Christmas Tree Cake Truffles

These Christmas Tree Cake Truffles are a holiday treat that combines the nostalgic taste of Little Debbie cakes with creamy white chocolate and festive decorations. Easy enough for kids to help make but stunning enough to grace any dessert table this December, these truffles are a showstopper for cookie swaps, classroom parties, or cozy nights by the tree.

The first time I made these was for a last minute holiday potluck I had just grabbed a box of Christmas Tree Cakes on a whim and decided to see what would happen. The result was a total hit and now I get requests for them every December.

Ingredients

• Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes: for a soft cakey base and signature festive flavor look for ones that are fresh not dried out
• White chocolate or candy melts: for a smooth sweet shell high quality brands will melt and coat more easily and taste richer
• Festive sprinkles: to add crunch and color use the classic holiday red green and white shades for best effect
• Red candy melts: for drizzling these give a bright finish and extra pop kids especially love them
• Green sanding sugar: for decoration which gives sparkle and classic tree vibes choose a fine grain for best coverage

Instructions

Prep the Cakes:

Unwrap all the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes and place them into a large mixing bowl. The softer and fresher the cakes are the easier they will mix into dough.

Mix and Add Sprinkles:

Break up the cakes with a handheld mixer or super clean hands until they form a crumbly not too dry dough. Fold in the festive sprinkles to spread them throughout the mixture.

Form the Truffles:

Use a tablespoon to scoop a ball of dough. Roll it gently but firmly between your hands to get a smooth round shape. Arrange each truffle on a sheet of parchment to prevent sticking.

Melt the Chocolate:

Place your white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in thirty second bursts stirring each time until completely smooth. Alternatively use a double boiler for controlled melting.

Dip the Truffles:

Drop each truffle in the melted chocolate using a fork or dipping tool to turn and coat fully. Gently tap off the extra coating and set the truffle back on the parchment.

Decorate with Drizzle:

Place red candy melts in a piping or ziplock bag and microwave until fully melted squishing the bag often for even melting. Snip a tiny corner off and drizzle red over the white coated truffles.

Finish with Sanding Sugar:

Sprinkle green sanding sugar over the truffles while the chocolate is still tacky so it sticks nicely. Chill briefly in the refrigerator to set the chocolate shell before serving or packing.

My favorite part of this recipe is the magic that happens when you roll that first truffle and realize how easy it is to create bakery style treats in your own kitchen. Every year my niece insists she gets to add the sanding sugar she considers that her signature touch and we all look forward to this sweet holiday project.

Storage Tips

Store finished truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for best texture. They stay fresh for up to one week and taste even better after chilling. If stacking use parchment sheets between layers to prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find the official Christmas Tree Cakes substitute with another soft snack cake such as zebra cakes or funfetti cakes. Use dark or milk chocolate instead of white if that is your favorite and play with different holiday sprinkle blends or even peppermint bits for a grown up twist.

Serving Suggestions

These truffles make the prettiest edible gift when packaged in festive boxes or mini cupcake liners. Arrange them on a dessert tray with chocolate bark peppermint cookies and fudge for a perfect holiday assortment. For parties kids love helping and decorating their own truffles at activity stations.

Cultural and Historical Context

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes have been a holiday staple since the eighties and are a nostalgic treat for many families in North America. Turning them into truffles gives new life to a classic and connects younger bakers with old fashioned holiday memories in a fun hands on way.

Seasonal Adaptations

Use pastel colors and bunny sprinkles for an Easter version Try orange and black colors with a candy corn topping for Halloween Go for red white and blue sprinkles to celebrate summer holidays

Success Stories

A friend told me her entire office started a new tradition after she brought these to a December work party now her coworkers have an annual truffle decorating contest with endless sprinkle combinations and plenty of laughs.

Freezer Meal Conversion

These truffles freeze beautifully on a baking sheet so they do not stick together. Once solid transfer to an airtight bag or container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before serving for best flavor and texture.

These are a truly special treat and make any holiday table sparkle. They are so simple, you will want to make them again and again!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade cake instead of store-bought cakes?

Yes, you can substitute with any soft vanilla or yellow cake for a similar texture and flavor.

→ How do I keep the truffles from falling apart during dipping?

Chill the cake balls before dipping them in melted chocolate to help maintain their shape.

→ What type of chocolate works best for coating?

White chocolate or candy melts are ideal as they coat smoothly and set firmly for decoration.

→ Can I decorate with other toppings?

Absolutely! Try crushed candy canes, colored sugars, or more festive sprinkles for variety.

→ Do the truffles need to be refrigerated after making?

Store them in the refrigerator for optimum freshness, especially if not serving right away.

→ Are the red candy melts required?

No, they are optional. The truffles still look festive with only sprinkles and sanding sugar.