Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles: How to Make 7

The holiday season always brings back a flood of nostalgic food memories for me, and right at the top of that list are Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. There’s something so perfectly festive about those green-striped, tree-shaped treats. But this year, I wanted to take that nostalgia and dress it up a bit, creating something that feels both familiar and excitingly new. That’s how I landed on these incredible Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles – a delightful, bite-sized twist on a classic that’s sure to be the star of any holiday gathering.

Why you’ll love this dish

These aren’t just any truffles; they’re a celebration of holiday cheer in every bite! You’ll adore this recipe because it takes a beloved, iconic holiday snack and transforms it into something truly special with minimal effort. They’re incredibly quick to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute party contributions or a sweet treat for unexpected guests. Plus, the sheer novelty and festive appearance make them a guaranteed conversation starter. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity with kids, a unique dessert for a cookie exchange, or just a simple way to elevate your holiday snacking, these truffles are a winner.

> “I made these for our office holiday party, and they were the first dessert to disappear! Everyone raved about how creative and delicious they were. So much fun!” – A satisfied home baker

The cooking process explained

Making these Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles is surprisingly straightforward, and it’s less “cooking” and more “assembling and decorating.” You’ll start by deconstructing the classic Christmas Tree Cakes, crumbling them up to form the base. This soft, cakey mixture then gets combined with a binding agent to create a pliable “dough” that you’ll roll into festive little balls. The final, and arguably most fun, step is dipping these truffles into melted white chocolate and then letting your creativity shine with various holiday-themed decorations. It’s a no-bake wonder that promises delicious results!

What you’ll need

Key ingredients

• Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes: The star of the show! You’ll need about 10-12 cakes, depending on how large you make your truffles.
• Cream Cheese: Softened, about 4-6 oz. This is the magical binder that brings everything together and adds a lovely tang.
• White Chocolate Melts or Bark: Around 12-16 oz, for dipping. I prefer melts specifically designed for coating as they give the smoothest finish.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Red, green, silver, or any festive mix you love.
• Green and Red Candy Melts (optional): For extra drizzle decoration.
• Parchment Paper or Wax Paper: For cooling the truffles.

Directions to follow

1. Crumble the Cakes: Unwrap all the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. In a large bowl, meticulously crumble them by hand or using a food processor until no large chunks remain and you have a fine cake crumb.
2. Add Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the cake crumbs. Using a sturdy spoon or your clean hands, mix thoroughly until a thick, uniform dough forms. It should be moist enough to hold together when pressed.
3. Roll the Truffles: Scoop out spoonfuls of the mixture (about 1-inch in diameter) and roll them into compact balls. Place these truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Chill: Once all truffles are rolled, place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes, or in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up, making them easier to dip.
5. Melt Chocolate: While the truffles are chilling, melt the white chocolate melts according to package directions. This usually involves microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
6. Dip & Decorate: Remove the chilled truffles from the freezer/fridge. Using a fork or a dipping tool, carefully dip each truffle into the melted white chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately place the dipped truffle back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Sprinkle: While the chocolate is still wet, liberally apply your chosen holiday sprinkles. If using additional colored candy melts for drizzling, melt those now and drizzle over the set white chocolate truffles once they’ve had a few minutes to firm up slightly.
8. Set: Allow the truffles to fully set at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate coating is firm.

Best ways to enjoy it

These Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving! For a party, arrange them artfully on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark. They make an excellent addition to a dessert charcuterie board. For a smaller gathering or a special gift, place them in mini cupcake liners within a decorative box. They also pair wonderfully with a warm mug of hot cocoa or a spirited holiday cocktail. Their vibrant colors and whimsical shape instantly elevate any dessert spread.

How to store & freeze

Once the chocolate has fully set, store your Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5-7 days. If you’ve made a large batch or want to prepare them well in advance, these truffles freeze beautifully. Place the set truffles in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Pro chef tips

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the cake crumbs and cream cheese, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the final texture too dense.
• Perfectly Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature. This makes for a smoother mix and prevents lumps.
• Chill Thoroughly: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for truffles that hold their shape and are easy to dip without falling apart, especially in warm chocolate.
• Work in Batches: If your kitchen is warm, dip only a few truffles at a time, keeping the rest chilled. Return them to the fridge if they become too soft.
• Smooth Dipping: If your white chocolate seems too thick for dipping, you can add a tiny bit of coconut oil or vegetable shortening (about 1/2-1 teaspoon per cup of chocolate) to thin it out slightly, ensuring a silky smooth coating.

Recipe variations

• Chocolate Lovers: Instead of white chocolate, dip the truffles in melted milk or dark chocolate for a rich, deeper flavor profile.
• Minty Fresh: Add a tiny drop of peppermint extract (start with 1/8 teaspoon) to the melted white chocolate for a holiday mint twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Before dipping, gently press chopped pecans or walnuts onto the truffles for added texture.
• Boozy Bite: For an adult-friendly version, add a tablespoon of rum, Kahlua, or peppermint schnapps to the cake and cream cheese mixture. Adjust cream cheese if necessary to maintain consistency.
• Color Fun: Instead of relying solely on sprinkles, use a few drops of gel food coloring (specific for chocolate, if possible, or oil-based) in your melted white chocolate to create vibrant, holiday-themed coatings like bright green or red.

FAQ

How many Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes do I need for this recipe?

You’ll typically need about 10-12 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes to yield a good batch of truffles, usually around 24-30, depending on their size. It’s always good to have an extra box on hand, just in case!

Can I make these truffles gluten-free or dairy-free?

Unfortunately, the core of this recipe relies on Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, which typically contain gluten and dairy. Crafting a truly gluten-free or dairy-free version would involve swapping out the entire cake base and cream cheese, essentially creating a different recipe altogether. However, you could look for gluten-free snack cakes and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you want to experiment.

My chocolate coating is too thick, and I’m having trouble dipping the truffles. What can I do?

This is a common issue! If your melted chocolate is too thick, you can thin it by adding a small amount of a neutral oil like coconut oil (about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per cup of melted chocolate) or shortening. Stir well until you achieve a smoother, more liquid consistency. Be careful not to add too much, or the chocolate might not set properly.