movie.

Storage & Reheating

Store your completely set Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their best texture and flavor for up to one week. Because of the cream cheese, I don’t recommend leaving them out at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. You can also freeze them for up to three months! Just place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet to freeze solid first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight. There’s no need to reheat—these are meant to be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different kind of cake? Absolutely! This method works with any soft, snack-style cake. The classic Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies or Nutty Buddies would be delicious alternatives.
• My chocolate coating is seizing up. What do I do? This usually means a tiny bit of moisture got into your chocolate. Try adding a tiny bit more coconut oil or shortening and stirring vigorously. If that doesn’t work, you can always roll your truffle balls in sprinkles or powdered sugar instead for a no-dip option.
• Can I make these ahead of time for a party? You sure can! They are an excellent make-ahead dessert. Just keep them chilled until you’re ready to serve.