If you’re looking for a festive, easy-to-make treat that will wow your family and guests this holiday season, you’re in the right place. I absolutely love how this Christmas Tree Cake Truffles Recipe turns iconic Little Debbie Christmas tree cakes into bite-sized, irresistible party snacks. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your go-to holiday dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: You basically mash cake with cream cheese, dip in chocolate, and you’re done!
- Holiday Vibes: Perfect festive look with red and green sanding sugar that’s instantly Christmas.
- Kid-Friendly: My kids can’t get enough, and they love helping to roll the balls and decorate.
- Crowd Pleaser: These truffles disappear fast at parties—everyone asks for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Christmas Tree Cake Truffles Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet they come together to create something magical. Everything works in harmony — the soft cake, the creamy texture, and the crisp candy coating.
- Chocolate Christmas tree cakes: The star here! These already have that festive flavor and fun shape. Little Debbie’s version is perfect because of the distinct chocolate coating and cake texture.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is the binding agent. It adds just the right bit of tang and richness to keep the mixture moist without being too sticky.
- White candy melts or vanilla-flavored melting wafers: I like these for coating because they harden up beautifully and give a smooth, pretty white shell to the truffles.
- Red and green sanding sugar: This is purely for that festive sparkle and texture, turning simple truffles into eye-catching Christmas treats.
Variations
I like to mix things up now and then with this Christmas Tree Cake Truffles Recipe. It’s so easy to personalize depending on your taste, dietary needs, or the occasion.
- Chocolate coating variation: I’ve swapped white candy melts for milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a richer outer shell—both are divine and add a different twist to the flavor profile.
- Flavor add-ins: Sometimes I stir in a teaspoon of peppermint extract or a dash of cinnamon to give a cozy holiday kick that’s unexpected but delicious.
- Dietary changes: For dairy-free options, use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free candy melts; you’ll need to ensure these melt smoothly but I’ve found good brands for that.
- Decoration mix-up: Instead of sanding sugar, try crushed peppermint candies or colored sprinkles for a different texture and look.
How to Make Christmas Tree Cake Truffles Recipe
Step 1: Combine Cake and Cream Cheese into a Doughy Mixture
Start by gathering your chocolate Christmas tree cakes and softened cream cheese in a big mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer is a game-changer here—it helps blend everything evenly, creating a smooth dough without lumps. I used to try it by hand, which took forever and made my arms tired! You’ll want the mixture firm enough to hold together but soft enough to scoop.
Step 2: Scoop and Freeze Your Truffle Balls
Use a one-inch cookie scoop or a spoon to portion your dough into small balls. Place these on a baking sheet lined with waxed or parchment paper so they don’t stick. Here’s a trick I learned: freezing them for at least 30 minutes before dipping helps the truffles keep their shape and stops them from falling apart in the melted chocolate. It’s worth the wait!
Step 3: Melt Candy Coating and Dip
Microwave your white candy melts in 30-second bursts, stirring well in between to avoid scorching. Stirring with a metal spoon ensures everything melts evenly. Dip the frozen truffle balls using a bamboo stick to fully coat them—this keeps your hands clean and gives you nice control. Immediately after dipping, sprinkle the red and green sanding sugars on top before the coating hardens. This part is so fun; I always get a little carried away with the sparkle!
Step 4: Chill and Enjoy
Pop the dipped truffles back in the refrigerator to set fully—about 10-15 minutes is usually enough. After that, they’re ready to serve or package up for gifting. They hold their shape well and look super festive, making them a real showstopper.
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Cake Truffles Recipe
- Soften Cream Cheese Properly: I like to leave it out for about 30 minutes beforehand; this helps the mixer blend smoothly without lumps.
- Freeze Before Dipping: Freezing truffles solid for 30 minutes prevents melting and helps achieve a cleaner candy shell.
- Use Bamboo Sticks for Dipping: It’s easier and less messy, plus you get that perfect round shape on your truffles.
- Avoid Overheating Candy Melts: Microwave in short bursts and stir often; this keeps the coating smooth and prevents burning.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Cake Truffles Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling red and green sanding sugar on these truffles because it gives them that classic Christmas sparkle and a subtle crunch, which contrasts nicely with the soft center. You can also get creative and top with little edible silver or gold balls if you want to dress them up for a fancy party.
Side Dishes
Pairing these truffles with a hot cup of cocoa or a robust black coffee is my favorite way to enjoy them. If you want to turn it into a full holiday dessert spread, include some peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, or spiced nuts for a nice variety of festive flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I arrange these truffles in a Christmas tree shape on a festive platter lined with fresh evergreen sprigs to enhance that seasonal vibe. Another fun idea is packaging them in clear gift boxes tied with red and green ribbons—these make lovely edible gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover truffles keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. I always stack them carefully with parchment paper layers in between to avoid smudging the candy coating. They maintain their texture and flavor without drying out.
Freezing
Freezing these truffles works well if you want to make them ahead of time or save extras. Just place them in a single layer on a tray in the freezer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container once frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge to keep the coating intact.
Reheating
Since these are no-bake treats, reheating isn’t necessary—just bring them to room temperature before serving if they’ve been chilled or frozen. That way, you’ll get the creamiest, most wonderful bite without any melting issues.
FAQs
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Can I use a different flavor of Christmas tree cakes?
Absolutely! While the classic chocolate works best because of the candy coating, you can experiment with other flavors. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture might vary slightly, but it can be a fun twist for the holidays.
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What if I don’t have candy melts—can I use chocolate chips?
Yes, you can! Just melt them carefully with a little bit of shortening or coconut oil to thin them out, which helps create the smooth dipping consistency needed for coating the truffles.
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How do I keep my truffles from melting while dipping?
Freeze your truffle balls solid before dipping, and keep the candy melts at the right temperature—not too hot. Using a bamboo skewer helps you dip quickly and efficiently, so the truffles don’t have time to melt.
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Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Make them a day or two before and store in the fridge. They actually taste even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best experience.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Tree Cake Truffles Recipe holds such a warm spot in my heart—it’s one of those easy, fun, and utterly delicious treats that bring everyone together. Whether you’re juggling holiday prep or just want a quick festive snack, these truffles nail it every time. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing them as much as my family and I do!
Print
Christmas Tree Cake Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles are festive, bite-sized sweet treats perfect for the holiday season. These easy-to-make truffles combine moist chocolate Christmas tree cakes with creamy softened cream cheese, coated in smooth white candy melts and topped with colorful red and green sanding sugar. Ideal for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a fun snack for kids, these truffles offer a delightful mix of rich and creamy textures with a festive appearance.
Ingredients
Truffle Mixture
- One box of chocolate Christmas tree cakes
- 4 oz package of cream cheese, softened
Coating
- One package of white candy melts or vanilla-flavored melting wafers
- Red and green sanding sugar, for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with waxed paper or parchment paper to prevent the truffles from sticking.
- Mix the truffle base: Place the chocolate Christmas tree cakes and the softened cream cheese into a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to beat the ingredients together until a uniform, dough-like consistency forms.
- Form truffle balls: Use a cookie scoop to portion the mixture into approximately one-inch diameter balls. Arrange these balls evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Freeze the truffles: Place the baking sheet with the truffle balls in the freezer for about 30 minutes or until the balls are firm enough to handle and dip.
- Melt the candy coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white candy melts by heating in 30-second intervals. Stir thoroughly with a metal spoon between each interval until completely smooth and melted.
- Dip the truffles: Use bamboo sticks to dip each truffle ball into the melted candy coating, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Decorate and set: Place the coated truffle back onto the baking sheet immediately and sprinkle generously with red and green sanding sugar to create a festive look.
- Chill to harden: Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and allow the candy coating to set and harden completely before serving.
- Enjoy: Once hardened, serve these delightful Christmas tree cake truffles at your holiday events or as a special treat.
Notes
- These truffles are easy to make and perfect for festive holiday celebrations.
- Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform truffle sizes for even freezing and coating.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to blend easily with the cake for a smooth texture.
- Chocolate Christmas tree cakes can be substituted with other themed Little Debbie cakes if desired.
- Use bamboo sticks or toothpicks to dip truffles cleanly into the melted candy.
- Store truffles in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and firmness until serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
