Name: Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Yellow Cake Mix (13.25 ounces); Eggs (4 large); Milk (1 cup); Salted Butter (½ cup melted + ¾ cup softened); Marshmallow Fluff (7 ounces); 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 air is sweet with a hint of nostalgia as the holiday season rolls in, and nothing brings back those cheerful memories quite like the sight of sprightly Christmas tree cakes. With their vibrant colors and soft, creamy centers, these delightful treats embody the spirit of celebration. Picture this: you take a bite, and the silky marshmallow filling dances on your tongue, while the sweet crunchy coating adds a magical texture. Each taste transports you to your childhood—a time of laughter, twinkling lights, and holiday joy.

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

I’m thrilled to share this homemade version of the beloved Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes that’s sure to ignite your festive spirit! Making these cakes in your own kitchen means you get to enjoy every luscious bite—and sweet reminder of the holidays—whenever you wish. Gather your loved ones, don your aprons, and let the fun begin. It’s time to whip up some holiday cheer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 25 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have these festive treats ready in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of soft yellow cake, sweet marshmallow filling, and smooth almond bark is simply irresistible.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These adorable tree-shaped cakes look stunning on any dessert table, making them a fun centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion—from cozy family nights to festive holiday parties—you’ll find any reason to enjoy these.
Diet-Friendly Options: Plus, you can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free or dairy-free preferences with the right substitutions!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Yellow Cake Mix (13.25 ounces): A classic base for these cakes, providing a fluffy and moist texture. For a perfect result, make sure to stick to this size.
Eggs (4 large): We recommend using three whole eggs along with one yolk for richness and tenderness in the cake. Room temperature eggs work best!
Milk (1 cup): Whole milk enhances the cake’s moisture and flavor. You can substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Salted Butter (½ cup melted + ¾ cup softened): Use salted butter for the right balance of flavor. Make sure the butter is softened for easy mixing with the filling.
Marshmallow Fluff (7 ounces): This sweet, sticky goodness creates the dreamy filling that makes these cakes so special.
Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Essential for sweetening and thickening the filling; sift it for an ultra-smooth texture.
Milk (2 tablespoons): Just a bit needed to create that fluffy consistency in the filling.
Vanilla Almond Bark (1 pound): This smooth coating adds that sweet crunch and a beautiful finish to the cakes.
Red Candy Melts (1 cup): To create stripes and add a festive touch, melting these will give your treats that classic holiday look.
Green Sanding Sugar: While optional, it gives a beautiful, sparkly, and authentic Christmas tree effect.

How to Make Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To ensure an easy release later, line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. This step is crucial because it prevents the cake from sticking and helps maintain its beautiful shape.

Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, three eggs plus one yolk, milk, and melted butter. Stir everything together with a silicone spatula or whisk until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous batter. Don’t worry if it looks a bit thick; it bakes up beautifully! Spread this luscious batter evenly across the parchment-lined pan.

Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the oven and let it bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are slightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before proceeding—this is essential to keep it from falling apart while you assemble your treats!

Make the Filling: While your cake cools, let’s prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, mix together the marshmallow fluff, softened butter, and powdered sugar using an electric mixer. Whip it all up until it’s well blended and fluffy. Then stir in the two tablespoons of milk until you reach that perfect creamy consistency.

Assemble the Cakes: Carefully lift the cooled cake out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut the cake in half along its short side. Spread your fluffy filling generously over one half, and then place the other half on top to create a cake sandwich—how delightful!

Shape the Trees: Take a tree-shaped cookie cutter and carefully press it into the cake to cut out the shapes. Place the formed cakes on a separate tray lined with parchment paper. Store this tray in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the cakes helps them hold together better when you coat them later.

Melt the Almond Bark: Line a baking sheet with more parchment paper. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the vanilla almond bark, stopping every 30 seconds to stir until it’s smooth and melted. This step usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Just be cautious not to overheat it, as burned chocolate isn’t fun!

Coat the Cakes: Retrieve the cakes from the freezer. Gently dip each tree-shaped cake into the melted almond bark, ensuring it’s fully covered but tapping off any excess back into the bowl. A spoon can help you drizzle chocolate on any tricky spots. Place each coated tree back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, immediately garnishing with green sanding sugar before the chocolate sets.

Melt and Drizzle Candy Melts: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the red candy melts in the same manner as the almond bark. Once melted, pour the candy melts into a sturdy zip-top bag. Carefully snip the corner of the bag and pipe fun stripes over your trees. Allow the chocolate to harden completely—then admire your festive creations! Enjoying them fresh is the best, but they store well too!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you’re keeping them longer, the fridge is a great option, stored in a sealed container for up to a week. For a longer storage solution, these treats can be frozen for up to three months—just wrap them securely in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to munch on them again, simply thaw at room temperature. Keep in mind that textures might slightly change after freezing, but a few minutes in the fridge can refresh their delightful fluffiness!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure to keep an eye on the cake while it bakes—overbaking leads to a dry treat.
Use room temperature eggs and butter for a smoother batter that mixes thoroughly.
For best texture, whip the filling until it’s light and fluffy; you want that perfect contrast against the cake.
If your almond bark is too thick, you can add a little vegetable oil to thin it out for an easier coating.
Experiment with different sprinkle colors and designs for each holiday!
For a fun twist, consider adding peppermint extract to the marshmallow filling for a seasonal flavor boost.

These Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes are the ultimate holiday sweets that exude warmth and festivity. With their lovely appearance and delightful flavors, they are bound to be a hit wherever you share them. Don’t hesitate to try making them your own—feel free to experiment with flavors and designs. Most importantly, gather those you love and celebrate the sweet moments that make the holiday season so special!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate or red velvet for a fun twist. However, keep in mind that the filling flavor will need to complement the cake flavor.

How can I make these gluten-free?

For a gluten-free version, simply swap the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free alternative. Many brands offer great substitutes that work just as well! Be sure to also check your almond bark and candy melts to ensure they’re gluten-free.

What can I use instead of marshmallow fluff?

If you can’t find marshmallow fluff, you can make your own by mixing powdered sugar, light corn syrup, and egg whites. Just whip until it’s light and fluffy! Alternatively, using a cream cheese frosting can also yield a creamy filling.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the cakes and freeze them before coating. When ready to serve, simply defrost and dip them in chocolate and candy melts. They stay fresh and delightful, ensuring you have a festive treat on hand whenever the craving strikes!