Name: Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Yellow cake mix (13.25 ounces); Eggs (4 large); Milk (1 cup); Butter (½ cup melted, salted); Marshmallow fluff (7 ounces); Butter (¾ cup softened, salted); Powdered sugar (2 cups); Milk (2 tablespoons); Vanilla almond bark (1 pound); Red candy melts (1 cup); Green sanding sugar

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The holidays are a time to whip up sweet treats that remind us of cozy moments spent with loved ones. There’s something downright magical about the smell of freshly baked cakes wafting through the kitchen, especially when that cake transforms into a cheerful treat shaped like a Christmas tree. These Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes are brimming with nostalgia, taking your taste buds on a delightful journey that evokes childhood holiday memories. Picture the soft yellow cake layered with fluffy marshmallow filling, coated in smooth white chocolate and adorned with vibrant sprinkles—everything we love about Christmas, all bundled into one charming bite.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes

Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes

Growing up, my family would always stock up on Little Debbie cakes during the holiday season. The excitement of unwrapping those festive green and red delights just feels like part of the celebration itself, doesn’t it? But what if you could recreate that joy in your own kitchen? With this homemade recipe, you’ll not only evoke those beloved flavors but also create new memories filled with laughter and deliciousness. Get ready to start a new holiday tradition with these whimsical little trees!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip these up in just about 40 minutes, from prep to finish—perfect for last-minute baking sessions.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of moist yellow cake and gooey marshmallow filling is a match made in dessert heaven.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These festive treats are not only tasty but utterly adorable, making them a fun addition to any holiday spread.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, as a sweet gift, or just enjoying with a cup of cocoa.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily tweak the recipe to make gluten-free or dairy-free versions!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Yellow cake mix (13.25 ounces): This is the base of our trees. Opt for a yellow cake mix for that perfect flavor.
Eggs (4 large): We use three whole eggs and one extra yolk for extra moisture and richness in the cake.
Milk (1 cup): A must for a moist cake; whole milk gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with any milk you prefer.
Butter (½ cup melted, salted): Salted butter adds flavor; if you only have unsalted, just add a pinch of salt.
Marshmallow fluff (7 ounces): This creates the sweet filling that brings sweetness and creaminess to each bite.
Butter (¾ cup softened, salted): You’ll need this for the filling to help whip it into a fluffy texture.
Powdered sugar (2 cups): This sweetens up the filling perfectly. For a less sweet option, you can adjust to taste.
Milk (2 tablespoons): Added to the filling to achieve that smooth, spreadable consistency.
Vanilla almond bark (1 pound): This is the magic coat that creates the lovely white exterior of each tree.
Red candy melts (1 cup): Perfect for creating those classic decorations on the trees.
Green sanding sugar: Optional, but this adds a festive touch just like the originals!

How to Make Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper, making sure it’s smooth and covers the edges. This makes it easier to lift the cake out once it’s baked and ensures that your delicious creations don’t stick!

Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with three large eggs, an extra egg yolk, one cup of milk, and ½ cup of melted butter. Stir vigorously with a whisk or silicone spatula until your batter reaches a smooth consistency. Think of the lovely color and texture—light and fluffy! Spread it evenly in the prepared pan, ensuring it covers the bottom well.

Bake and Cool: Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake’s edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once it’s baked, take it out and set it on a wire rack to cool completely—patience is key to prevent melting the filling later!

Make the Filling: Grab a medium bowl and combine the marshmallow fluff, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy. Add 2 tablespoons of milk to help achieve that creamy filling consistency. It should look like a sweet cloud ready to fill all those delicious trees!

Layer the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, carefully lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice it in half lengthwise. Spread the marshmallow filling generously on one half of the cake and place the other half on top, creating a delightful cake sandwich. Use a cookie cutter to cut out tree shapes and place them on a parchment-lined pan. Pop these cuties in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up!

Melt the Almond Bark: In a microwave-safe bowl, add the vanilla almond bark. Melt it in the microwave at half power in 30-second intervals, stirring between to avoid burning. After about 2-3 minutes, it should be smooth and ready to use. This is the delicious coating that brings everything together!

Dip and Decorate: Take the chilled tree cakes from the freezer and dip each one into the melted almond bark, ensuring they’re fully coated. Let any excess drip back into the bowl and place the trees back onto the parchment-lined sheet. While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle them with green sugar for that iconic festive look. Finally, melt the red candy melts in the same way and drizzle them over the trees to finish off this luscious look!

Storing & Reheating

These Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you’re making them ahead of time, they’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to a week—just be sure to use a container that doesn’t crush them. If you want to store them long-term, they freeze perfectly for up to three months! Just wrap them well. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature, but keep in mind the texture may soften slightly; a quick re-dip in melted chocolate can refresh their glossy finish!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for a fluffier cake. This enhances emulsification in your batter!
Avoid over-mixing the cake batter; this can make it dense instead of light and airy.
If your filling is too thick, add a bit more milk until it reaches a smooth consistency for spreading.
Keep an eye on the baking time—oven temperatures vary, and you want to achieve that perfect golden edge!
Experiment with flavored almond bark or candy melts for different festive styles; peppermint or chocolate could be fun twists!
If you’d like to make these ahead of time, assemble and freeze the cakes without the coating; coat them on the day you plan to serve for best results!

These homemade Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes not only encapsulate the holiday spirit, they also bring joy with every bite. They’re incredibly easy to create yet spectacular enough to impress friends and family alike. Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on them—maybe a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter brings a wonderful warmth to your cake. With this recipe in your collection, you’re all set for a deliciously festive holiday season. So gather your loved ones, put on that holiday music, and get ready for a baking adventure that may just become a cherished annual tradition!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, feel free to switch it up! Vanilla, chocolate, or even gingerbread cake mix can be tasty alternatives. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will shift slightly based on your choice.

What if I can’t find marshmallow fluff?

If marshmallow fluff isn’t available, you can make your own by whipping a mixture of powdered sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until fluffy. Alternatively, using buttercream frosting can also work nicely!

How should I package these as gifts?

These sweets can be packaged in festive boxes or tins lined with tissue paper. Clear cellophane wraps are another lovely option to showcase their adorable shapes while keeping them fresh.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap in dairy-free butter and milk alternatives for the cake, filling, and chocolate coating. Just ensure your almond bark is suitable for your dietary preferences!