Introduction
Little Debbie Cake Balls are delightful bite-sized treats perfect for any festive occasion. These easy-to-make dessert balls combine the nostalgic flavors of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all coated in a smooth candy shell. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or as a fun family treat, these cake balls are sure to be a hit with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive decoration.
Overview of the Recipe
This recipe for Little Debbie Cake Balls is straightforward and fun, involving minimal ingredients and no baking. The crumbled cakes are blended with cream cheese, shaped into truffle-sized balls, and coated with white candy melts. To add a festive touch, you can decorate them with sanding sugar, sprinkles, or candy drizzle. These cake balls are perfect for parties, gifting, or as a sweet indulgence.
History and Origin
Little Debbie snacks have been a staple in American households since the 1960s, known for their affordable, delicious treats. The Christmas Tree Cakes, introduced as a seasonal favorite, inspired this modern take on a classic dessert ball. This recipe combines the nostalgia of Little Debbie treats with the versatility of cake balls, a popular confection made by combining cake crumbs with frosting or cream cheese. The result is a portable, party-ready dessert with a touch of holiday charm.
Ingredients
For the Cake Balls:
Two 5-count boxes of vanilla Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, crumbled
1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
For the Coating and Decoration:
1 (16-ounce) package of white candy melts
¼ cup red candy melts, melted (optional, for drizzle)
Red and green sanding sugar, for decoration
Optional Additions:
Vegetable shortening or coconut oil (up to 1 tablespoon, to thin candy melts if necessary)
Instructions
Preparation
Prepare the workspace: Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and set aside. This will prevent the cake balls from sticking while setting.
Make the Cake Balls
Mix the cake and cream cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes and softened cream cheese.
Beat together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Shape the balls:
Use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough into 1-inch balls.
Roll each portion between your palms to create smooth, round balls.
Chill the balls (optional but recommended):
Place the cake balls onto the prepared baking sheet.
Freeze them for 30–60 minutes to firm up, making them easier to dip into the melted candy coating.
Prepare the Candy Coating
Melt the white candy melts:
Place the white candy melts into a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir thoroughly to melt using residual heat.
Continue heating in 15-second intervals, stirring well after each, until fully melted and smooth.
If the candy melts are too thick, add a small amount of vegetable shortening or coconut oil, up to 1 tablespoon, and stir until well incorporated.
Melt the red candy melts (if using):
Place the red candy melts in a separate microwave-safe bowl and repeat the melting process above. Transfer to a piping bag with the corner snipped off for drizzling.
Coat and Decorate
Dip the cake balls:
Use a fork or dipping tool to dip each chilled cake ball into the melted white candy coating.
Tap gently to remove any excess coating, then place the coated ball back onto the prepared waxed paper.
Decorate immediately:
While the coating is still wet, sprinkle red and green sanding sugar or festive sprinkles over the cake balls.
If desired, drizzle the red candy melt over the balls for a decorative finish.
Set and Store
Chill to set:
Place the decorated cake balls in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until the coating is firm.
Store properly:
Transfer the cake balls to an airtight container, layering them between sheets of waxed paper to prevent sticking.
Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Little Debbie Cake Balls chilled for the best texture and flavor. Arrange them on a decorative platter or include them in a dessert buffet. These cake balls are also great as holiday gifts when placed in decorative boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbons.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Little Debbie Cake Balls pair well with:
Hot beverages: Coffee, hot chocolate, or tea.
Dessert spreads: Pair them with cookies, brownies, or festive candies for a complete dessert platter.
Fruit platters: Serve alongside fresh fruits like strawberries and grapes for a balanced dessert.
Variations of the Recipe
Different Flavors: Use other Little Debbie snack cakes like Chocolate Swiss Rolls or Zebra Cakes for unique flavors.
Color Themes: Customize the decorations for various occasions, such as pink and blue for baby showers or gold and white for weddings.
Alternative Coatings: Replace white candy melts with milk or dark chocolate melts for a richer flavor.
Health Benefits Notes
While Little Debbie Cake Balls are primarily an indulgent treat, you can make minor adjustments to enhance their nutritional profile:
Portion control: These bite-sized treats are naturally portioned, helping manage calorie intake.
Light cream cheese: Substitute regular cream cheese with a light version to reduce fat content.
Decorations: Use natural food dyes and sprinkles to avoid artificial additives.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of snack cake?
Yes! Substitute the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes with other varieties like brownies, pound cakes, or any similar pre-made cake.
2. How long do these cake balls last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they can last up to one week.
3. Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the cake balls and freeze them (before coating) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before dipping and decorating.
4. What if I don’t have candy melts?
You can use white chocolate chips as an alternative. Add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to help the chocolate melt smoothly.
5. Are there dairy-free options?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and chocolate alternatives to make these cake balls suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Conclusion
Little Debbie Cake Balls are a delightful, versatile dessert that captures the spirit of holiday celebrations. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create a festive and delicious treat that’s perfect for sharing. Customize them for any occasion or stick to the classic Christmas theme—they’re sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is a surefire way to spread holiday cheer.