Festive Little Debbies Truffles

This hearty Christmas Tree Cake Truffles recipe transforms store-bought Little Debbies into festive, no-bake treats perfect for holiday gatherings. The combination of cake texture with smooth white chocolate coating creates an irresistible bite-sized dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes.

I first made these truffles during a Christmas cookie exchange last year, and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. My nephew asked if we could make them a new tradition, and honestly, I couldn't agree more.

Ingredients

• Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes provides the perfect sweet base with built-in festive flavor
• White chocolate or candy melts creates a smooth exterior that hardens beautifully
• Festive sprinkles add holiday cheer and a bit of crunch texture
• Red candy melts for drizzling creates that classic Christmas look
• Green sanding sugar mimics the sparkle of a snow-dusted Christmas tree

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the cake mixture.

Unwrap all five Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes and place them in a large bowl. The cakes should be room temperature for easier mixing.

Create the dough.

Using a handheld mixer, break down the cakes until a crumbly dough forms. This usually takes about 2 minutes of mixing. Add the sprinkles and gently fold them in until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Form the truffles.

Using a tablespoon measure, scoop portions of the dough and roll between your palms to create smooth balls. Place each formed ball on a parchment lined baking sheet. The warmth of your hands helps compact the mixture.

Prepare the chocolate.

Melt the white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave safe bowl using 30-second intervals, stirring between each until completely smooth. The chocolate should be fluid but not too hot, which could melt your truffles.

Dip the truffles.

Using a fork or dipping tool, submerge each cake ball completely in the melted white chocolate. Gently tap the tool on the edge of the bowl to remove excess chocolate before placing back on the baking sheet.

Add decorative touches.

Melt the red candy melts in a piping bag or ziplock bag using 30-second microwave intervals. Cut a small tip and drizzle over the white chocolate coating. Quickly sprinkle with green sanding sugar before the drizzle sets.

Set the truffles.

Place the decorated truffles in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes until the chocolate coating is completely set and firm to the touch.

Bookmark

The Little Debbie cakes already contain the perfect amount of sweetness and flavor for these truffles. I discovered this recipe when I had leftover Christmas Tree Cakes after a school party. My daughter suggested we try something creative with them rather than just eating them plain, and this has become our favorite way to elevate a simple store-bought treat.

Storage Tips

These truffles stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The chocolate coating actually helps seal in moisture and prevent them from drying out. For best results, place parchment paper between layers if stacking them to prevent sticking or damage to the decorative toppings.

Make Ahead Options

You can prepare the cake mixture and form the balls up to 24 hours ahead, keeping them covered in the refrigerator. I recommend dipping in chocolate the day you plan to serve them for the freshest appearance. If you need to make them further in advance, the completed truffles can be frozen for up to a month. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to customize these truffles with different flavor elements. Adding a quarter teaspoon of peppermint extract to the white chocolate creates a delightful mint version. For chocolate lovers, try dipping in milk or dark chocolate instead of white. During other seasons, you can use different Little Debbie cakes like Valentine hearts or Easter cakes with coordinating sprinkle colors.

Serving Suggestions

Present these truffles on a holiday platter surrounded by fresh mint leaves for a festive touch. They make beautiful additions to cookie boxes or holiday gift bags. For an elegant dessert table, place each truffle in a mini cupcake liner and arrange them in concentric circles on a cake stand. They pair wonderfully with hot chocolate or coffee after a holiday meal.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use other Little Debbie cake varieties?

Yes! While Christmas Tree Cakes give these truffles their festive appeal, you can substitute other Little Debbie varieties like Zebra Cakes or Cosmic Brownies. Just adjust your decorations to complement the flavor profile of your chosen cake.

→ How should I store these truffles?

Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Allow frozen truffles to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

→ Why is my white chocolate seizing when melting?

White chocolate can be temperamental when melting. Ensure your bowl is completely dry, as even a drop of water can cause seizing. Melt in short 15-30 second microwave bursts, stirring well between each interval. If it still seizes, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil.

→ Can I make these truffles ahead of time?

Absolutely! These truffles are perfect for making 1-3 days in advance of your event. The flavors actually develop nicely after a day in the refrigerator, making them ideal for holiday preparation.

→ What can I use instead of candy melts?

If you don't have candy melts, white chocolate chips or bars work well. For colored drizzles, you can tint white chocolate with oil-based food coloring (never water-based). Alternatively, colored frosting in piping bags can create decorative drizzles.

→ How do I prevent the cake balls from falling apart in the chocolate?

If your cake balls are crumbling during dipping, they may need more compression. Try chilling the formed balls in the freezer for 15 minutes before dipping. This firms them up and makes the dipping process much smoother.