Name: Decadent Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls to Delight You
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 packages Vanilla Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (Crumpled); 8 oz Cream Cheese (At room temperature); 12 oz White Candy Melts (Or chocolate melts for a twist); 4 oz Red Candy Melts (Optional for drizzling); 2 tbsp Red Sanding Sugar (For festive color); 2 tbsp Green Sanding Sugar (For festive color)

The smell of the holidays always brings back memories of festive treats, and this year, I’m embracing the joy of making Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls. These no-bake delights transform the classic Christmas Tree Cakes into a fun and easy dessert that’s perfect for sharing. Not only do they capture the essence of holiday cheer, but they also promise a delightful bite with every taste. With minimal prep time and a sweet, creamy filling, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Plus, the vibrant colors make them a visual treat, guaranteed to spread smiles all around. Ready to bring a touch of magic to your holiday festivities? Let’s dive into this festive recipe and start creating some delicious memories!

Why Are These Cake Balls So Irresistible?

Easy to Make: These Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls require minimal effort, making them perfect for even novice bakers. Just mix, roll, and dip!

Decadent Flavor: The velvety cream cheese perfectly complements the sweet cake base for a rich, indulgent treat that melts in your mouth.

Visually Stunning: Their festive appearance—coated in white candy melts and sprinkled with colorful sugar—will wow your guests at holiday gatherings.

No Baking Required: Skip the oven and save time with this no-bake recipe, allowing you to whip up delicious treats without the hassle.

Adaptable: Feeling creative? Experiment with different cake bases like red velvet or chocolate, or even use dark chocolate melts for a twist. Check out our Sky Jelly Cake for more no-bake inspiration!

Crowd Favorite: Whether as a holiday dessert or a sweet gift, these cake balls are bound to be a hit and bring everyone together.

Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls Ingredients

For the Base
• Vanilla Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes – Crumbled for that delicious cake-like texture.
• Cream Cheese – Ensure it’s at room temperature to achieve that perfect creamy consistency.

For the Coating
• White Candy Melts – These provide a sweet, chocolaty crunch on the outside of each cake ball; you can use chocolate melts for a twist!
• Red Candy Melts (optional) – Use to drizzle over the cake balls or for decorative accents; feel free to swap with melted chocolate.

For Decoration
• Red and Green Sanding Sugar – Adds festive color and a delightful crunch; you can substitute with other edible decorations to suit your theme!

Bring the joy of Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls into your holiday celebrations and watch them disappear!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls

Step 1: Prepare Baking Sheet
Start by lining a baking sheet with waxed paper to provide a non-stick surface for your Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls. This will make it easy to remove the coated cake balls once they’re ready. Set this aside as you move on to preparing the cake mixture.

Step 2: Mix Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled Vanilla Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes with room temperature cream cheese. Using a spatula or your hands, blend them together until fully incorporated and smooth, creating a moist, cake-like texture. This mixture should hold together well and be easy to scoop.

Step 3: Form Balls
Take a small cookie scoop and portion out the mixture, rolling each scoop into approximately 1-inch balls with your hands. Place the formed balls onto the prepared baking sheet, gently smoothing them if needed. This step results in beautiful Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls ready for coating.

Step 4: Chill (optional)
For easier coating, optional but recommended, place your formed cake balls in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This chilling time will firm up the balls and help prevent them from falling apart when dipping in the melted coating, ensuring a perfect finish.

Step 5: Melt Coating
In a microwave-safe bowl, add your white candy melts and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until completely melted and smooth. If the mixture is too thick for dipping, stir in a small amount of vegetable shortening to reach a desirable consistency. Your coating should be glossy and fluid for the best results.

Step 6: Coat Cake Balls
Carefully dip each chilled cake ball into the melted white candy coating, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Allow any excess coating to drip back into the bowl before placing the coated balls back onto the prepared sheet. This process will give your Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls a perfectly smooth exterior.

Step 7: Decorate
While the coating is still wet, immediately sprinkle the cake balls with red and green sanding sugar for a festive touch. If you wish to add a drizzle of color, melt your red candy melts and use a fork to drizzle over each cake ball for additional flair before the coating sets.

Step 8: Set
Finally, transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill the coated cake balls for about 1 hour, or until firm. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture. Once set, store your delightful Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls in an airtight container, layering them with wax paper to prevent sticking.

Expert Tips for Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensuring your cream cheese is at room temperature will make blending easier and create a smoother filling for your Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls.
Thinning Candy Melts: If your candy melts are too thick, add a little vegetable shortening while melting to achieve the perfect dipping consistency for a flawless coating.
Chilling for Precision: Chill your formed cake balls for at least 30 minutes before coating to help maintain their shape and make dipping easier.
Avoid Soggy Bottoms: To prevent your cake balls from sticking, make sure to line your baking sheet with waxed paper and allow enough space between each one after coating.
Mind the Drizzle: If using red candy melts for decoration, drizzle over the cake balls while the coating is still wet so it adheres properly without sliding off.
Storing Tips: Keep your Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, but they can also be frozen for longer enjoyment!

How to Store and Freeze Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls

Fridge: Store your Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to maintain their freshness and flavor.

Freezer: To extend their shelf life, freeze the cake balls for up to 3 months. Layer them between wax paper in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may compromise texture.

Room Temperature: If serving at a gathering, these treats can be left out for a few hours but should be consumed within the same day for best quality.

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the cake ball mixture and shape them into balls up to 24 hours in advance. Just ensure to refrigerate them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. For an extra touch, you can also melt the white candy coating up to 3 days ahead and store it in a cool place. When you’re ready to serve, simply coat the chilled cake balls and decorate as desired. With these prep-ahead options, you’ll have stress-free holiday treats that are just as delicious as if they were made fresh!

What to Serve with Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls

The delightful sweetness of these cake balls can be beautifully complemented by a variety of festive sides and treats, creating a memorable meal.

Hot Cocoa: A rich and creamy mug of hot cocoa enhances the festive spirit and balances the sweetness of the cake balls perfectly. The warmth of the drink invites cozy conversations.
Peppermint Bark: This crunchy candy with a cool minty flavor provides a refreshing contrast to the indulgent cake balls, making for a delightful bite-sized pairing.
Mini Pecan Pies: These bite-sized pecan pies offer a nutty richness that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet cake balls, while also continuing the festive theme.
Cheese Platter: A selection of sharp cheddar, brie, and creamy goat cheese provides an excellent savory counterpoint to the sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile for your guests.
Cranberry Relish: The tartness of freshly made cranberry relish adds a bright note that cuts through the richness, enhancing every taste experience. Use it as a dip for added fun!
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream alongside the cake balls for a textural contrast—a creamy cool treat that makes every bite heavenly.
Mulled Wine: This spiced beverage filled with warm flavors invites your guests to indulge further in the holiday experience, making it a perfect accompaniment to the cake balls.
Gingerbread Cookies: The festive flavors of these cookies meld seamlessly with the cake balls, making for a nostalgic and cheerful dessert plate at any gathering.

Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls Variations

Get ready to personalize your festive treats with these delightful twists that will elevate your Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls.

Chocolate Lovers: Substitute the white candy melts with dark chocolate melts for a richer, bolder flavor. This swap transforms the sweetness into a decadent indulgence everyone will adore.
Nutty Surprise: Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the cake mixture. The added crunch and earthy flavor will enhance the texture and give a cozy, warm essence to each bite.
Flavor Boost: Mix in half a teaspoon of peppermint extract with the cream cheese for a minty twist. Perfect for the holidays, this refreshing flavor will truly brighten up your cake balls!
Seasonal Spice: Incorporate a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon into the crumbled cake base for a warm spice note. This subtle change will evoke the comforting aromas of the season, making your cake balls even more inviting.
Colorful Coating: Use colored candy melts instead of white for a vibrant, eye-catching presentation. Bright pinks, greens, or blues will amplify the festive spirit, perfect for spreading holiday cheer.
Vegan Version: Swap cream cheese for a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free candy melts for an inclusive dessert option. You won’t miss the dairy with this creamy and delicious adaptation!
Mini Cake Balls: For bite-sized treats, use a teaspoon instead of a scoop to make smaller, poppable cake balls. These mini delights will be the perfect sweet nibble for party trays or gift-giving!
Gourmet Toppings: After coating, drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce, and sprinkle sea salt for a gourmet touch. This simple addition elevates your cake balls into gourmet desserts that impress.

With these variations, you can explore a world of flavors and textures—don’t forget to check out our Nutty Vanilla Cake and enhance your holiday baking experience!

Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls Recipe FAQs

How ripe should the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes be?
Absolutely! The Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes you use should be fresh but don’t require any specific ripeness since they are already baked and pre-packaged. However, check for any damage or signs of age, such as an unusual smell or dark spots.

How should I store the Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls?
Very! Keep your Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 week. To maintain texture and flavor, layer them with wax paper to avoid sticking.

Can I freeze Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls?
Absolutely! For longer storage, freeze your Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls for up to 3 months. To do this, place them in a freezer-safe container with pieces of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

What do I do if my candy melts are too thick?
No worries! If your melted candy coating is too thick for dipping, that can happen. Just stir in a small amount of vegetable shortening while melting. This will help achieve a smooth, glossy consistency ideal for coating your cake balls.

Are these cake balls suitable for people with allergies?
Absolutely! However, always check the packaging of your ingredients. The cream cheese is dairy, and the candy melts may contain allergens like soy or gluten. Additionally, if you’re making these for a gathering, it’s good practice to inform guests of any potential allergens involved.

What if my cake balls fall apart while coating?
Don’t worry! If your Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls are crumbling while you coat them, it may be due to not chilling them enough beforehand. Make sure to chill the formed balls for at least 30 minutes, and if they continue to be problematic, try reducing the size of the balls to ensure they hold together better.