Little Debbie Cake Truffles

This heavenly no-bake treat transforms beloved Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes into irresistible truffles that capture the essence of holiday magic in each bite. Perfect for busy holiday schedules, these festive treats require just five simple ingredients and minimal prep time.

I created these truffles last Christmas when I needed a last-minute treat for a neighborhood cookie exchange. They were such a hit that three different families asked for the recipe before the night was over.

Ingredients

• Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes these iconic holiday treats provide the perfect sweet base and festive flavor
• White chocolate or candy melts creates a smooth, glossy coating that sets beautifully
• Festive sprinkles adds a pop of color and texture to the truffle mixture
• Red candy melts for the classic striped look that mimics the original cakes
• Green sanding sugar recreates the magical sparkle of the Christmas tree decorations on the original cakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the truffle mixture

Break apart the Little Debbie cakes into a large mixing bowl and beat with a mixer until they transform into a soft, moldable dough. The texture should be consistent throughout with no large cake pieces remaining.

Add festive flair

Gently fold in colorful sprinkles if desired, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture. This creates delightful bursts of color when you bite into the truffles.

Shape the truffles

Use a tablespoon to portion the mixture and roll between your palms into approximately 1inch balls. Work quickly as the mixture becomes stickier as it warms in your hands.

Chill for success

Place the shaped truffles on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate until firm, about 3060 minutes. This crucial step ensures they hold their shape during the dipping process.

Prepare the coating

Melt white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave using 30second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each. The coating should be completely smooth and fluid but not hot.

Dip with finesse

Working with a few truffles at a time keeping the rest chilled, dip each ball into the melted white chocolate. Use a fork to gently tap off excess coating and transfer to the lined sheet.

Add finishing touches

While the coating is still wet, drizzle with melted red candy melts and immediately sprinkle with green sanding sugar. Work quickly as the coating sets fast.

Set and serve

Allow truffles to set completely in the refrigerator before arranging on a serving plate or packaging for gifts. The contrast of the soft interior and crisp coating is divine when served chilled.

Bookmark

The Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes hold a special place in my heart. My grandmother always tucked one into my lunchbox during December when I was growing up. Transforming them into these elegant truffles feels like giving a nostalgic childhood treat a sophisticated makeover while preserving all those wonderful holiday memories.

Make Ahead Instructions

These truffles actually improve with a day of rest in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen and the texture becomes even more luscious. You can prepare them up to two weeks in advance of your holiday gathering. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment between layers if you need to stack them. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully for up to three months just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Gifting Ideas

These truffles make gorgeous homemade gifts that friends and family will treasure. Place them in festive mini cupcake liners inside a decorative tin or clear gift box tied with ribbon. For a complete gift basket, pair them with a holiday mug and gourmet hot chocolate mix. The best part is they travel well, so they're perfect for shipping to distant loved ones or bringing to office parties without worry about them losing their shape or appeal.

Creative Variations

While the classic version is irresistible, you can easily customize these truffles to create your own signature version. Try using the chocolate tree cakes for a rich chocolateonchocolate experience. Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the mixture for a minty twist that tastes like Christmas. Swap the white chocolate coating for dark or milk chocolate and use different colored drizzles to match your holiday decorations. For texture contrast, mix in finely chopped nuts or crushed candy canes into the truffle mixture.

Your Questions Answered About This Recipe

→ Can I use different flavors of Little Debbie cakes?

Absolutely! While the Christmas Tree Cakes create a festive holiday theme, you can substitute with other Little Debbie varieties like Zebra Cakes, Oatmeal Creme Pies, or Cosmic Brownies for different flavor profiles. Just adjust your coating and decoration colors to complement your chosen cake variety.

→ How far in advance can I make these truffles?

These truffles can be prepared up to two weeks ahead when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw refrigerated truffles for about 15 minutes before serving, and frozen truffles overnight in the refrigerator.

→ Why are my truffles too soft to dip?

If your truffle mixture is too soft, place the formed balls in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before dipping. This firms them up significantly and makes the dipping process much cleaner. Also ensure you're working in a cool room, as warm temperatures can cause the mixture to soften quickly.

→ What's the best method for dipping the truffles?

For the cleanest results, use two forks to lower each truffle ball into the melted chocolate, fully submerge it, then lift it out, allowing excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Place on parchment paper and immediately add any sprinkles or sugar before the chocolate sets. Working with small batches from the refrigerator helps maintain firmness during dipping.

→ Can I make these truffles without a mixer?

Yes! While a mixer makes the process faster, you can crush the cakes by hand. Place them in a large ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form. Then transfer to a bowl and mix by hand until you achieve a dough-like consistency that holds together when rolled into balls.

→ How do I fix chocolate that's too thick for dipping?

If your melted white chocolate or candy melts become too thick for smooth dipping, add 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil or shortening and stir until incorporated. This will thin the consistency without affecting the flavor or setting properties. Continue adding in small amounts until you reach the desired dipping consistency.