There’s something absolutely magical about festive treats that bring a touch of whimsy and a burst of flavor in every bite. This Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe is exactly that—a fun, no-fuss dessert that turns classic holiday cakes into adorable, bite-sized delights perfect for any gathering.

Five round white balls covered in smooth white icing sit closely on a stack of three white plates. Each ball is decorated with bright red stripes drizzled across the top and sprinkled with small green sugar pieces. The plates rest on a white marbled surface with a red cloth underneath. Behind the plates, wooden spoons and a round white bowl filled with green sugar crystals are partially visible. There are also red, white, and natural wood beaded garlands decorating the scene, adding a festive touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I adore this Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe for how easy it is to whip together yet still wow your guests with its festive charm. It's a total crowd-pleaser that brings a nostalgic vibe and a modern twist all at once.

Convenience: Using Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes as the base means you save time without sacrificing taste.
Festive Fun: The green sanding sugar and red candy melt drizzle make these cake balls look so merry and bright.
Texture Heaven: Cream cheese adds a creamy richness that perfectly balances the cake’s sweet crumb.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these days in advance, making holiday hosting a breeze.

The image shows four round cookies on a white plate, each covered in smooth white icing. They have red icing stripes drizzled diagonally on top, with small green sugar sprinkles scattered over the white icing. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a red cloth beneath it. Around the plate are pieces of a white and red wooden bead garland, and a white bowl filled with green sprinkles is nearby. The background and surface have a clean, bright feel with festive red and green colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create that perfect balance between cake and creamy gooeyness, all coated in a festive shell. Plus, they’re pretty easy to grab at most grocery stores this time of year.

Flat lay of two fresh green Christmas tree cakes with white and red frosting, a block of smooth cream cheese, a large piece of white almond bark, bright red candy melts in a small white ceramic bowl, and a white ceramic bowl filled with sparkling green sanding sugar, all arranged symmetrically in balanced proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes: The star of the show—soft, spongy, and packed with holiday flavor.
Cream Cheese: Brings moisture and tang to the cake balls, helping bind the crumbs together beautifully.
White Almond Bark: Melts smoothly for a crisp, sweet coating that sets the perfect base for decoration.
Red Candy Melts: Adds vibrant holiday color and a sweet drizzle that looks as good as it tastes.
Green Sanding Sugar: Gives a sparkling, festive finish that mimics Christmas tree needles.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I love how this recipe comes together, I find it’s a great canvas for your personal touches. Whether it’s swapping flavors or adjusting decorations, feel free to get creative!

Variation: I once swapped the white almond bark for dark chocolate and it added a fantastic depth—so if you prefer your treats less sweet, give that a whirl.
Dietary Twist: For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free cake or cookie crumbs—just make sure to adjust moisture levels with the cream cheese accordingly.
Holiday Flair: Instead of green sanding sugar, crushed peppermint candy adds a festive pop and a refreshing flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe

Step 1: Smooth and Creamy Base

Start by placing the cream cheese in a large bowl and beating it with a hand mixer until it’s perfectly smooth—no lumps here! Scrape down the sides to make sure everything is evenly mixed, then add the Christmas Tree Cakes. Mixing those together creates the creamy, cakey base that holds the balls together. Trust me, this step is where the magic begins.

Step 2: Shape the Little Trees

Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop helps keep everything consistent—24 cake balls in total. If you find the mixture sticking to your hands, a tiny drizzle of vegetable or canola oil on your palms does wonders. I like to roll them gently so they keep a nice shape without compacting too much, which keeps them light.

Step 3: Chill Time Is Key

Put your rolled balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the freezer. Two hours works, but like me, if you have the patience, overnight chilling firms them perfectly, making the next steps so much smoother.

Step 4: Dunk, Decorate, and Delight

Gently melt the white almond bark in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, to avoid burning. I use two forks or a fork with a skewer to dip and carefully shake off excess chocolate. What’s fun here is immediately sprinkling on the green sanding sugar, so it sticks before the coating sets. The red candy melts drizzle is my favorite—melt with a touch of coconut oil if needed to get that perfect drizzling consistency, pop it in a bag, snip a tiny hole, and you’re set. If impatience strikes like mine, a quick fridge chill sets that drizzle fast.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, these tips made all the difference when I first made this Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe. They help avoid pitfalls and guarantee that festive wow factor every time.

Even Crumbs: Break the tree cakes down well before mixing for a smooth base—no large clumps means easier rolling.
Oil Your Hands: Lightly greasing your hands prevents sticking and helps maintain the shape without pressing too hard.
Slow Chocolate Melt: Microwave in short bursts and stir frequently to keep the almond bark from burning or seizing up.
Drizzle Patience: Let the red candy melts set fully before storing to prevent smudging—it’s tempting to dig in early, but worth the wait.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe

Christmas Tree Cake Balls - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I stick with classic green sanding sugar because it really captures that sparkling pine effect. Sometimes I add a tiny edible pearl on top as a “star” for an extra festive touch. It’s simple but adds charm, especially for kids’ parties.

Side Dishes

These cake balls shine as a standalone dessert but pair beautifully with spiced hot chocolate or a warm cup of holiday coffee. For a holiday party, I like to serve them alongside peppermint bark or gingerbread cookies to keep the festive feast flowing.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve had great luck arranging these Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe treats on a large platter shaped like a Christmas tree, using mint leaves and fresh cranberries as “ornaments.” It’s a festive centerpiece that sparks conversation and invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers (which is rare!), I store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They hold up wonderfully for up to a week—just bring them to room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these cake balls wrapped tightly in parchment and placed inside a freezer-safe container for up to four months. They freeze well but keep in mind the chocolate coating might crack slightly when thawed—totally normal and doesn’t affect the taste.

Reheating

I usually skip reheating to avoid melting the chocolate, but if you want a softer texture, just leave them on the counter for 15 minutes or so. It’s the best way to enjoy that moist, creamy center without compromising the festive look.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cake for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes bring a festive touch and convenience, you can use other types of spongy cakes like chocolate or vanilla pound cake. Just crumble and mix with cream cheese as instructed.

Why do I need to freeze the cake balls before dipping?

Freezing the cake balls solidifies them, making dipping into melted coating much easier without them falling apart. It also helps the coating to set quickly while maintaining the shape perfectly.

How do I prevent the white almond bark from seizing?

Melting the almond bark slowly in short 30-second intervals and stirring frequently is key. Avoid overheating and moisture—ensure your utensils are dry. If it thickens, a small splash of vegetable oil or shortening can help smooth it out.

Can I make these cake balls ahead of time for a party?

Yes! These cake balls actually benefit from sitting overnight in the fridge or freezer. You can prepare them a day or two ahead, making your holiday prep much easier. Just remember to store them airtight to keep fresh.

Final Thoughts

Making this Christmas Tree Cake Balls Recipe reminds me each year that festive treats don’t have to be complicated to be special. It’s always a hit at holiday parties and brings a cozy feeling to the season. So go ahead and treat yourself (and friends!)—you’ll love the smiles these cute, tasty bites bring to the table.