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These festive Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Truffles bring a nostalgic holiday charm to your kitchen without any baking fuss. Soft snack cakes combine with creamy cheese and a velvety white chocolate coating to create a treat that feels just like a sweet holiday hug. Whether you want something quick for a party or a lovely homemade gift, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
I first made these truffles during a last minute holiday gathering, and they quickly became the highlight that everyone asked about. Their playful appearance and melt in your mouth texture make them a true crowd pleaser year after year.
Ingredients
- Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes vanilla variety: the base for soft, moist texture and nostalgic flavor. Make sure to choose fresh cakes for the best crumb
- Cream cheese softened: binds ingredients and adds creamy richness. Do not skip softening to ensure smooth mixing
- White chocolate or white candy melts: provides a glossy, sweet coating that sets beautifully. Pick quality chocolate for a smooth finish
- Holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes optional: adds festive color and a bit of crunchy texture to make the truffles pop on your dessert tray
- Red or green candy melts optional for drizzle: perfect for a decorative holiday flourish that ups the wow factor
Instructions
- Process the Cakes:
- Unwrap the Christmas Tree Cakes and pulse them in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. You can also crumble them by hand in a bowl but aim for even consistency so the mixture blends well.
- Add Cream Cheese:
- Add the softened cream cheese to the crumb mixture and blend until thick, smooth, and uniformly combined. If the mixture feels too soft to handle, place it in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up nicely.
- Scoop and Roll:
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the mixture and roll each portion into a smooth ball with your hands. Place the balls on a parchment lined tray and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so they hold their shape during coating.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Gently melt the white chocolate or candy melts in 30 second intervals in the microwave, stirring well in between to avoid burning. Aim for a smooth, pourable consistency without lumps.
- Dip the Truffles:
- Using a fork or dipping tool, coat each chilled ball fully in the melted chocolate. Allow excess to drip off before placing the truffle back onto parchment paper. If desired, sprinkle with holiday decorations like candy canes or festive sprinkles right after dipping while the coating is still wet.
- Decorative Drizzle:
- Melt red or green candy melts and drizzle over the coated truffles with a spoon or piping bag for a colorful finishing touch. Let everything set completely at room temperature or in the fridge before serving or packaging.
My favorite part is the white chocolate coating because it gives that beautiful holiday look and a smooth texture that contrasts nicely with the crumbly cake inside. I remember one Christmas when my kids helped drizzle the candy melts and felt so proud handing out these cute truffles as gifts at school.
Storage Tips
Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you plan to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Thaw in the fridge before serving to maintain their texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, vanilla snack cakes or pound cake slices can work as an alternative. For the coating, melting white chocolate chips instead of candy melts is fine but take care not to overheat or add a small amount of vegetable oil for a smoother coating.
Serving Suggestions
These truffles pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled cider for a cozy holiday afternoon treat. Present them on a festive platter with varying sprinkles for a decorative cookie tray centerpiece.
These Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Truffles are a festive no bake treat that comes together quickly and looks delightful on any holiday platter. Share them warm or chilled for a sweet seasonal favorite.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → What type of snack cakes are used?
Vanilla Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes provide a soft, crumbly base for these treats.
- → Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Softened cream cheese is essential for smooth texture, but full-fat alternatives with similar consistency can work.
- → What coating options are recommended?
White chocolate or white candy melts offer a smooth, sweet coating that complements the treat's flavors well.
- → How can these be decorated for holidays?
Holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or red and green candy melt drizzles add festive color and texture.
- → Is chilling necessary during preparation?
Chilling firms the truffle mixture and coating, ensuring a neat finish and easier dipping.