I’ve turned festive, store-bought Christmas tree snack cakes into bite-sized truffles that are perfect for parties and gift tins. These no-bake Christmas Tree Cake Truffles are fast, fun to make, and I’ve tested the texture and dip technique several times to get a clean, glossy finish.
Why Make This Recipe
- Easy, no-bake treat you can assemble in under an hour — great for last-minute holiday baking.
- Crowd-pleasing sweet flavor and playful presentation that kids love.
- Portable and giftable: they travel well in tins or boxes.
- Minimal equipment and pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Personal note: I love this recipe because it turns a simple snack cake into an elegant-looking dessert with almost no fuss.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 20–30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
- Total time: 45–60 minutes (includes chilling and dipping)
- Servings: about 24 small truffles (makes 24–30 depending on size)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: Crumble cakes, mix with cream cheese, shape (or mold), chill, dip in melted white chocolate, decorate.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this recipe over three batches, adjusting cream cheese ratios to get a firm but smooth center. The biggest discovery was that brief freezing (10–15 minutes) before dipping reduces cracking and keeps the coating uniform.
How to Make Christmas Tree Cake Truffles
Crumble your cakes finely, fold in softened cream cheese until the mixture holds together, then shape into small cones or press into a Christmas-tree mold. Chill the shaped truffles until firm, melt white chocolate (or candy melts), tint if desired, dip and decorate. If you want a tested step-by-step account, see my tested version here: my tested recipe.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use cold cream cheese straight from the fridge but softened enough to beat — about 20–30 seconds in a microwave on low if needed — to avoid a greasy mixture.
- Freeze the shaped truffles 10–15 minutes before dipping; slightly frozen centers hold their shape and reduce chocolate cracking.
- If using real white chocolate, temper it or keep it between 88–90°F (31–32°C) for stability and shine; otherwise use quality candy melts for ease. A small digital thermometer helps.
- Dip with two forks or a dipping tool and tap off excess gently on the bowl edge to avoid thick drips.
- Use a silicone mat and parchment-lined tray for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Cake Truffles
- Arrange on a platter with edible gold or silver beads for a holiday centerpiece.
- Pack in small cellophane bags or boxes with parchment for edible gifts.
- Serve alongside coffee, hot cocoa, or mulled wine as a sweet bite.
- Place a toothpick in the base for a party-friendly pick-and-eat treat.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store finished truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days; separate layers with parchment. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a tray for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before serving. Do not microwave; bring to room temp gently to avoid sweating the coating.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free snack cakes or bake a small gluten-free sheet cake and crumble as the base.
- Dairy-free/vegan: Swap cream cheese for a firm vegan cream cheese and use dairy-free white chocolate or candy melts.
- Peppermint twist: Stir 1/2–1 tsp peppermint extract into the filling and sprinkle crushed candy cane on the wet coating.
- Nutty crunch: Fold 1/4 cup finely chopped toasted nuts into the crumb mixture for texture, or roll truffles in chopped pistachios.
Nutritional Highlights
- These are decadent, energy-dense treats — small portions (1–2 truffles) are a satisfying serving size.
- Main macronutrients are carbs from cake and sugar; cream cheese adds fat and some protein.
- Allergen info: contains dairy and gluten unless you use substitutions; may include soy from some candy melts.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Mixture too wet and won’t form: Add 1–2 tbsp of powdered sugar or more crumbled cake to dry it slightly and bind.
- Chocolate coating cracks after setting: The center was too warm — chill the truffles longer before dipping and keep the chocolate at correct temperature.
- Decorations sliding off: Allow the coating to set for 1–2 minutes, then add sprinkles while the surface is still tacky; avoid very warm rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought snack cakes only, or should I bake my own?
A: Store-bought Christmas tree snack cakes work perfectly and save time; baking your own lets you control the crumb texture and ingredients (use a compact, fine crumb for best binding).
Q: How do I get a glossy, non-streaky coating?
A: Heat and maintain the chocolate at the right temperature (88–90°F for tempered white chocolate) and dip at a cool center temperature. Use high-quality chocolate or candy melts and work in a cool room to avoid streaks.
Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Yes, make them up to 2 months frozen or up to 7 days refrigerated. Thaw slowly in the fridge to prevent condensation on the coating.
Q: What’s the best way to color white coating evenly?
A: Use oil-based or candy color for chocolate (water-based gel can seize white chocolate). Add color in small amounts until you reach the shade you want.
Conclusion
For more recipe inspiration and variations, check these useful references: Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles (Easy No-Bake Recipe …), Christmas Tree Cake Balls – Life With The Crust Cut Off, Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles – My Incredible Recipes, 3 Ingredient Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles – The …, and Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Balls – Budget-friendly Recipes …. Happy baking and decorating — these truffles are one of my favorite quick holiday projects.
Print
Christmas Tree Cake Truffles
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious no-bake Christmas tree cake truffles that are perfect for parties and gift tins.
Ingredients
- Store-bought Christmas tree snack cakes
- Cream cheese
- White chocolate or candy melts (for dipping)
- Edible decorations (optional)
- Parchment paper (for storage)
Instructions
- Crumble the snack cakes finely.
- Fold in softened cream cheese until the mixture holds together.
- Shape into small cones or press into a Christmas-tree mold.
- Chill the shaped truffles until firm.
- Melt the white chocolate and tint if desired.
- Dip the truffles in melted chocolate and decorate.
Notes
To maintain a glossy coating, ensure the chocolate is tempered and the truffles are chilled before dipping. Use parchment to separate layers when storing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg