Name: Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 13.25 ounce box yellow cake mix; 3 large eggs; 1 large egg yolk; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup melted butter; 7 ounces marshmallow fluff; ¾ cup butter, room temperature; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons whole milk; 1 pound white almond bark; 1 cup red candy melts; Green sanding sugar

Nothing says holiday joy like a homemade treat that’s both nostalgic and delightful. That’s exactly why I adore sharing this Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe with you — it captures that festive magic right in your kitchen, creating those beautiful, bite-sized trees that bring smiles for miles.

A close-up view of a white Christmas tree shaped cookie covered with smooth white icing sprinkled with small green sugar crystals, decorated with wavy red icing lines across the surface. The cookie is placed on a stack of white plates with other similarly decorated cookies visible in the background. The background has a soft white marbled texture, and the scene includes a blurred white cup behind the plates. The overall look is clean, festive, and bright, emphasizing the holiday colors of red, green, and white. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe is one of those perfect holiday projects that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. From the fluffy yellow cake to the creamy filling and that festive coating, every element is a treat on its own. I really enjoy how approachable it is, even if you’re new to layered desserts.

Authentic Flavor: It nails the taste of those iconic Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes you remember from childhood.
Simple Prep: Using a cake mix with a homemade twist makes it quick and foolproof.
Fun for All Ages: Cutting out tree shapes and decorating is a joyful activity to share with kids or friends.
Customizable Coating: You can get creative with colors and toppings to make it uniquely yours.

A close-up view of a small, two-layer yellow cake piece with a thick layer of white frosting between and around the layers; the top edge is coated with a smooth red layer that drips slightly over the sides, and tiny green sprinkles dot the white frosting near the bottom. A woman's hand gently holds the cake piece against a soft, out-of-focus white marbled surface with red and white striped patterns blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here come together to create that iconic texture and taste without complexity. The cake mix provides a moist, tender base, while the creamy filling balances sweetness with a fluffy bite. And the coating not only seals everything but delivers the final festive flair.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth yellow cake mix powder, three whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl with whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl with melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl with fluffy white marshmallow fluff, a small pile of soft room-temperature butter, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with white almond bark chunks, a small white ceramic bowl with bright red candy melts, and a small mound of vibrant green sanding sugar, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Yellow Cake Mix: Gives a reliable, moist foundation and a golden color that’s perfect for the look.
Eggs and Milk: Adding whole eggs and milk enriches the batter, making it tender and flavorful.
Melted Butter: Adds richness that elevates the cake beyond ordinary boxed mixes.
Marshmallow Fluff: The star of the filling, lending that classic creamy texture and sweetness.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling while keeping it light when whipped.
White Almond Bark: Melts smoothly for a beautiful and kid-friendly coating.
Red Candy Melts: Perfect for piping festive stripes and adding that pop of color.
Green Sanding Sugar: Gives the “tree” a sparkling, snowy effect that's just magical.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Here’s the fun part: once you’ve mastered the core of this Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe, you can really make it your own. I love switching up the colors or adding extra sprinkles for fun — it’s all about embracing creativity and making the process joyful.

Variation: One time, I swapped the white almond bark for milk chocolate coating — it gave the trees a richer taste that my family also adored.
Dietary Adaptation: You can use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives to make it vegan-friendly without losing texture.
Seasonal Twists: Try adding peppermint extract to the filling for a minty touch during December.
Size Options: Smaller cookie cutter shapes make perfect bite-sized treats for parties!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base with Care

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and line a jelly roll pan with parchment. I like to lightly grease the parchment, then clip the edges—this trick keeps the paper from sliding around while you spread the batter. When mixing your cake batter, whisk everything until it’s perfectly smooth, no lumps — this ensures your cake texture is tender and even. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, but keep an eye on it; you want moist crumbs when you poke it, not overly dry. Cooling completely here is crucial, as a warm cake will melt your filling and cause a mess.

Step 2: Whip Up the Fluffy Filling

While your cake cools, it’s filling time. Toss marshmallow fluff, room-temperature butter, and powdered sugar into a bowl, then beat until smooth and creamy. Adding those two tablespoons of milk helps lighten things up and gives you the right consistency for spreading. Whip it high-speed for about 2 minutes so it’s fluffy and airy — this is the filling magic that makes these cakes soooo addictive.

Step 3: Assemble and Shape Your Trees

Cut your cooled cake in half horizontally, then spread the filling evenly on one half. Sandwich with the other cake half, making sure it’s a snug fit. Now, here’s a little tip: pop the sandwich cake in the freezer for about 30 minutes before you start cutting out the trees. It firms up the filling, so you get clean, crisp shapes without the filling oozing out everywhere. Use your tree-shaped cookie cutter and gently press into the cake layers, then place your freshly cut trees on a parchment-lined tray.

Step 4: Dip and Decorate Like a Pro

Next up, melt your white almond bark in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring after each interval until it’s silky smooth. This coating sets quickly — so work efficiently! Dip each tree into the melted coating just enough to coat fully, then tap off excess. I always sprinkle the green sanding sugar immediately so it sticks perfectly; it looks magical with just a little sparkle at the top. For those festive red stripes, melt your candy melts until smooth — a tiny splash of coconut oil can help thin them for easier piping. Snip the tip of a sandwich bag and pipe on your wavy stripes with care. Trust me, these small touches bring those nostalgic trees to life.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that make this Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe foolproof and fun to bake. These tips save you time and help your treats come out picture-perfect every time.

Freezing before cutting: Always freeze the layered cake for about 30 minutes — it firms up the filling and gives you clean tree shapes without smooshing.
Use binder clips for parchment: Securing your parchment paper helps spread the batter evenly without it moving around.
Don’t overbake: Pull your cake out when a toothpick shows moist crumbs; overcooked cake dries out and makes it tougher to work with.
Work quickly with coating: Almond bark sets fast, so have your sprinkling sugar and decorating ready to go before dipping the trees.

How to Serve Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe

Christmas Tree Cakes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I personally love using green sanding sugar for that frosted pine look, but don’t stop there. Mini edible pearls or silver dragees add a bit of sparkle and texture. If you’re feeling extra festive, try sprinkling finely chopped pistachios or crushed peppermint candy for seasonal crunch and color that stand out beautifully.

Side Dishes

These Christmas tree cakes are a perfect sweet treat to accompany a mug of hot cocoa or mulled cider. I often serve them alongside gingerbread cookies or spiced nuts to round out a holiday dessert platter. You’ll find they also pair wonderfully with lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want to go extra indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Last Christmas, I arranged these little trees on a platter dusted with powdered sugar “snow” and added small twinkle lights around the edge. They looked like a tiny winter forest and disappeared almost instantly! You can also stack them on a tiered cake stand or nestle them into cupcake liners decorated with seasonal designs for a festive touch at holiday parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover Christmas tree cakes in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat them within three days. For longer freshness, keeping them in the fridge works well and extends their life up to five days without drying out. Just bring them back to room temp before serving for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

These cakes freeze beautifully! I wrap each tree individually in plastic wrap and then layer them in an airtight container. When it’s party time, thaw them overnight in the fridge. This makes it easier to prep in advance if you’re juggling a busy holiday schedule.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake once assembled, reheating isn’t necessary. Just let frozen cakes come to room temperature slowly for the best texture. If you want a slight warmth, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave works, but be careful not to melt the coating or filling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! Using your favorite homemade yellow cake recipe works perfectly, just ensure the cake is moist and cooled well before assembling. Sometimes homemade cakes can be denser, so freezing before cutting out shapes is a key step to keep things neat.

What if I can’t find white almond bark?

You can substitute white candy melts or white chocolate chips as an alternative coating. Just melt them gently and add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil if needed to thin the coating for smooth dipping and a glossy finish.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to keep the texture similar. Just double-check that your other ingredients, like marshmallow fluff and candy melts, are gluten-free as well. Always check labels or contact manufacturers if you’re unsure.

How far in advance can I make these cakes?

You can prepare and assemble these cakes up to 3 days ahead if stored in an airtight container in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze them as described above, which keeps them fresh for up to a month. Just thaw completely before serving.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe is one of my favorite ways to add some homemade sparkle to the holidays. It’s festive, fun, and surprisingly straightforward, so you get that “wow factor” without the stress. I can’t wait for you to try this—once you bite into these little trees, you’ll see why they’re a beloved classic, and I’m betting they’ll become a holiday staple at your home too!