Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Dip Recipe
Marci LoehnerLooking for a fun, festive, and delicious holiday treat? This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Dip takes those nostalgic Christmas Tree Cakes and transforms them into a creamy, dreamy dip that’s perfect for holiday parties! With a base of cream cheese, whipped topping, and those beloved Little Debbie cakes, this dip will be a hit at your next gathering. Pair it with cookies, graham crackers, or fresh fruit for the ultimate festive snack.
Can I use a different flavor of Little Debbie cakes?
Yes! While the Christmas Tree Cakes are a holiday classic, you can use other Little Debbie cakes (like Swiss Rolls or Zebra Cakes) if you'd like a different flavor. However, keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile of the dip, so the holiday-themed vibe might be lost if you use a non-seasonal variety.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dip can be made a day or two in advance. Just prepare it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. The flavors will actually meld together better as it chills, and it helps to thicken up. Be sure to add the sprinkles just before serving so they don’t dissolve.
Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can use any brand of whipped topping or even homemade whipped cream in place of Cool Whip. Just make sure it's something light and fluffy, as it adds a creamy texture to the dip.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
If you don’t like cream cheese or want a dairy-free version, you can try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. You could also substitute it with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, though the flavor will be a little different.
How can I thicken my dip?
If your dip seems too runny, it could be due to the milk you added or the whipped topping. Simply refrigerate the dip longer to allow it to firm up. You can also add a little more whipped topping or even some extra crumbled cake to thicken it up if needed.
What are the best things to dip into the Christmas Tree Cake dip?
Great options for dipping include:- Vanilla wafers (a classic choice)
- Fresh fruit (apple slices, strawberries, banana slices)
- Graham crackers (for a crunchy option)
- Cookies (sugar cookies or gingerbread cookies for a festive touch)
- Pretzels (for a sweet-salty combo)
- Biscotti or shortbread cookies for something a little more substantial.
Can I use regular sprinkles instead of holiday sprinkles?
Yes, you can use any kind of sprinkles you like! However, holiday-themed sprinkles add a festive touch, which makes the dip extra fun and visually appealing for Christmas parties.
How do I keep the dip from being too sweet?
If you find the dip to be too sweet, you can reduce the amount of whipped topping or use a lighter hand with the sugar. Alternatively, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Can I freeze this dip?
While this dip can technically be frozen, it’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing may cause the whipped topping to separate and lose its smooth texture. If you do freeze it, let it thaw in the fridge before serving and give it a good stir before enjoying.
What can I use instead of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes if I can't find them?
If you can’t find the Christmas Tree Cakes, you can substitute with other snack cakes like Ho Hos, Zebra Cakes, or even a different boxed cake that has a similar texture. You can also use holiday-shaped cakes or cookies to get that festive look and flavor.
How long will the dip last in the fridge?
The dip can last for about 3-4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. However, after a few days, the texture might start to change slightly. Always give it a quick stir before serving.
Can I make this dip in a larger batch?
Yes! You can easily double or triple the recipe to serve a larger group. Just make sure you use a larger mixing bowl and serving dish to accommodate the extra ingredients.
What if I want to make the dip less rich?
To lighten up the dip, you can use light cream cheese and a reduced-fat whipped topping. You could also substitute part of the whipped topping with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat version.
more fun christmas recipes to try
- Homemade Butter Mints – an old fashioned candy recipe that’s pillowy soft and minty!
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Christmas Trees - Grab the kiddos and let them create their very own!
- Hot Chocolate Cookies – a fun cookie recipe for the entire family to enjoy.
- M&M Christmas Cookies – a quick and easy cookie recipe perfect for cookie exchanges.
- Grinch Oreo Balls - Oreo truffles, but with added fun of bright green melted candy melts and a candy red heart!
- Festive Christmas Poke Cake Recipe - a quick and easy cake recipe that is fun to make!
- Chocolate Peppermint Fudge Recipe - just a few simple ingredients and a few hours in the refrigerator to firm up is all you need for this easy fudge recipe!
Tips for the Best Dip
- For a smoother dip: If you prefer a super smooth dip, you can blend the mixture in a food processor before folding in the whipped topping.
- Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It may thicken as it sits, so you can stir in a little extra milk to loosen it up before serving.
- Make it extra festive: Add extra holiday decorations like crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, or colorful holiday sprinkles to customize it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Festive: A quick, no-bake dip that brings all the flavor of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes in a fun new way.
- Creamy & Delicious: The combination of cream cheese, whipped topping, and chopped cakes creates a smooth, irresistible dip.
- Perfect for Holiday Parties: It's quick to make and perfect for serving with cookies, crackers, or fresh fruit. Plus, the sprinkles make it extra festive!
Ingredients
For the Dip:
- 1 box of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) tub of whipped topping or Cool Whip
- Red and green sprinkles (or holiday-themed sprinkles) for decoration
For Dipping:
- Vanilla wafers, fresh fruit, cookies, graham crackers, or any other preferred dippables
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Christmas Tree Cakes
Unwrap the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes and chop them into small pieces. You want them small enough that they’ll blend smoothly into the dip but still maintain a bit of texture.
Step 2: Mix the Dip
In a large bowl, combine the milk, softened cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to blend everything together until smooth and creamy.
Next, fold in the whipped topping until light and blended.
Finally, add in the pieces of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes.
TIP: You can also add these into the cream cheese mixer with the hand mixer to break down into smaller bites and blend into the batter itself. It's up to you if you want big chunks of the cakes or want the flavor!
Step 4: Chill & Set
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl or platter. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This helps the dip thicken and allows the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Add Sprinkles & Serve
Before serving, top the dip with a sprinkle of festive red and green sprinkles (or any holiday-themed sprinkles you like). This adds a nice touch of color and crunch to your dip.
Step 6: Serve with Dippables
Serve the dip with your choice of dippers—vanilla wafers, fresh fruit (strawberries, apple slices, or banana slices work great), cookies, or graham crackers.
This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Dip is a fun, easy, and delicious treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. With a creamy, cake-flavored base and festive sprinkles on top, it's sure to be a crowd favorite. Serve it with your favorite dippers and enjoy the smiles!
