If there’s one treat that brings pure holiday cheer with minimal fuss, it’s got to be Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls. Imagine everything you love about those nostalgic, sparkly Christmas tree snack cakes — but transformed into rich, creamy, bite-sized confections that are perfect for any festive gathering. This recipe brilliantly blends the crowd-pleaser cakes with a hint of tangy cream cheese, envelopes each ball in silky white chocolate, and crowns them with a shower of holiday sprinkles. They’re fun, quick, and absolutely irresistible — one bite and you’ll see why they’ve quickly become my family’s favorite holiday staple!

Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls is just how approachable the ingredient list is. Each item contributes seriously to the magic, from the nostalgic cakes themselves to the creamy filling and that tempting chocolate shell that seals in the holiday joy.

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (1 box, 5 count): These iconic cakes do all the heavy lifting on flavor and festive flair, infusing every bite with that signature vanilla and sprinkle magic.
Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds luscious creaminess and helps bind the crumbled cake into perfect, scoopable dough — make sure it’s nice and soft for easy mixing.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Just a touch brightens and balances the sweetness, making each bite taste fresh and vibrant.
White Chocolate or Almond Bark (12 ounces, for coating): This is your elegant outer shell; it keeps the cake balls fresh and adds a satisfying snap. Melts smoothest if chopped first.
Holiday Sprinkles (for decoration): Go wild — the sprinkles add crunch, color, and a jolly look that everybody loves.

How to Make Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls

Step 1: Crumble the Cakes

Start by unwrapping each Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake and using either your hands or a fork to break them apart in a large bowl. You’re aiming for small, even crumbs — this creates the perfect texture for shaping later and helps the cream cheese blend in evenly. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy! The frosting and sprinkles right in the cakes add bonus sweetness and color.

Step 2: Mix Form the Dough

Add your softened cream cheese and vanilla extract to the crumbled cakes. Use a big spoon (or clean hands) to mix thoroughly until everything is fully combined into a soft, sticky dough. It should feel just tacky enough to hold its shape when you pinch a bit together. If it looks too dry, let the mixture rest a few minutes — the cream cheese will hydrate those cake crumbs perfectly.

Step 3: Shape the Cake Balls

Now comes the hands-on fun: take small scoops of the mixture (about a tablespoon each) and roll between your palms to form smooth 1-inch balls. Line them up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This recipe yields about 24 balls, so you’ll have plenty for sharing (or sneaking a few extras for yourself!).

Step 4: Chill the Cake Balls

Pop the baking sheet into your freezer for 20 to 30 minutes, just long enough for the cake balls to become firm. This step is key for easy dipping — the cold centers help the white chocolate set quickly, giving you that irresistible crisp shell.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate Coating

While the cake balls are chilling, melt your white chocolate or almond bark as directed on the package. If you’re using a microwave, heat in short bursts and stir well between each one, so the chocolate is silky-smooth and glossy. A double boiler works wonderfully, too, if you want extra control over the melting process.

Step 6: Dip and Decorate

One at a time, use a fork or dipping tool to lower each chilled cake ball into the melted chocolate. Let any excess drip off before returning it to the parchment. Quickly sprinkle with your favorite holiday sprinkles while the coating is still wet — this is where the Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls truly shine with festive color! Allow everything to set completely in the fridge for that glorious snap.

How to Serve Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls

Garnishes

Sometimes the best touch is a simple shower of extra sprinkles, especially if you coordinate them with your party colors! I also love a tiny edible gold star or a dusting of edible glitter to make each ball sparkle on your dessert tray. For an extra wintry vibe, try a drizzle of dark chocolate on a few for beautiful contrast.

Side Dishes

These Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls are perfect all on their own, but if you want to go all-in on your sweet spread, pair them with mugs of rich hot cocoa or a festive holiday punch. A tray of fresh fruit or salty pretzels can balance out all that sweetness, making the cake balls even more craveable.

Creative Ways to Present

I’m a big fan of stacking these cake balls in a pyramid on a festive platter, or popping each onto a mini cupcake liner for a bakery-worthy look. Fill a holiday tin for a sweet gift, or skewer them onto sticks for cake pops — the Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls become instant party pops!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake balls (if you actually have any!) keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I recommend layering parchment or wax paper between layers to keep the coatings pristine. They taste even better after a day or two, once all the flavors meld.

Freezing

Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls are a fantastic make-ahead freezer treat! Arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To serve, just thaw them in the fridge until they’re perfectly tender yet still delightfully chilled.

Reheating

No reheating required for these festive bites! In fact, they’re best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want a slightly softer texture, let them sit at room temp for 10 minutes after taking them from the fridge or freezer.

FAQs

Can I use different flavors of Little Debbie cakes?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other Little Debbie cakes like the Birthday Cake or Chocolate Tree versions for a fun flavor twist. Every version brings a unique taste and color, so you can truly make these cake balls your own signature holiday treat.

What’s the best way to melt the white chocolate?

The microwave is the quickest, just heat in 20-second bursts and stir often. If you prefer, a double boiler on the stovetop is excellent for extra control. Make sure there’s no water in your chocolate, or it may seize up — patience and gentle heat are key!

How long do Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls last?

When stored in the fridge, they stay tasty for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to two months and thaw as needed. Their creamy centers and chocolate shell make them surprisingly sturdy, so they’re great for make-ahead gifting or parties.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Unfortunately, Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes contain wheat, so this specific recipe isn’t gluten-free. You could experiment with a similar gluten-free snack cake or homemade gluten-free cake for a fun alternative, though the taste might be a bit different.

My coating isn’t smooth. What went wrong?

If your chocolate or almond bark seizes up or goes lumpy, it’s usually because water got in, or it was overheated. Try adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to help thin it out next time, and always melt chocolate gently, stirring frequently.

Final Thoughts

Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls are pure holiday joy in a bite — easy enough for anyone to make, impressive enough for any party, and fun enough to get the whole family involved in the decorating. Give them a try this season, and let them add a spark of sweetness (and a splash of nostalgia!) to your celebrations!

Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 24 cake balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls are a delightful holiday treat that captures the festive spirit in a sweet and easy-to-make dessert. Using the iconic Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, these cake balls are perfect for Christmas gatherings or as edible gifts for loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale

LITTLE DEBBIE CHRISTMAS CAKE BALLS:

1 box (5 count) Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 ounces white chocolate or almond bark for coating
Holiday sprinkles for decoration

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Instructions

Crumble the Cakes: In a large bowl, crumble the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes with a fork or your hands.
Mix Ingredients: Add softened cream cheese and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough-like mixture forms.
Form Balls: Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 20–30 minutes until firm.
Coat with Chocolate: Melt white chocolate or almond bark according to package instructions. Dip each cake ball into the melted coating, allowing excess to drip off.
Decorate: Place back on the parchment-lined sheet and top with holiday sprinkles before the coating sets. Chill until firm and serve.

Notes

You can use different flavors of Little Debbie cakes for variety.
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American