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

Scale

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

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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.