This simple 5 ingredient (plus optional garnishes) Christmas Tree Cake Dip is perfect for any holiday gathering or party. Made with delicious Little Debbie Christmas tree cakes, this dip doesn’t require any chilling, and has two different versions so you can make the one you love most!
This is one of my Holiday Dessert recipes I know you’ll want to keep on hand!
With Christmas less than a week away, I’m all about those incredibly easy desserts.
Ones that are so simple to make, yet taste incredible… like this Christmas tree cake dip!
You know those Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes that come out every holiday season? This dip is made with those!
So it doesn’t taste almost like them, it tastes exactly like them… just in a fun, dip-able form.
Bring on the dippers and let’s get this holiday party started!
How to make little debbie christmas tree cake dip?
This is just an overview; the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card toward the bottom of this post.
- Chop. It’s easiest to do this in a food processor, but you can also use a blender, or mixer.
- Mix. Again, you can do this in a food processor, blender, or with a mixer.
- Combine. The cake mixture needs to be combined with the cool whip.
- Garnish and serve.
Helpful Tip!
In order to really achieve a smooth and creamy dip consistency, the cream cheese has to be softened to room temperature. If you’ve ever tried to whip up cold cream cheese, you know it can be a nightmare, and you almost always end up with lumps. I like to set out the cream cheese on the counter 40 minutes to an hour or so before I’m ready to make this dip.
Variations of this recipe
- Cream cheese – this recipe was tested using the 8 oz brick of full fat cream cheese, so I’m not sure how any of the more “spread-able” cream cheeses will work.
- Cool whip – if you’d prefer not to use cool whip, I think you could use an equal amount of whipped cream instead. However, this isn’t tested, so keep that in mind.
- Milk – the exact amount of milk may vary a little bit, and it all depends on the consistency you’re looking for.
- Fluffy vs. Creamy – as written, this is the creamy version of this dip, which is more dense and smooth. But if you’d like something a little different, the “fluffy” version is lighter and has a more mousse-like texture. Both versions are included in the recipe.
- Dippers – we love to use Nilla wafers, gingerbread cookies, shortbread cookies, pretzels, fruit, etc.
- Garnishes – red and green sanding sugar are a classic garnish/topping, but you could also try some other holiday sprinkles, or some additional crumbled snack cakes.
FAQ’s
Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes are a seasonal snack cake typically available during the holiday season. You can usually find them in the snack or seasonal sections of grocery stores right alongside the other Little Debbie treats, or online.
During testing, I found using full fat cream cheese yielded the best flavor and texture. Of course, you’re welcome to experiment on your own.
Making christmas tree cake dip ahead of time
This time of year, time is at a premium, so I love that this dip can easily be made completely ahead of time (minus the sprinkles on top).
Just keep it covered and refrigerated, and when you’re ready to serve, give it a quick beat with a mixer and top with the sprinkles.
Freezing
This dip can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, give it a quick beat with a mixer, then serve!
Storage
This dip should be refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoyed within 5 days.
More Dessert Dip Recipes:
My Favorite Hand Mixer!
Stand mixers are great, but they’re also pretty expensive and sometimes hard to come by. This hand mixer works like a champ and works really well for this dip!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!
Ingredients
Dip
- 5 Little Debbie Christmas tree cakes
- 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz tub whipped topping (Cool Whip) thawed
Garnish
- red and green sanding sugar or sprinkles
Instructions
Chop cakes
- Unwrap the cakes and add them to a large food processor. Pulse several times, until the cakes turn into fine crumbs (they may stick together a bit).
Mix in dairy and vanilla
- To the food processor, add the cream cheese in cubes, then pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Pulse until combined and mostly smooth.
Transfer
- Transfer the cake mixture to a large mixing bowl, and add the whipped topping to the bowl.
- For the next step, choose which version of the dip you want to make (creamy or fluffy), and follow those instructions below. Then move on to the "garnish and serve" instructions.
** For Creamy Dip **
- If you want to make the creamy version of this dip, use a hand mixer and beat the cake mixture and whipped topping together on low speed, until smooth and creamy. You can add a splash or two of additional milk to get the creaminess and consistency you want.
** For Fluffy Dip **
- If you want to make the fluffy version of this dip, use a rubber spatula to fold the cake mixture and whipped topping together until well combined.
Garnish and serve
- Transfer dip to a serving bowl and garnish with desired sprinkles and garnishes. Serve with desired dippers and enjoy!
Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!
Chef Tips
- This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of dip, which I’ve estimated will serve 8 (with each person getting about 1/4 cup of dip). But of course you’re free to divide the dip up into as many servings as you’d like.
Nutrition Disclaimer
The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Sandra says
This is such a fun dip!! Such a perfect dip for the holidays!
Erin says
Looks absolutely fantastic! Can’t wait to make this!
Beth says
I practically buy the Christmas cakes in bulk every year, so I can’t wait to make this dip!