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Homemade Little Debbie’s Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe – A Festive Treat to Make at Home!

  • Post category:Cake / Desserts

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Introduction

Homemade Little Debbie’s Christmas Tree Cakes are a nostalgic holiday delight, replicating the famous snack cakes loved by many. These festive treats feature soft vanilla cake layers, a creamy marshmallow filling, and a smooth white chocolate coating, finished with red icing and green sprinkles. Making them from scratch allows you to enjoy the same nostalgic flavor with a homemade touch, perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or just indulging in a seasonal classic!

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Why You’ll Love This Dish

  1. Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the iconic taste with fresh ingredients and no preservatives.
  2. Perfect for the Holidays: A fun and festive treat that brings holiday cheer.
  3. Customizable: Change the colors, add different fillings, or make them in various shapes.
  4. Nostalgic Flavor: Brings back childhood memories while making new traditions at home.

Origin of Little Debbie’s Christmas Tree Cakes

Little Debbie’s Christmas Tree Cakes first appeared in the 1980s, becoming an instant holiday favorite. These snack cakes are a seasonal variation of the brand’s classic Zebra Cakes, featuring a festive tree shape, white frosting, and colorful sprinkles. Due to their immense popularity, they have become a must-have treat during the holiday season, enjoyed by generations of snack lovers.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

For the Marshmallow Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup marshmallow creme
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tbsp heavy cream (if needed for consistency)

For the Coating & Decoration:

  • 2 cups white chocolate or white candy melts
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening (for smooth melting)
  • Red icing for drizzle
  • Green sprinkles for decoration

Method of Preparation

  1. Prepare the Cake:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
    • In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
    • Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk.
    • Spread the batter evenly onto the lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
    • Let cool completely before cutting out tree shapes using a cookie cutter.
  2. Make the Marshmallow Filling:
    • Beat butter and marshmallow creme until smooth.
    • Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
    • If needed, add heavy cream to achieve a spreadable consistency.
  3. Assemble the Cakes:
    • Spread a layer of marshmallow filling onto one tree-shaped cake and place another cake on top.
    • Repeat until all cakes are filled and stacked.
  4. Coat the Cakes:
    • Melt white chocolate with coconut oil until smooth.
    • Dip or pour melted chocolate over each cake, ensuring even coverage.
    • Let set on parchment paper.
  5. Decorate:
    • Drizzle with red icing and sprinkle with green decorations.
    • Let set until firm before serving.

Cooking Tips

  • Use a Thin Cake Layer: A thin sheet cake makes it easier to cut and stack the tree shapes.
  • Chill Before Dipping: Refrigerating the cakes before dipping helps prevent crumbling.
  • Smooth Chocolate Coating: Add a bit of coconut oil or shortening to melted chocolate for a silky finish.
  • Allow Proper Setting Time: Let the cakes set completely before decorating to avoid smudging.

Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Overbaking the Cake: Keep an eye on the cake to prevent dryness.
  2. Using Too Much Filling: A thin layer of filling prevents the cakes from sliding apart.
  3. Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilled cakes hold up better when coated in chocolate.

Serving Tips

  • Serve chilled or at room temperature with a warm holiday drink like hot cocoa.
  • Package in festive tins or boxes for homemade gifts.
  • Pair with fresh berries for an elegant dessert plate.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

  • Butter: Provides essential fats for energy.
  • Eggs: A great source of protein and vitamins.
  • Marshmallow Creme: Adds sweetness with a light texture.
  • White Chocolate: Contains antioxidants and a creamy taste.

Interesting Facts About the Dish

  • Little Debbie sells millions of Christmas Tree Cakes each holiday season.
  • The original snack cake design was inspired by classic Swiss rolls.
  • Homemade versions allow for creative variations like chocolate or red velvet cake.

Summarized Recipe

  1. Bake a thin vanilla cake and cut out tree shapes.
  2. Make a marshmallow filling and spread between cake layers.
  3. Chill cakes, then coat in melted white chocolate.
  4. Decorate with red icing and green sprinkles.
  5. Let set and enjoy!

Homemade Little Debbie’s Christmas Tree Cakes bring festive joy with their sweet, nostalgic taste. Making them from scratch adds a personal touch to a beloved holiday treat, ensuring a fun and delicious experience for all. Try this homemade version and spread the holiday cheer!

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