Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle
The Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle is a festive dessert that brings a sense of nostalgia and joy to any holiday gathering. Growing up, my family always made it a tradition to have dessert right after our Christmas dinner, and this trifle was often the star of the show. The first time I tasted it, I was taken aback by the layers of flavor and texture, with creamy fillings cradling soft cake and fresh strawberries. Every spoonful was a delightful surprise, and I remember sneaking back for seconds and even thirds!
This recipe is not just a treat; it’s a way to create lasting memories with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want to indulge in something sweet, the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle is perfect for any occasion. The vibrant colors from the strawberries and the whimsical touch of the Christmas tree cakes make it visually appealing, while the creamy texture is simply irresistible. I love how easy it is to assemble, yet it always seems to impress the guests. So, let’s spread some holiday cheer with this delightful dessert!
Recipe Snapshot
30 mins
30 mins
0 mins
Easy
290 kcal
3 g
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP
16 g
Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl
What You’ll Enjoy About This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle
It’s a Holiday Classic
The Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle is a beloved dessert that captures the essence of the holiday season. With its fun layers and festive ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your holiday dinners.
Visual Appeal
Its vibrant colors make it a showstopper on any dessert table. The contrasting hues of the fresh strawberries against the creamy filling and the whimsical Christmas tree cakes bring a festive spirit that everyone will appreciate.
Easy to Assemble
Don’t worry if you’re not a pastry chef; this trifle requires no baking! Simply layer the ingredients, and you have a beautiful dessert in no time. It’s the perfect way to create a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
Decadent Flavor
The combination of creamy fillings with the soft cake, the sweetness of the strawberries, and a hint of almond extract creates a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s a dessert that delivers satisfaction and joy.
Perfect for Sharing
This recipe serves up to ten people, making it ideal for family gatherings or holiday parties. You’ll leave your guests smiling and satisfied, and they’ll be asking for the recipe!
Customize It!
While the traditional version is fantastic, feel free to get creative! You can switch up the fruit or add in your favorite toppings for a personal touch. This versatility makes the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle a fun recipe to play with while keeping the spirit of the season alive.
Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle Shopping List
When it comes to the ingredients for the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle, each one plays a significant role in creating the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The key players here are the iconic Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, which add a touch of nostalgia and festivity. Fresh strawberries bring brightness and a burst of flavor, while the creamy filling balances everything beautifully.
- 8 ounces cream cheese – This softens up to create a rich base for the trifle. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- â…“ cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese mixture without the gritty texture of granulated sugar.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract – Adds a warm, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A classic flavor that enhances the sweetness of the trifle.
- 8 ounces whipped topping – This lightens the cream cheese mixture and creates a fluffy texture.
- 12 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes – The main star! These add fun, nostalgic elements to the dessert.
- 1 ½ pounds strawberries – Fresh and vibrant, these are essential for layering and adding flavor.
- Coarse green sanding sugar – Optional, but a great way to add sparkle and a festive touch on top!
Cooking Method for Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle
Making the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle is a simple yet rewarding process! You’ll love how quick it comes together, allowing you to enjoy dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the steps and create this festive masterpiece together.
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Prepare a large mixing bowl for the cream cheese mixture. Add 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ⅓ cup of powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon of almond extract, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth consistency. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well-mixed.
Once your mixture is smooth, it’s time to incorporate the whipped topping. Gently fold in 8 ounces of thawed whipped topping with a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture. This will give your trifle a light and airy texture.
Now, take your Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes and chop them into bite-sized pieces, about eight pieces per cake. You should have around six cakes ready to layer in your trifle dish. Place half of these pieces at the bottom of a large trifle dish, creating a delicious base.
Next, layer half of the sliced strawberries over the cake pieces. The bright red of the strawberries contrasts beautifully with the cake and cream. This layer will infuse the dish with sweet juiciness.
After that, add half of the cream mixture over the strawberries. Use an offset spatula to smooth it out evenly, ensuring every bit of cake and fruit gets covered by the creamy goodness.
Now, repeat the layers! Add the remaining Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes followed by the remaining strawberries. Top it off with the rest of the cream mixture, smoothing it over the top to create a beautiful finish.
If you want to add a festive touch, sprinkle some coarse green sanding sugar on top before serving. This not only adds color but also a bit of crunch!
Allow the trifle to chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This lets the flavors meld beautifully and the layers set up nicely, making it easier to scoop.
When it’s time to serve, use a large spoon to scoop out layers of the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in each bite!
Things Worth Knowing
- Layering is Key: Ensure your layers are even for a beautiful presentation. Take your time when assembling the trifle.
- Chill Time: Giving your trifle at least an hour to chill allows the flavors to mingle and makes it easier to serve.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. If they’re in season, they’ll be juicier and sweeter.
- Decorative Touches: Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings! Sprinkles, edible glitter, or even another layer of fruit can enhance the dessert.
Tips for Success
Creating the perfect Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle is all about the little details! Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier!
- Serving Size: This recipe serves about ten, but you can easily halve it for a smaller gathering or a cozy family night.
- Layering Variations: Feel free to mix up the fruit! You can use raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
- Presentation: For an elegant touch, serve in individual cups or jars instead of one large dish. This makes serving easier and adds a personal touch.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the layers a day in advance and assemble them just before serving for optimal freshness.
How to Serve Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle
Serving the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle is a delightful experience that enhances any occasion. This dessert is ideal for festive gatherings, holiday parties, or simply a cozy night at home with family.
- Family Gatherings: Bring the trifle to your family celebrations, and watch everyone gather around for a taste of this nostalgic treat.
- Holiday Parties: The vibrant layers make it a centerpiece on your dessert table, drawing people in for a scoop!
- Lunch and Dinner: While it shines as a dessert, it can also be a sweet treat after a light lunch or dinner.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Perfect for Christmas, it can also brighten up New Year’s celebrations or winter birthdays.
- Leftover Storage: If you have any leftovers, store them in the fridge. However, it’s best enjoyed within 2 days for freshness.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve alongside warm beverages like hot cocoa or coffee to complement the sweetness of the trifle.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle is a festive and nostalgic dessert that captures the spirit of the holidays. With its delightful layers of cream, cake, and strawberries, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with loved ones, as it’s not just about the dessert but also about creating memories together.
Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add 8 ounces cream cheese, ⅓ cup powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon almond extract, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to a large bowl and beat with a hand mixer until smooth, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Fold in 8 ounces whipped topping until smooth.
- Chop 12 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes into bite-sized pieces, about 8 pieces per cake, and layer half of them (6 cakes) in the bottom of a large trifle dish.
- Layer half of the 1 ½ pounds strawberries over the tops of the cakes, followed by half of the cream mixture. Smooth with an offset spatula.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining cakes and strawberries, finishing it by smoothing the remaining cream over the top.
- Top with additional tree cakes and coarse green sanding sugar, if desired. Serve within 24 hours of assembling.
Notes
- Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Tip 2: This recipe serves about ten, but you can easily halve it for a smaller gathering.
- Tip 3: Feel free to mix up the fruit! You can use raspberries or blueberries as alternatives.
- Tip 4: For an elegant touch, serve in individual cups for a personal presentation.
- Tip 5: Prepare the layers a day in advance for optimal freshness.
