Christmas Tree Cake Truffles are a festive, no-bake dessert that captures the holiday spirit with minimal effort. These adorable little bites combine the nostalgic flavor of boxed Christmas Tree Cakes with rich white chocolate for a creamy, indulgent treat. In just about 25 minutes, you can transform store‑bought cakes into elegant truffles that look like holiday ornaments. They are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or cozy nights by the fireplace. Whether you are a dessert pro or a kitchen newbie, these truffles offer a quick and satisfying win with a handful of ingredients and zero oven time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Christmas Tree Cake Truffles
Christmas Tree Cake Truffles take a classic convenience dessert and elevate it into something special and shareable. You don’t need baking skills or fancy tools, just a bowl, a mixer, and a microwave or double boiler for melting chocolate. The combination of soft, crumbly cake and smooth, sweet white chocolate makes every bite melt in your mouth. Plus, the festive touches, like red drizzle and green sanding sugar, make these truffles look like they belong on a holiday dessert table. They’re fun to make, fun to eat, and perfect for gifting.
Ingredients
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1 box of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (5 cakes)
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8 ounces white chocolate or candy melts
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3 tablespoons festive sprinkles
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3 tablespoons red candy melts (optional, for drizzling)
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Green sanding sugar for decoration
Step by Step: How to Make Christmas Tree Cake Truffles
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Unwrap the Christmas Tree Cakes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
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Use a handheld mixer to break down the cakes into fine crumbs. Mix until the texture resembles a soft, dough‑like consistency.
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Add the festive sprinkles to the crumb mixture and gently fold them in until evenly distributed.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, using a tablespoon or small scoop, portion out small mounds of the cake mixture. Roll each mound between the palms of your hands to form smooth balls, then place them on the parchment-lined sheet. Repeat until all of the mixture is used.
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Refrigerate the cake balls for about 10 minutes until they firm up slightly — this helps them hold their shape when coated.
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Meanwhile, melt the white chocolate (or candy melts) in a microwave‑safe bowl. Heat in 20‑ to 30‑second intervals, stirring in between, until fully smooth and melted. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler on the stovetop.
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Once the chocolate is melted, dip each chilled cake ball into the white chocolate using a fork or dipping tool. Make sure each ball is fully coated, then lift out and let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. Place the coated truffle back on the parchment.
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If using red candy melts, melt them in a small piping bag or a ziplock bag. Heat in 30‑second intervals in the microwave, massaging the bag between sessions until melted and smooth. Snip a tiny corner of the bag tip and drizzle the red chocolate over the white‑coated truffles.
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Immediately sprinkle or press some green sanding sugar on top of each truffle so it sticks to the melted coating.
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Place the tray in the refrigerator for a few minutes to allow the chocolate and decorations to set.
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Once set, your Christmas Tree Cake Truffles are ready to enjoy. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Helpful Tips
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Use room‑temperature cakes: If the Christmas Tree Cakes are too cold, they may resist being crumbled properly. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before mixing.
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Chill the cake balls first: Putting them in the fridge before dipping will help them stay firm and not fall apart while dipping.
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Work quickly when coating: White chocolate or candy melts harden fast, have your parchment-lined tray ready to go before dipping begins.
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Clean up drips: Use a fork or toothpick to help control excess chocolate, and tap off gently before placing on parchment.
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Uniform sizing: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon measure to keep your truffles the same size — this helps with even coating and makes for a more professional finish.
Substitutions And Variations
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Swap white chocolate for milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a richer taste — this will give a different flavor profile but still delicious results.
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If you cannot find red candy melts, use melted red-colored white chocolate, or skip the drizzle and simply coat with white chocolate and sanding sugar.
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For extra texture, fold in a handful of finely chopped nuts (almonds or pecans) into the cake mixture before rolling.
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Want a peppermint twist? Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate before coating, or sprinkle crushed candy cane bits on top instead of sanding sugar.
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For a festive variation, use colored sanding sugar (red, green, silver, or gold) to match your holiday theme.
Storage Instructions
Store the truffles in an airtight container.
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At room temperature: up to 2 days, if kept in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
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In the refrigerator: up to one week.
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For longer storage: freeze in a sturdy, airtight container for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per truffle (assuming 12 truffles total):
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Calories: 180–200 kcal
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Total Fat: 9–11 g
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Saturated Fat: 5–6 g
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Carbohydrates: 23–25 g
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Sugars: 18–20 g
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Protein: 1–2 g
Serving Suggestions
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Arrange truffles on a festive serving platter or tiered dessert stand for holiday gatherings.
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Pair with warm drinks like hot cocoa, coffee, or peppermint tea to balance the sweetness.
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Add a few marshmallows or peppermint sticks on the side for a cozy, winter-themed dessert station.
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Package in small cellophane bags tied with ribbon for homemade edible gifts, ideal for coworkers, teachers, or friends during holiday parties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Tree Cake Truffles
Can I use a different brand of Christmas tree cakes or a homemade cake instead of boxed cakes?
Yes you can. While the recipe is designed for the pre‑made cakes, you can use homemade cake scraps if you have leftover cake. However the moisture level and texture may vary, so you might need to adjust how much you crumble and chill the mixture so the balls hold together properly.
What if my cake balls fall apart when dipping into chocolate?
That often happens if the cake mixture is too soft or warm. Make sure to chill the balls thoroughly before dipping. Also ensure the melted chocolate is not too thin — a slightly thicker consistency helps coat and hold the shape better.
Can I skip the red drizzle and sanding sugar?
Absolutely. The drizzle and sanding sugar are optional decorative touches. If you prefer a simpler look, just coat in white chocolate and allow them to set plain. They will still taste delicious and have a nice smooth finish.
Are these truffles freezer‑friendly?
Yes. Once coated and set, you can freeze them in a sealed container for up to a month. When ready to eat, let them thaw slowly in the refrigerator to avoid condensation forming on the chocolate surface.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Definitely. Because these are no-bake and store well chilled, they are great to prepare a day or two ahead. Just keep them sealed and refrigerated. They will stay fresh and maintain their shape and flavor until it is time to serve.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making these Christmas Tree Cake Truffles as much as I enjoy eating them. They are quick, fun, and turn a simple box of cakes into a festive holiday treat that feels special. Whether you are serving them at a Christmas party, gifting them to loved ones, or savoring them with a warm drink by the fire, these truffles bring joy and sweetness to the season. Thank you for trying this recipe and for being part of our community of food lovers. Wishing you lots of holiday warmth, good company, and delicious treats ahead.
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Christmas Tree Cake Truffles
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 truffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Tree Cake Truffles are a festive no bake dessert made with just 5 ingredients. Perfect for parties, cookie trays, and gifting. Quick to prep and full of nostalgic holiday flavor — a must-make Christmas treat!
Ingredients
1 box Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (5 cakes)
8 ounces white chocolate or candy melts
3 tablespoons festive sprinkles
3 tablespoons red candy melts (optional, for drizzling)
Green sanding sugar (for decoration)
Instructions
-
Unwrap the Christmas Tree Cakes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
-
Use a handheld mixer to break down the cakes into fine crumbs. Mix until the texture resembles a soft, dough‑like consistency.
-
Add the festive sprinkles to the crumb mixture and gently fold them in until evenly distributed.
-
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, using a tablespoon or small scoop, portion out small mounds of the cake mixture. Roll each mound between the palms of your hands to form smooth balls, then place them on the parchment lined sheet. Repeat until all of the mixture is used.
-
Refrigerate the cake balls for about 10 minutes until they firm up slightly — this helps them hold their shape when coated.
-
Meanwhile, melt the white chocolate (or candy melts) in a microwave‑safe bowl. Heat in 20‑ to 30‑second intervals, stirring in between, until fully smooth and melted. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler on the stovetop.
-
Once chocolate is melted, dip each chilled cake ball into the white chocolate using a fork or dipping tool. Make sure each ball is fully coated, then lift out and let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl. Place the coated truffle back on the parchment.
-
If using red candy melts, melt them in a small piping bag or a ziplock bag. Heat in 30‑second intervals in the microwave, massaging the bag between sessions until melted and smooth. Snip a tiny corner of the bag tip and drizzle the red chocolate over the white‑coated truffles.
-
Immediately sprinkle or press some green sanding sugar on top of each truffle so it sticks to the melted coating.
-
Place the tray in the refrigerator for a few minutes to allow the chocolate and decorations to set.
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Once set, your Christmas Tree Cake Truffles are ready to enjoy. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Chill before dipping for firmer truffles.
Use red and green sanding sugar for extra holiday flair.
Can substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate.
Store in fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes Chill Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 1g