Introduction
Little Debbie Christmas Cake Balls are a delightful no-bake dessert that captures the festive spirit of the holiday season. These bite-sized treats are made using Little Debbie Christmas Tree Snack Cakes as the base, which provides an instant festive flavor and saves time on baking. The combination of crushed cakes with cream cheese creates a smooth, moldable mixture that can be shaped into perfect balls. This recipe is ideal for holiday parties, gifting, and adding a touch of magic to your dessert table.
One of the reasons these cake balls are so popular is their ease of preparation. They require minimal ingredients and no baking, making them a stress-free option for those looking to create a delicious and visually appealing dessert without much fuss. The use of pre-packaged snack cakes simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on decorating and making them look as festive as possible.
Decorating these cake balls with red drizzle and green sanding sugar not only adds a pop of color but also mimics the classic design of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, making them instantly recognizable and festive. Whether you’re serving them as truffles, cake pops, or simply as a sweet treat, these cake balls are sure to delight both kids and adults alike during the holiday season.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximate values):
- Calories: 120-170
- Protein: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 12-18g
- Fat: 6-11g
- Fiber: 0-1g
- Sodium: 50-100mg
Ingredients
- 2 boxes of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Snack Cakes (about 10 cakes)
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1 package of white candy melts or white chocolate melting wafers (16 ounces)
- Red candy melts or red cookie icing for decoration
- Green sanding sugar or sprinkles for festive finishing
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with wax paper or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Unwrap the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes and place them in a large bowl. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to crumble the cakes into a fine mixture.
- Add the softened cream cheese to the bowl and mix until the cake and cream cheese are well combined and form a smooth dough. Ensure the cream cheese is softened to achieve the right consistency.
- Use a small cookie scoop to form the mixture into even-sized balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Freeze the cake balls for about an hour to ensure they hold their shape during the dipping process.
- Melt the white candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
- Dip each frozen cake ball into the melted white candy melts, tapping off any excess chocolate by gently tapping the fork or dipping tool against the side of the bowl.
- Immediately decorate the wet chocolate coating with red drizzle (using red candy melts or red cookie icing) and green sanding sugar or sprinkles.
- Place the decorated cake balls back on the baking sheet lined with wax paper. Allow them to set at room temperature for a few hours or in the refrigerator for about an hour.
Cooking Tips and Variations
To achieve the best results with these cake balls, consider the following tips:
- Freezing: Freezing the cake balls before dipping is crucial to prevent them from falling apart while coating.
- Chocolate Thinning: Adding a small amount of shortening to the melted candy melts can help thin the chocolate for an easier and smoother coating.
- Decorating: Work in small batches when decorating to ensure the sprinkles adhere properly to the wet chocolate.
- Variations: Experiment with different flavors or colors of candy melts for a custom look. You can also use other Little Debbie snack cakes like Zebra Cakes or Swiss Rolls for a different twist.
Storage and Reheating
For storing cake balls:
- Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days.
- Refrigeration: In humid climates, store them in the refrigerator to prevent melting.
- Freezing: You can freeze either uncoated cake balls or finished cake balls for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to prevent cake balls from falling apart during dipping?
Freezing the cake balls before dipping is essential to prevent them from falling apart. This ensures they hold their shape when coated with melted chocolate.
How do I ensure the sprinkles stick to the chocolate coating?
Work in small batches and apply the sprinkles immediately after coating the cake balls with melted chocolate. This ensures the sprinkles adhere properly before the chocolate hardens.
Can I customize the recipe with different snack cakes?
Yes, you can experiment with different Little Debbie snack cakes like Zebra Cakes or Swiss Rolls for a unique twist on the recipe.
How long can I store the cake balls?
Cake balls can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days. In humid climates, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to prevent melting. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
