There’s something unmistakably magical about the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Recipe. For me, it brings back memories of childhood holiday parties, school lunches, and those perfectly sweet bites of creamy vanilla cake wrapped in a festive tree shape. The striped icing, green sugar crystals, and soft texture always made these cakes the star of the dessert table.
Now that I bake professionally and blog for a living, recreating this holiday icon from scratch has become a tradition. This recipe fits right into the “festive showstopper” category, it’s ideal for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or as a creative edible gift. Best of all, it gives you complete control over the ingredients, so it tastes even better than the store-bought version.
So if you’ve ever wished you could make your own Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake recipe at home soft, sweet, nostalgic, and beautiful, this is for you.
Table of contents
Why This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Recipe Works So Well
There are copycat recipes, and then there are copycat recipes that exceed expectations. This one does just that. I’ve carefully tested this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake recipe to hit all the right nostalgic notes: a moist, tender vanilla cake, a fluffy marshmallow cream filling, and a sweet white chocolate shell with the iconic red icing stripes and green sugar.
The cake base is made from scratch using a light butter-vanilla sponge, which holds its shape beautifully while staying soft and delicate. The cream filling is whipped until airy and spread in a generous layer between two thin cake sheets, creating that recognizable layered center.
And let’s not forget the coating. Instead of overly processed waxy chocolate, this version uses high-quality white chocolate or almond bark for that smooth exterior. The red stripes and green sprinkles add just the right holiday cheer.
Want to tweak it to suit your needs?
- For gluten-free baking, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with great results.
- If you prefer a chocolate version, swap the vanilla sponge for a rich chocolate cake base.
- You can even make them into cupcakes or mini tree shapes using cookie cutters.
Recipe Card
Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Recipe
12
servings25
minutes25
minutes230
kcalBring the festive flavors of Christmas into your home with this easy-to-make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Recipe. A delicious, nostalgic treat that replicates the beloved Little Debbie Christmas tree cakes. With a soft, moist cake base, creamy filling, and sweet icing, this dessert will be a hit at your holiday celebrations.
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Ingredients
1 box of cake mix (vanilla or white)
3 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk (for frosting)
Green food coloring
1/2 cup mini marshmallows (for decoration)
Red and white sprinkles (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Typically, you’ll need to combine the cake mix, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for about 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, mix powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk, and green food coloring to achieve your desired color. If you want a thicker frosting, add more powdered sugar. - Shape the cakes into Christmas tree shapes. Once the cakes are fully cooled, use a serrated knife to carefully trim the cakes into triangles or tree shapes.
- Frost the cakes with the green frosting, spreading it evenly over the surface of each cake.
- Decorate with mini marshmallows (for a “snowy” look), red and white sprinkles, or any festive decorations of your choice.
- Serve and enjoy your homemade Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes!
Notes
- Cake Mix: You can use any brand of vanilla or white cake mix for this recipe.
- Green Coloring: Adjust the amount of green food coloring based on your desired color intensity.
- Decoration: Feel free to get creative with the decorations—use mini marshmallows for the “snow,” or add candy sprinkles for extra flair.
- Storage: Keep the cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for longer freshness.
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Pro Tips for Sweet Success
- Make Sure the Cake is Completely Cool: Allow your cakes to cool thoroughly before frosting them. If the cakes are warm, the frosting will melt off, leaving you with a messy, uneven finish.
- Customizing Your Decorations: While mini marshmallows work great for the snowy effect, feel free to get creative with your decorations! You can use candy canes, edible glitter, or chocolate chips for a personalized touch.
- Cake Shape Tips: If you’re not confident in cutting the cakes into perfect tree shapes, you can use a stencil or a template for more precise results. For an extra festive touch, you can also use cookie cutters to shape the trees.
- Frosting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker frosting, add a little more powdered sugar to the mixture. If the frosting is too thick, a few drops of milk can help you achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.
Fun Variants to Try with This Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Recipe
Chocolate Peppermint Tree Cakes
Swap the vanilla cake for a cocoa-based sponge and add a hint of peppermint extract to the filling. Finish with crushed peppermint candies on top of the white chocolate coating. It’s like biting into a candy cane and cake at once.
Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cakes
Go festive with a red velvet base and a cream cheese frosting filling. These are rich, colorful, and perfect for gifting.
Mini Tree Cake Pops
After sandwiching and cutting your cakes, insert lollipop sticks and dip them in white chocolate like a cake pop. This version is kid-friendly, portable, and looks adorable on a dessert board.
Strawberry Shortcake Trees
Add freeze-dried strawberries into your filling and a drop of strawberry extract. The fruity contrast with the white chocolate coating makes them extra special.
FAQ about Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake
Yes, you can use store-bought frosting if you’re in a time crunch. However, homemade frosting tends to have a fresher taste and a smoother texture.
These cakes are best enjoyed within 3 days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Yes! You can freeze the cakes before decorating. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. Thaw before frosting and serving.
Health Benefits of the Recipe
While this recipe is indulgent and not necessarily a health food, you can still enjoy it in moderation during the holiday season. Some of the ingredients offer a few potential benefits:
- Eggs: A good source of protein, essential amino acids, and vitamins like Vitamin B12.
- Milk: Provides calcium, Vitamin D, and protein, contributing to bone health.
- Sprinkles and Marshmallows: While they add sweetness and festive cheer, they are best enjoyed in moderation to balance out the indulgence.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
However, remember that this is a treat, and like all desserts, it’s important to enjoy it as part of a balanced diet. It’s perfect for special occasions like Christmas and holiday gatherings when you’re looking for a delicious way to celebrate.
Bake a Memory with the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Recipe
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about recreating a childhood favorite from scratch. This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake recipe is more than a dessert, it’s a way to revisit sweet memories while sharing joy with others. Whether you make them for a holiday party, gift them to friends, or just treat yourself to something special, these cakes are guaranteed to impress.
Once you try your homemade version, you’ll be hooked. The flavor is richer, the texture is softer, and the joy of saying, “I made these” is unbeatable.
If you loved this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake recipe, you might also enjoy making Ginger Cookies Using Almond Flour, a festive treat that pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of holiday spiced cider.
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