Christmas Tree Cakes

If you’ve been craving that nostalgic Christmas Tree Cakes flavor—the one that instantly transports you back to childhood holiday parties—well, friend, today is your lucky day. These homemade beauties are soft, fluffy, creamy, and dipped in sweet vanilla coating that sparkles like fresh snow. And yes… they taste even better than the boxed ones (don’t tell Little Debbie).

As a busy mom and full-time chicken-recipe lover who still somehow volunteers to bring dessert to every holiday gathering (why do I do this to myself?), I promise this recipe is doable, fun, and impresses a crowd without the stress. Whether you’re juggling work, holiday shopping, or that one relative who insists Christmas music should start in October, these little cakes bring joy with zero chaos.

So grab your mixer, your merriest sprinkles, and let’s make some edible holiday magic together.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Tree Cakes

If you grew up eating store-bought Christmas Tree Cakes, this homemade version is going to hit you right in the holly-jolly feels. They’re perfect for:

• Busy moms who need a cute dessert fast
• Holiday parties, school events, or cookie swaps
• Treating yourself while wrapping gifts at midnight (I see you)
• Anyone who wants a festive dessert that doesn’t require pastry-chef skills

They’re sweet, creamy, nostalgic, and impossibly fun—basically everything Christmas baking should be.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake

• 13.25 oz yellow cake mix
• 4 large eggs (3 whole eggs + 1 yolk)
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup salted butter, melted

For the Filling

• 7 oz marshmallow fluff
• ¾ cup salted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk

For the Coating & Decorations

• 1 lb vanilla almond bark
• 1 cup red candy melts
• Green sanding sugar (optional—but if you want the classic look, go for it!)

How to Make These Magical Christmas Tree Cakes

1. Bake the Soft, Golden Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F, and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together the yellow cake mix, the 3 whole eggs + extra yolk, milk, and melted butter. A silicone spatula works great here; we’re going for smooth, not complicated.

Spread the batter evenly in the pan. Bake for 12–15 minutes, just until the center is set. The toothpick test never lies.

Let the cake cool completely. (Good luck resisting the urge to nibble a corner.)

2. Whip Up the Creamy Marshmallow Filling

In a medium bowl, combine marshmallow fluff, softened butter, and powdered sugar.
Beat until it looks like a cloud you could take a nap on. Add milk and whip again until smooth and fluffy.

Now lift your cooled cake out of its pan.
Cut it in half (crosswise), spread the filling across one half, and place the other half on top to create a cake sandwich. It’s like a giant whoopie pie dressed for Christmas.

3. Cut the Christmas Trees

Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to press out adorable little cake sandwiches.
Place each one on a parchment-lined sheet pan and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This keeps them firm enough for dipping—trust me, skipping this step leads to cake crumbs swimming in chocolate. Nobody wants that.

4. Dip in Snowy Vanilla Coating

Melt your almond bark in the microwave in 30-second intervals at half power.
Stir between each interval until smooth and glossy.

Remove your chilled cakes from the freezer and dip each one into the warm almond bark. Tap off extra coating gently—think “polite tap,” not “shake like a maraca.”
Lay each tree on parchment and sprinkle with green sanding sugar before the coating sets.

5. Add the Signature Red Stripes

Melt the red candy melts just as you did the almond bark.
Spoon into a zip-top bag, snip the tiniest corner you can manage, and drizzle those festive stripes back and forth.

Let them harden completely. Then prepare to hear angels sing.

Easy Tips for Perfect Christmas Tree Cakes

• Freeze longer if needed. If your trees still feel soft? Another 10 minutes in the freezer works wonders.
• Don’t panic if the coating looks thick. Mine did the first time too. Once they set, they look adorable.
• Use a smaller cookie cutter for more treats. Bite-sized Christmas joy? Yes, please.
• Drizzle fast. Candy melts set quickly, so move with confidence. You’ve got this.

And in true Aneta fashion—don’t worry if they look a little “perfectly imperfect.” Homemade charm is what the holidays are all about.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

The first time I made these, my kids ran into the kitchen thinking I had bought the “real” Christmas Tree Cakes. When I told them they were homemade, their jaws dropped like I had just revealed Santa’s mailing address.

Now they request these every December, and making them has become a sweet little family tradition—one that involves more sprinkles on the floor than on the cakes, but hey, that’s Christmas.

FAQs About Christmas Tree Cakes

Bring the Christmas Magic Home

These Christmas Tree Cakes are the kind of holiday treat that makes your kitchen smell incredible and your heart feel just a little lighter. They’re sweet, nostalgic, fun to decorate, and guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say “save one for me!”

Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself after a long December day, these little trees bring pure holiday cheer.

If you try them, come back and tell me how they turned out—I love seeing your creations and helping make your holiday season a little more magical.

Happy baking, friends!

More Festive Treats You’ll Love

If you’re already in the holiday baking spirit (and I have a feeling you are!), here are a few more magical Christmas goodies your family will adore. Each one pairs perfectly with a cozy night in, a holiday party spread, or a cheerful cookie box for friends.

• Try these fun, kid-approved Christmas Pretzel Rods—they’re easy, colorful, and disappear faster than you can make them!
• If you’re craving something sweet and totally irresistible, you have to make Crockpot Christmas Crack. It’s the kind of treat people beg you to bring every year.
• For another nostalgic holiday delight, don’t miss these adorable Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Truffles. They’re extra fun if you’re already making the cakes!
• And if you’re looking for a no-bake option (because sometimes the oven is just done for the day), you’ll love these creamy, festive No-Bake Christmas Cheesecake Bites.

Hope these bring even more sparkle to your holiday dessert table!

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