Introduction
Get ready to indulge in a festive treat that brings a delightful twist to your holiday celebrations! These Little Debbie Christmas tree-inspired cake balls are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make. Combining the creamy texture of softened cream cheese with the festive flavors of vanilla cake, dipped in smooth white chocolate and adorned with decorative red candy, these treats are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions to recreate this delicious dessert.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
10 Little Debbie vanilla Christmas tree snack cakes (unwrapped from 2 – 8.62 oz. boxes)
8-ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
20 ounces white chocolate melting wafers (Ghirardelli brand used)
6 ounces red vanilla-flavored melting candy wafers (Wilton brand used)
1 tablespoon green sanding sugar sprinkles
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30-45 minutes (freezing)
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20 cake balls
Enjoy making these festive cake balls that capture the spirit of the holiday season with every bite!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Baking Sheets
Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set aside.
Mix Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed using a handheld mixer for 1-2 minutes until fluffy and smooth.
Add Snack Cakes
Break the Little Debbie vanilla Christmas tree snack cakes into smaller pieces and add them to the bowl with the cream cheese. Mix on low speed until fully combined. The mixture should be relatively smooth, though small pieces of the vanilla coating may remain.
Form Cake Balls
Using a small cookie scoop, scoop out 1-tablespoon-sized portions of the cake mixture. Roll each portion into a smooth ball between your palms.
Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the formed cake balls onto one of the prepared baking sheets. Repeat until all the mixture has been used.
Freeze Cake Balls
Freeze the cake balls for 30-45 minutes, or until completely solid. This will make coating them in melted white chocolate easier.
Melt White Chocolate
Melt the white chocolate wafers in a medium bowl according to the package directions, stirring until smooth.
Melt Red Candy Wafers
In a separate small bowl, melt the red vanilla-flavored candy wafers according to the package directions, stirring until smooth. Transfer the melted red candy wafers into a small piping bag with the tip cut off.
Coat Cake Balls
Dip each frozen cake ball into the melted white chocolate, ensuring all sides are coated. Using a fork, lift the coated cake ball out of the chocolate, gently tapping the fork on the side of the bowl to allow excess chocolate to drip off.
Decorate Cake Balls
Place the white chocolate-coated cake ball onto the second prepared baking sheet. Pipe a decorative zig-zag pattern across the top using the melted red candy wafers. Sprinkle with a pinch of green sanding sugar sprinkles to mimic the look of the original Little Debbie Christmas tree snack cakes. Repeat until all cake balls are coated and decorated.
Set Cake Balls
Allow the decorated cake balls to set for 15-20 minutes, or until the white chocolate coating is completely firm, before serving.
Notes
Using Cream Cheese
Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Chilling Time
Freezing the cake balls is crucial for maintaining their shape during the coating process.
Coating Tips
Make sure the white chocolate is fully melted and smooth to achieve an even coating.
Decorative Options
Feel free to customize the decorations according to your preferences, such as using different colored sanding sugars or patterns.
Cook techniques
Mixing Cream Cheese
Beat the softened cream cheese at medium speed until fluffy and smooth, approximately 1-2 minutes. This ensures a creamy consistency for the cake mixture.
Combining Ingredients
Break the Little Debbie cakes into smaller pieces and mix with cream cheese on low speed until well integrated. The mixture should be smooth but can have small pieces of the cake left for texture.
Forming Cake Balls
Using a cookie scoop, portion out even amounts of the cake mixture and roll them into smooth balls between your palms for uniformity.
Freezing for Coating
Freeze the cake balls for 30-45 minutes. This solidifies the mixture and makes it easier to coat with chocolate without losing shape.
Melting Chocolate
Melt white chocolate and red candy wafers using package instructions. Stir until smooth to achieve a dip-ready consistency.
Coating Cake Balls
Dip each frozen cake ball into the melted white chocolate, ensuring full coverage, and allow excess chocolate to drip off for a smooth finish.
Decorating the Cake Balls
Use a piping bag for the melted red candy to create decorative patterns on top of the coated cake balls and sprinkle with green sanding sugar for a festive touch.
Setting the Coating
Let the coated and decorated cake balls sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the chocolate to firm up completely before serving.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat or whipped cream cheese, but this may alter the texture slightly.
What can I substitute for white chocolate melting wafers?
You can use regular white chocolate chips, but they may require additional care in melting to prevent seizing.
How long can I store the finished cake balls?
The cake balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I make these cake balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake balls ahead and freeze them before coating, then coat and decorate them the day you plan to serve.
What if I can’t find red vanilla-flavored melting candy wafers?
You can substitute with dark or milk chocolate melting wafers for a different taste, or use colored white chocolate instead.
Are these cake balls suitable for freezing?
Yes, they can be frozen; it’s best to freeze them uncoated and coat them after thawing for optimum texture.
Conclusion
With these delightful cake balls, you’ve transformed a classic holiday treat into an indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family. The creamy texture from the cream cheese blends beautifully with the sweet vanilla flavor of the Little Debbie snack cakes, all beautifully coated in luscious white chocolate. Decorating them adds a festive touch, making them an excellent addition to any holiday gathering.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Peppermint Cake Balls
Replace the vanilla snack cakes with chocolate cake and add crushed peppermint candies to the cream cheese mixture for a refreshing twist. Coat with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
Red Velvet Cake Bites
Use red velvet cake instead of the vanilla snack cakes, mix in some cream cheese frosting, and coat with white chocolate. Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for contrast.
Funfetti Cake Pops
Substitute in funfetti cake mix and sprinkles for a colorful and festive version. You can coat them with colored candy melts to match any theme.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Balls
Incorporate peanut butter into the cream cheese mixture using peanut butter-flavored snack cakes, and dip in semi-sweet chocolate for a decadent combination.
Coconut Lime Cake Bites
Mix shredded coconut and a hint of lime zest into the cream cheese, then coat with white chocolate. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a tropical flair.
