If you’re searching for a festive, fun dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, the Christmas Tree Cake Trifle Recipe is just what you need. This trifle takes those adorable Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes and transforms them into a layered holiday masterpiece, combining creamy vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and pops of cherry and peppermint that celebrate all the joyful flavors of the season. It’s easy to assemble, vibrant in color, and sure to become a crowd-pleaser at your next holiday gathering or cozy family get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because it uses simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create that perfect balance between creamy, sweet, and minty. Each item plays an important role, bringing color, texture, or festive flavor to your trifle.
- Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (5 cakes), sliced into bite-sized pieces: These are the star of the show, giving you that fun tree shape and a soft, cake base packed with holiday cheer.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz box): Provides a smooth, creamy layer that balances the sweetness and adds richness without fuss.
- Cold milk (2 cups): Used to whip up the pudding so it sets perfectly and stays light.
- Whipped topping (8 oz, like Cool Whip): Adds fluffy creaminess and a delicate texture that complements the pudding and cake layers.
- Maraschino cherries, drained: Bright red bursts of sweetness that add a classic holiday pop and a little tang.
- Crushed peppermint candies (1/2 cup): Bring a festive, refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft pudding and cake.
- Green and red sprinkles: For that extra sparkle and holiday color on top.
- Optional—green food coloring (2 to 3 drops): To tint your pudding a merry green and amp up the Christmas tree vibe.
How to Make Christmas Tree Cake Trifle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Pudding
Start by whisking the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk in a large bowl until it’s perfectly smooth. Let it rest for 5 minutes so it thickens nicely. If you want to add a playful touch, stir in 2 to 3 drops of green food coloring to bring those layers to life in true Christmas tree fashion.
Step 2: Slice the Christmas Tree Cakes
While the pudding is setting, cut each Christmas Tree Cake into thirds or small cubes. This will allow you to layer them evenly throughout the dish and make every spoonful a perfect bite.
Step 3: Start Layering the Trifle
Grabbing a clear trifle dish to showcase the beautiful layers, spoon a generous layer of the pudding on the bottom. Next, add a single layer of your cake pieces. This base layer builds the structure that the rest of your festive masterpiece will stand on.
Step 4: Add Cherries and Whipped Topping
Scatter a layer of maraschino cherries over the cake, followed by a thick scoop of whipped topping. These vibrant red cherries combined with the creamy white topping evoke the classic Christmas colors and flavors we all adore.
Step 5: Repeat Layers Until Full
Continue layering pudding, cake, cherries, and whipped topping until you reach the top of your dish. The repetition not only ensures that each serving has a bit of everything but also creates a striking, colorful display that’s just begging to be served.
Step 6: Garnish with Peppermint and Sprinkles
Finish off the trifle with a beautiful final layer of whipped topping. Then pile on crushed peppermint candies, sprinkle festive green and red sprinkles liberally, and add a few extra cherries for that perfect holiday flourish everyone will notice.
Step 7: Chill Before Serving
Let your Christmas Tree Cake Trifle Recipe chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This resting period lets the flavors meld together and the pudding set fully, giving you that perfect texture and taste in every bite.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Cake Trifle Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the peppermint candies and sprinkles called for in the recipe, you can add fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar to emulate freshly fallen snow. These little touches make your trifle look as festive as it tastes and invite guests to dive right in.
Side Dishes
This trifle is a rich dessert, so pairing it with light sides like a simple fruit salad or crisp vegetable platter can balance out the indulgence. If you’re serving it after a big holiday meal, a warm cup of spiced tea or peppermint hot chocolate complements the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try assembling individual portions of this Christmas Tree Cake Trifle Recipe in clear glass cups or mason jars for a charming twist. This makes serving easier and adds a personal touch, especially for parties or gift-giving during the holidays. Alternatively, layering it in a festive holiday bowl can become an eye-catching centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your trifle, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days and maintains its creamy texture and vibrant flavors well when chilled properly.
Freezing
While this Christmas Tree Cake Trifle Recipe tastes best fresh, you can freeze it if necessary. Use airtight containers to avoid freezer burn, but be mindful that the whipped topping and pudding may change in texture slightly after thawing, so it’s not the ideal choice for freezing.
Reheating
This trifle is meant to be enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just serve it chilled from the fridge, allowing the flavors and textures to shine in their full glory.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake instead of the Christmas Tree Cakes?
Absolutely! If you can’t find Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, try using any festive flavored snack cakes or even gingerbread pieces to keep the holiday spirit alive. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized cubes for easy layering.
Is it possible to make this trifle dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk and whipped topping with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and coconut whipped cream. Instant pudding mixes might need to be replaced with homemade versions that fit your dietary needs.
Can I prepare this dessert the day before?
Definitely. Preparing the Christmas Tree Cake Trifle Recipe a day ahead actually helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it well-covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
How can I make the layers more colorful?
Adding green food coloring to the pudding is a great start! You can also incorporate different colored sprinkles or even alternate layers with crushed candy canes or red velvet cake pieces for even more visual appeal.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, kids adore this dessert! The sweet flavors, festive colors, and easy-to-eat layers make it a holiday favorite for little ones and adults alike.
Final Thoughts
The Christmas Tree Cake Trifle Recipe is a joyful, no-fuss way to bring a little extra magic to your holiday table. It’s colorful, comforting, and quick to make, which means more time for enjoying the season with loved ones. Give it a try and watch as everyone lights up when you bring out this sweet, festive creation.
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Christmas Tree Cake Trifle Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Christmas Tree Cake Trifle is a delightful layered dessert perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, creamy instant vanilla pudding, whipped topping, maraschino cherries, and crushed peppermint candies, this no-bake trifle combines vibrant colors and festive flavors in an easy-to-assemble treat that serves 8 to 10 people.
Ingredients
Cake Layer
- 1 box Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (5 cakes), sliced into bite-sized pieces
Pudding Layer
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- Optional: 2 to 3 drops green food coloring
Topping and Garnishes
- 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 jar maraschino cherries, drained
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
- Green and red sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until the mixture is smooth. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. If desired, add 2 to 3 drops of green food coloring to give the pudding a festive green hue and stir gently.
- Slice the Cakes: Slice each Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake into thirds or small cubes that will layer well in the trifle dish.
- First Layer Assembly: In a trifle dish, spread a layer of the prepared pudding on the bottom evenly as the base layer.
- Add Cake Layer: Layer the sliced Christmas Tree Cakes evenly over the pudding layer, distributing the pieces to cover the surface.
- Add Cherries and Whipped Topping: Evenly distribute a layer of drained maraschino cherries over the cakes, followed by a generous layer of whipped topping to add creamy texture.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering pudding, cake pieces, cherries, and whipped topping until the dish is filled, ending with a final layer of whipped topping on top.
- Garnish: Finish the trifle by sprinkling crushed peppermint candies and green and red sprinkles over the top. Add extra maraschino cherries for decoration if desired.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and to serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- This trifle is best assembled a few hours ahead to allow the layers to set and meld flavors well.
- For a more intense green color, additional food coloring drops can be added to the pudding as preferred.
- Substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- Ensure the maraschino cherries are well drained to avoid watery layers.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
