Are you ready to unleash your inner baker and create a show-stopping dessert that's both delicious and festive? This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake recipe takes inspiration from the classic holiday snack cake but elevates it to a whole new level of homemade goodness. It's the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas celebrations, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This easy recipe is perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas or healthy meals with a festive twist.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring (gel is recommended for vibrant color)
- For the Decoration:
- Mini chocolate chips
- Red and yellow candy melts (or sprinkles)
- Small star-shaped candies
Instructions:
Step 1: Baking the Cake
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the cake mix box.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This usually takes around 30-35 minutes, but always check your cake mix box for specific baking times.
Step 2: Frosting the Cake
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and add green food coloring, a little at a time, until you reach your desired shade of green.
Step 3: Assembling the Christmas Tree
- Once the cake is completely cool, frost the top evenly with the green frosting.
- To create the Christmas tree shape, use a serrated knife to trim the corners of the cake, creating a rough triangular shape. You can make it as tall or wide as you like!
- Using a piping bag or a spoon, pipe or spread additional frosting to define the tree shape and create a textured bark effect.
Step 4: Decorating the Tree
- Starting at the bottom, arrange the mini chocolate chips to create the tree's "branches."
- Use the red and yellow candy melts to make ornaments. Melt the candy according to package directions and pipe small circles onto wax paper to create ornaments. Allow them to set before carefully placing them on the tree. Alternatively, use red and yellow sprinkles.
- Top the tree with a small star-shaped candy.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use a homemade chocolate cake recipe instead of a box mix.
- Add chopped nuts to the cake batter for added texture and flavor.
- Use different colored candy melts or sprinkles to customize your Christmas tree.
- For a fun twist, use a different shaped pan to create a unique tree design.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It’s best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values based on your ingredients.
- Calories: Around 350-400
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Sugar: Around 40-50g
- Protein: Around 4-5g
This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake is a delightful homemade treat perfect for sharing during the holiday season. It's a delicious and festive addition to any holiday gathering, offering a fun and easy baking project for all skill levels. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!