I’ll never forget the first time I made these Christmas tree cake balls. Coming from a busy life juggling work and family, I needed a simple, no-bake treat that still felt festive and special. Using Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes and just a few ingredients, I created a quick holiday dessert that brought back warm memories and saved me precious time in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love holiday treats that bring nostalgia and cheer, you’re going to adore this recipe. These Christmas tree cake balls are the perfect easy, no-bake dessert made with the iconic Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. They combine festive flavors and a smooth candy coating, ready in a snap. Whether you’re short on time or just want a fun, family-friendly recipe, these treats fit right into your busy schedule and make holiday gatherings extra sweet.
- No-bake and super simple, perfect for busy holiday seasons
- Uses just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients
- Eye-catching, festive look that’s great for parties or gift-giving
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser with nostalgic charm everyone loves
Key Ingredients for Perfect Cake Balls
Using room temperature cream cheese is essential to get the perfect smooth consistency for your cake ball batter. If the cream cheese is too cold, it won’t blend well and your mixture may be lumpy. For the coating, white candy melts are my top pick because they melt smoothly and harden with a glossy finish, unlike almond bark or white chocolate chips, which can be trickier to work with and sometimes don’t set as nicely. Candy melts also come in vibrant colors like red, perfect for your decorative drizzle. It’s important to handle all food ingredients safely, especially during the holidays, ensuring proper hygiene and preparation to prevent foodborne illnesses. [3]
Ingredients List
- 17.04 ounces Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (crumbled)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 16 ounces white candy melts
- ¼ cup red candy melts (melted, optional)
- Red and green colored sanding sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
Essential Tools for Cake Ball Success
To make these cake balls foolproof, a few special tools really come in handy. Use a 1-inch cookie scoop to portion uniform cake balls that cook evenly and look professional. Lining your baking sheet with wax paper ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking. A dedicated dipping tool or fork helps you coat the balls smoothly and tap off excess candy melt, giving your treats that perfect smooth finish. I’ll share affiliate links to my favorite tools so you can shop with ease.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Christmas Tree Cake Balls
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Line a baking sheet with waxed paper to keep your workspace clean and prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Cake Ball Batter
In a large bowl, beat together the crumbled Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes and room temperature cream cheese until well combined and smooth.
3. Shape into Balls
Use a small cookie scoop to portion the batter into 1-inch balls. Roll each scoop gently between your hands to form smooth, uniform balls.
4. Freeze the Balls
Place the rolled balls on the baking sheet and freeze them for at least 15 minutes before coating. This step firms them up so they don’t fall apart when dipped.
5. Melt the Candy Coating
Put the white candy melts into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1 minute on high. Stir thoroughly. Then microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Add up to 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening if needed to thin.
6. Dip and Decorate
Dip each frozen cake ball into the melted white candy melt, tapping off excess gently. Place on the prepared sheet and immediately add red and green sanding sugar sprinkles. Optionally, drizzle with melted red candy melts using a piping bag for extra festive flair.
7. Chill Until Firm
Refrigerate the dipped cake balls for about 1 hour until firm. Store them chilled in an airtight container layered between wax paper.
Pro Tips for Flawless Cake Balls
- Chill the balls for at least 1–2 hours before dipping to prevent crumbling
- Roll balls gently but firmly for smooth, even shapes
- Use the fork-tapping method to remove excess coating for a thin, flawless finish
- If candy melts get too thick, stir in vegetable shortening to restore smoothness
Troubleshooting Common Cake Ball Problems
| The Problem | The Easy Fix |
|---|---|
| My cake balls are too soft/greasy | Make sure cream cheese is room temperature, then freeze balls longer before dipping. |
| My chocolate coating is thick and clumpy | Add vegetable shortening or coconut oil to candy melts and stir well to thin it. |
| My chocolate cracked after chilling | Allow dipped balls to cool in refrigerator gently; avoid freezing or rapid temperature changes. |
| My cake balls keep falling into the chocolate | Freeze balls thoroughly (1–2 hours) before dipping to keep them firm. |
Variations & Customizations
| Variation | Details |
|---|---|
| Christmas Tree Cake Pops | Insert lollipop sticks into balls before freezing for fun, handheld treats. |
| Chocolate Little Debbie | Use chocolate-flavored Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes with dark chocolate melts instead. |
| Toppings Beyond Sprinkles | Try crushed peppermint candies, edible glitter, or mini chocolate chips for festive flair. |
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store your cake balls in an airtight container layered with wax paper in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Gifting & Packaging Guide:
Present your cake balls in festive boxes or cellophane bags tied with holiday ribbons. Arrange on decorated platters for parties or gifts. Use colorful holiday tins or sprinkle some extra sanding sugar on top. These thoughtful touches make your homemade treats feel extra special. Ensure any packaging for gifts adheres to allergy safety guidelines if needed. [4]
More Cakes Recipe
The Ultimate Easy No-Bake Oreo Balls
Easy White Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
The Ultimate Russian Tea Cakes Recipe
christmas tree cake balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the crumbled cakes and cream cheese until fully combined.
- Scoop 1-inch portions with a small cookie scoop, roll into smooth balls, and place on the prepared sheet.
- Freeze the balls for at least 15 minutes to firm up.
- Melt white candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl: 1 minute on high, stir, then 15-second bursts, stirring between until smooth; thin with a little shortening if needed.
- Dip each chilled ball in the melted coating, let excess drip off, set on the sheet, and immediately add sanding sugar.
- If desired, transfer melted red candy to a piping bag, snip the tip, and drizzle over the coated balls.
- Refrigerate about 1 hour until firm. Store in an airtight container in the fridge between layers of waxed paper.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What can I use if I can’t find Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes?
You can substitute similar holiday-themed snack cakes, or vanilla-flavored snack cakes crumbled for the base.
How many cake balls does this recipe make?
You’ll get about 24 to 30 cake balls, depending on how large you scoop.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! Prepare the cake balls ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve.
Conclusion
These Christmas tree cake balls are such a joyful, easy way to bring festive cheer to your holiday table without stress. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do! Now, tell me — what’s your favorite nostalgic holiday treat you make every year? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. And don’t forget to share your beautiful creations on social media. And follow me on Pinterest @aisharecipes
