Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake

why make this recipe

Making a Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake is a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. This homemade version allows you to capture the delicious flavors of the classic snack while bringing a touch of creativity to your kitchen. Whether you want to impress guests at a holiday gathering or treat your family to a delightful dessert, this cake will surely bring smiles and joy. Plus, it’s a great way to create lasting holiday memories together.

how to make Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs, room temperature
• 4 tsp. vanilla
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting)
• 5 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 4-5 tbsp. heavy whipping cream
• 3 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 tbsp. green sugar sprinkles
• 2-3 drops red gel food dye

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease and line a 9" x 13" pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside.
3. In a larger bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently without overdoing it.
6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool for 5 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Repeat the greasing and lining steps in the same pan and bake the remaining batter for the second cake.
8. Once both cakes are cooled, wrap them in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for an hour.
9. For the buttercream, beat the room-temperature butter and confectioner’s sugar in a mixer. Slowly add in the heavy cream until smooth. Then mix in the vanilla and salt.
10. Cut the cooled cakes into a Christmas tree shape using a stencil for perfect edges. Save any scraps for other treats.
11. Place one cake on your serving dish, frost the top with buttercream, and place the second cake on top of it.
12. Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream around the entire cake and refrigerate for one hour.
13. After chilling, frost the cake with a thicker layer of buttercream. Use a spatula to achieve a smooth finish.
14. Dye about 1/4 of the buttercream red and decorate the cake with green sprinkles and red lines.
15. Enjoy your festive creation!

How to serve Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake

Serve the cake on a festive platter with some holiday decorations around it. Each slice will reveal the lovely layers and beautiful design. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a special treat during the season, this cake is sure to be a hit!

How to store Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake can also be kept in the freezer for longer storage, but be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Tips to make Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake

• Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
• Use a stencil to achieve equally shaped Christmas trees for a more polished look.
• Be gentle when mixing the batter to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough.
• For a more robust flavor, you can add extra vanilla to the buttercream.

Variation

You can personalize your Christmas tree cake by adding cocoa powder to the cake mix for a chocolate version or experimenting with different colors of food dye for the decoration.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them in the fridge wrapped in plastic wrap until you’re ready to frost and serve.

Q: How do I achieve a smooth finish on my frosting?
A: Use a spatula dipped in warm water to smooth out the frosting. This helps create a clean surface.

Q: What can I do with the leftover cake scraps?
A: Leftover scraps can be used to make cake pops or truffles by mixing them with frosting and rolling them into balls before dipping them in chocolate.