If you grew up sneaking Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes from the holiday snack stash, you are going to adore these creamy, no-bake truffles. They taste like a nostalgic slice of Christmas wrapped in a glossy white chocolate shell and sprinkled with festive sparkle. Quick to make, easy to gift, and even easier to eat.
Best Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 Parchment Paper
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 Spatula
- 1 1 tablespoon scoop for portioning
- 1 Microwave-safe Bowl
- 1 Fork for dipping
- 1 Toothpicks optional, for dipping
- 1 Paring knife optional, to trim edges
Ingredients
Truffle Mixture
- 1 box Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes 5 count; vanilla or chocolate
- 3 oz cream cheese softened (or 1/4 cup vanilla frosting for a sweeter, softer center)
- fine salt pinch
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract or almond extract, optional
Coating & Toppings
- 12 oz white chocolate chips or vanilla almond bark chopped
- 1 tsp coconut oil or neutral oil, to thin as needed
- red and green sanding sugar or holiday sprinkles for topping
- crushed candy canes optional, for topping
Instructions
Make the Truffle Centers
- Line a baking sheet with parchment and clear space in the fridge. This makes dipping and setting neat and easy.
- Unwrap the Christmas Tree Cakes and crumble them into a large bowl. Use clean hands to break them into fine crumbs. A few small frosting bits are fine and add richness.
- Add softened cream cheese, a pinch of salt, and vanilla or almond extract if using. Mix with a spatula until the mixture is thick and uniform. It should press together without crumbling. If it feels dry, add 1 tablespoon more cream cheese or frosting.
- Use a 1 tablespoon scoop to portion the mixture. Roll between your palms into smooth balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. You should get about 18 to 20 truffles.
- Refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes, or freeze for 10 minutes, until the truffles feel firm to the touch. This helps them dip cleanly.
Coat and Decorate
- Place white chocolate or almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl with the oil. Microwave at 50% power in 20 to 30 second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and fluid. Do not overheat. If the coating thickens as you work, rewarm for 10 seconds and stir.
- Drop one chilled truffle into the melted coating. Use a fork to turn it, lift it out, and tap the fork gently on the bowl to remove excess. Slide onto the parchment and immediately add sprinkles or crushed candy canes. Repeat with remaining truffles.
- Let the truffles set at room temperature for 20 minutes, or pop them into the fridge for 10 minutes. Serve on a pretty platter or package in mini liners for gifting.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Best Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles
- No-bake treat with real holiday flavor in every bite
- Creamy center, crisp white chocolate shell, pretty sprinkles
- Minimal ingredients and kid-friendly assembly
- Perfect for cookie trays, classroom parties, and gifts
- Make-ahead and freezer-friendly for stress-free entertaining
Best Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles Ingredients & Substitutions
- 1 box Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, 5 count vanilla or chocolate
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature (or 1/4 cup vanilla frosting for a sweeter, softer center)
- 12 oz white chocolate chips or vanilla almond bark, chopped
- 1 tsp coconut oil or neutral oil to thin the coating as needed
- 1/2 tsp vanilla or almond extract, optional
- Pinch of fine salt to balance sweetness
- Red and green sanding sugar or holiday sprinkles, plus optional crushed candy canes for topping
Substitutions and notes:
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free snack cakes and plant-based cream cheese, and choose dairy-free white baking chips.
- No cream cheese: Swap with 2 to 4 tbsp vanilla frosting until the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Coating: White almond bark is the easiest to work with; white chocolate chips taste great but may need extra oil.
- Flavor boost: A drop or two of peppermint extract turns these into peppermint bark truffles.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Best Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles
1. Prep Your Tray
Line a baking sheet with parchment and clear space in the fridge. This makes dipping and setting neat and easy.
2. Crumble the Cakes
Unwrap the Christmas Tree Cakes and crumble them into a large bowl. Use clean hands to break them into fine crumbs. A few small frosting bits are fine and add richness.
3. Make the Truffle Mixture
Add softened cream cheese, a pinch of salt, and vanilla or almond extract if using. Mix with a spatula until the mixture is thick and uniform. It should press together without crumbling. If it feels dry, add 1 tablespoon more cream cheese or frosting.
4. Scoop and Roll
Use a 1 tablespoon scoop to portion the mixture. Roll between your palms into smooth balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. You should get about 18 to 20 truffles.
5. Chill to Firm
Refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes, or freeze for 10 minutes, until the truffles feel firm to the touch. This helps them dip cleanly.
6. Melt the Coating
Place white chocolate or almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl with the oil. Microwave at 50 percent power in 20 to 30 second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and fluid. Do not overheat. If the coating thickens as you work, rewarm for 10 seconds and stir.
7. Dip and Decorate
Drop one chilled truffle into the melted coating. Use a fork to turn it, lift it out, and tap the fork gently on the bowl to remove excess. Slide onto the parchment and immediately add sprinkles or crushed candy canes. Repeat with remaining truffles.
8. Set and Serve
Let the truffles set at room temperature for 20 minutes, or pop them into the fridge for 10 minutes. Serve on a pretty platter or package in mini liners for gifting.
Tips for Success
- Chill thoroughly before dipping so the centers keep their shape.
- If the mixture is sticky, lightly dampen hands or chill briefly between rolling batches.
- Keep the coating fluid by stirring often; thin with 1/2 teaspoon oil if it thickens.
- Decorate as you go; sprinkles stick best before the coating sets.
- Use two forks to dip for clean bottoms, or insert a toothpick to dip, then twist out and patch the hole with a dab of coating.
- For neat edges, trim any puddled coating with a paring knife once set.
Variations of Best Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles
- Peppermint Bark: Add 1/4 tsp peppermint extract to the mixture and top with crushed candy canes.
- Chocolate-Dipped: Use dark or milk chocolate coating for a tuxedo look and a less sweet finish.
- Funfetti: Stir in rainbow nonpareils and coat with white chocolate and more confetti sprinkles.
- Red Velvet: Use the chocolate tree cakes and a touch of red sanding sugar for a red velvet vibe.
- Cake Pops: Press onto lollipop sticks before chilling, then dip and stand upright in a foam block to set.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Best Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles
- Hot cocoa, peppermint mocha, or a cinnamon latte
- Eggnog or mulled cider for a cozy dessert bar
- On holiday cookie trays beside gingerbread, shortbread, and fudge
- As a cute gift in tins with parchment and a festive ribbon
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Separate layers with parchment to protect the finish. For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
Do not reheat truffles. If you need to refresh the shine, let them sit at cool room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Memories Made Around the Table
Every year my kids pile around the counter to sprinkle these with wild enthusiasm. Someone always makes a truffle snowman, and somehow the sprinkle jar ends up everywhere but the truffles. It is messy magic and the sweetest tradition.
FAQs
Can I make these without cream cheese?
Yes. Use 2 to 4 tablespoons vanilla frosting instead. Add just enough so the mixture holds together when pressed.
Why is my coating cracking or sliding off?
The truffles were likely too cold or the coating too hot. Let the truffles sit for 5 minutes out of the fridge and stir the coating to cool slightly before dipping.
How far in advance can I make them?
Make up to 2 days ahead and store chilled. For the best finish on the coating, dip the day you plan to serve or gift.
Do I need a food processor?
No. Hand crumbling works perfectly. Just break the cakes into fine crumbs and mix thoroughly.
Can I color the white chocolate?
Use oil-based candy coloring. Water-based colors can seize the chocolate.
Final Thoughts
These Best Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles are a fast, festive way to turn a beloved snack into a show-stopping holiday treat. Make a batch for your next party, tuck a few into gift boxes, and watch them disappear with big smiles.