Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles: A Festive, Fun, and Irresistible Holiday Treat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles are the ultimate no-fuss holiday dessert: nostalgic, adorable, and incredibly delicious. These truffles transform the beloved seasonal snack cakes into rich, bite-sized confections coated in chocolate and decorated with festive sprinkles. They’re whimsical enough for holiday parties and simple enough for last-minute entertaining. I once tried adding a few drops of peppermint extract to half the batch, and the refreshing hint of mint paired beautifully with the cake’s sweetness. These truffles require minimal ingredients, no baking, and deliver maximum holiday cheer. They’re also a great project to make with kids, as the mixing and decorating are easy and fun. Whether you’re gifting them in festive bags or serving them on a dessert platter, these Christmas Tree Cake Truffles bring nostalgia, joy, and irresistible flavor to your holiday season.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes
These seasonal snack cakes form the base of the truffles. Their soft texture and sweet, creamy filling blend into a perfect dough-like mixture for rolling.

Cream cheese
A small amount of softened cream cheese binds the cake mixture and adds richness without overpowering the classic Christmas Tree Cake flavor.

White chocolate or almond bark
Melted white chocolate becomes the coating for the truffles, giving them a smooth, glossy finish that pairs perfectly with the sweetness inside.

Vegetable oil or coconut oil
A splash of oil helps thin the chocolate slightly, making dipping easier and creating a smoother finish.

Festive sprinkles
Holiday sprinkles add color, texture, and a cheerful finishing touch.

Directions

Begin by unwrapping the Christmas Tree Cakes and placing them in a large mixing bowl. Crumble them using clean hands or a spoon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add softened cream cheese and mix thoroughly until a soft, uniform dough forms. If the mixture seems too dry, add a touch more cream cheese; if too soft, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to firm up.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the mixture, then roll each portion into smooth, bite-sized balls. Place them on the baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes to help them firm.

Meanwhile, melt the white chocolate or almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl using short 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Add a small amount of oil to achieve a pourable consistency.

Remove the chilled truffles from the refrigerator and dip each one into the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool, allowing excess coating to drip off. Place the coated truffles back onto the parchment paper and immediately top with festive sprinkles before the chocolate sets. Allow them to rest until fully hardened.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 20–24 truffles depending on size. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with an additional 20–30 minutes of chilling and dipping time. Total estimated time: approximately 45 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to two months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheating is not necessary as these treats are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

Variations and Customizations

Peppermint Christmas Truffles
Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the cake mixture for a refreshing twist.

Chocolate-Dipped Truffles
Use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for a richer flavor.

Red Velvet Version
Swap in Little Debbie Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cakes for a colorful variation.

Cream Cheese Frosting Boost
Add a tablespoon of cream cheese frosting for extra sweetness and richness.

Crushed Candy Cane Topping
Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive minty crunch.

Stuffed Truffles
Hide a mini marshmallow or small piece of chocolate inside each truffle.

Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free snack cakes to accommodate dietary needs.

Nutty Crunch
Roll the truffles in finely chopped pecans instead of sprinkles.

Caramel Drizzle
Add a drizzle of caramel over the chocolate coating for added indulgence.

Spiced Truffles
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a warm holiday note.

FAQs

Can I make these without cream cheese?

Yes, the cakes are soft enough, but cream cheese helps bind them and prevents crumbling.

Can I freeze the truffles?

Yes, freeze them before dipping or after; both methods work well.

Do I need almond bark, or can I use white chocolate chips?

White chocolate chips work, but almond bark melts more smoothly.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Absolutely—mixing, rolling, and decorating are perfect for little hands.

How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth?

Add a small amount of oil and melt in short intervals to prevent overheating.

Can I make them ahead for parties?

Yes, they keep well for up to a week.

Do the cakes need to be fresh?

Yes, use fresh snack cakes for best texture and flavor.

How do I avoid the truffles sticking to my hands?

Slightly dampen your hands or chill the mixture briefly before rolling.

Can I add food coloring to the coating?

Yes, oil-based food coloring works best with chocolate.

Why are my truffles too soft?

Chill the mixture longer or add a bit more cake to stiffen it.

Conclusion

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles are an easy, festive, and delightfully nostalgic treat that brings instant holiday joy to any gathering. With their creamy centers, smooth chocolate coating, and cheerful decorations, these truffles make a charming addition to dessert platters, edible gifts, or cozy nights in. Simple to prepare and endlessly customizable, they’re the perfect way to embrace the flavors and spirit of the season with minimal effort and maximum delight.

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