Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes

Every December, I can’t help but think back to those little tree cakes that always seemed to sneak their way onto holiday dessert tables.

They weren’t fancy, but to me they felt special—soft cake, fluffy cream, and that sweet white coating decorated with red and green like they’d dressed up for Christmas.

I used to get so excited peeling back the wrapper, saving the sprinkles for last.

Now, I make them myself in my own kitchen. They still have that same charm, but with a homemade touch that makes them taste even better.

It’s not complicated—just simple steps, a bit of decorating fun, and suddenly you’ve got cakes that look just like the classic ones we grew up with.

And honestly? Watching everyone’s faces light up when they see them feels like the holidays all over again.

Table of Contents

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk, room temperature

For the Cream Filling:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk, if preferred)

For the White Coating:

2 ½ cups white chocolate chips (or white candy melts)
2 tsp neutral oil (vegetable or sunflower oil)

For Decoration:

Red decorating gel (tube or piping bag)
Green sugar sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
Add half the dry ingredients, then the milk, then the remaining dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla.
Mix in heavy cream until light and fluffy. It should be spreadable but not runny.
Once the cake is cooled, use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out tree shapes.
Slice each tree carefully in half horizontally to create two thin layers.
Spread a layer of cream filling on the bottom half of each tree, then gently press the top half back on.
Place the filled cakes on a tray and freeze for 30 minutes—this makes coating easier.
Melt the white chocolate chips with oil in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method) or in short microwave bursts, stirring until smooth.
Dip each chilled cake tree into the melted white coating, using a fork to help cover evenly. Allow excess to drip off. Place coated cakes on parchment paper to set.
Once the coating has set slightly but is still tacky, drizzle red decorating gel in a zig-zag to mimic garlands.
Sprinkle green sugar sprinkles along the lines to resemble lights or ornaments.
Let the decorations set completely at room temperature or refrigerate briefly until firm.
Freeze the cakes before dipping so they don’t crumble into the coating.
Work with melted white chocolate in small batches to prevent it from thickening too quickly.
For sharper tree shapes, wipe the cookie cutter clean between cuts.

Why Are Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes So Popular?

These little cakes have been loved for years, and people still look forward to them every holiday season. A few reasons make them extra special:

Nostalgia factor: Many grew up eating them, so they feel like a piece of childhood.
Festive design: The tree shape, white coating, red stripes, and green sprinkles look cheerful and fun.
Sweet and simple taste: Soft cake, creamy filling, and a sweet coating are easy to enjoy for all ages.
Seasonal treat: They only show up around Christmas, which makes them feel rare and exciting.

How Many Calories Are In a Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake?

Each cake is small but has a rich calorie count. Here’s the breakdown:

Total calories: About 230 calories per cake.
Main source: Sugar and white coating add the most calories.
Filling: Cream filling also contributes to the calorie count.
Overall: It’s a small portion but still very sweet and satisfying.

Do Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Contain Nuts?

These cakes are generally nut-free, but it’s always smart to check labels.

No peanuts or tree nuts: Recipe does not include them.
Ingredients used: Cake, cream filling, white coating, and sprinkles.
Allergy warning: Made in facilities where nuts may be present.
Safety tip: Always read packaging if you have serious allergies.

How Do You Store Homemade Christmas Tree Cakes?

Homemade versions taste best when they’re stored properly. Here’s the simplest way:

Airtight container: Keep them in an airtight box so the cake doesn’t dry out.
Room temperature: Store for 2–3 days in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight.
Refrigeration: If your kitchen is warm, place them in the fridge to stay fresh longer.
Serve at room temp: Let chilled cakes sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving so the filling softens.

Can You Freeze Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes?

Yes, you can freeze them to make them last longer. Freezing keeps the taste and texture almost the same.

Wrap tightly: Cover each cake in plastic wrap or foil to keep out freezer air.
Use freezer bag: Place wrapped cakes in a zip bag or airtight container.
Freeze up to 3 months: They’ll stay good for several weeks if stored properly.
Thaw before eating: Leave at room temperature for about an hour before enjoying.