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This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Trifle is the perfect balance of festive, fun, and effortless. It’s a no-fuss dessert that looks stunning and tastes like the holidays in every bite. Whether you’re short on time or just want a show-stopping treat that everyone will rave about, this recipe delivers!
Holidays are all about family, laughter, and recipes that don’t keep you tied up in the kitchen for hours. That’s where this Christmas Cake Trifle shines—it’s simple, stunning, and packed with all the flavors we love at Christmas. Layers of fluffy whipped cream, sweet cakes, and fresh strawberries come together with a sprinkle of holiday cheer to create a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
When I came up with this recipe, I was trying to get creative with a fun and festive dessert, much like my snack cake dessert dip (it can be made with this Christmas version instead of useing those heart cakes). Sponge cake is always an easy go-to, but using Little Debbie Christmas cakes really takes this to the next level. It’s not just delicious; it’s full of holiday spirit! During the hustle and bustle of the season, recipes like this remind us to slow down and enjoy time with loved ones. So grab those Christmas cakes and get ready to create something festive, delicious, and totally unforgettable!
Nikki’s Recipe Rundown
- Taste: This trifle is the essence of holiday cheer, perfectly blending the creamy, nostalgic flavors of Little Debbie Christmas cakes and fresh strawberries.
- Texture: Light, fluffy whipped cream meets soft, cake-like bites and juicy bites of fruit, with a touch of festive crunch from sprinkles.
- Ease: Quick and foolproof—perfect for busy holiday prep when you want to impress without the stress.
- Pros: It looks gorgeous on the table with very little effort, and a fun way to use those iconic Little Debbie Christmas cakes.
- Considerations: Best served within a day or two to keep the whipped cream fresh.
- Recipe Repeatability: This one’s a keeper! It’s so good you’ll find yourself making it year after year—it’s always a hit with family and friends! Think of all the snack cake varieties you can make!
Ingredients needed for Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dessert
- Heavy cream: Keep it nice and cold for the fluffiest whipped cream. Using high-quality cream makes all the difference in flavor! If you want it sweeter, add in 1/4 to 1/2 cup powdered sugar.
- Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla gives the whipped cream that warm, classic depth we all love.
- Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the way to go for bright color and the best flavor. Slice them evenly to make layering a breeze.
- Little Debbie Christmas cakes: These little cakes are the heart of this trifle—full of flavor and holiday nostalgia. Mash them up gently for a perfect mix of textures.
- Sugar sprinkles: The red and green sprinkles add that magical holiday sparkle and make the whole dessert pop!
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap strawberries with blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries for a mixed-fruit twist.
- Add a layer of banana slices for extra sweetness and tropical flair.
- Drizzle a bit of strawberry or raspberry sauce between layers for added color and flavor depth.
Chocolate Variations
- Chocolate Cake Layers: Swap the Little Debbie Christmas cakes for chocolate snack cakes like Swiss Rolls or Fudge Rounds to create a rich chocolatey twist. I swanny (southern for promise, I saw Chocolate Little Debbie Christmas trees one year!
- Chocolate Whipped Cream: Add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder and a bit of powdered sugar to the heavy cream before whipping for a smooth, chocolate-flavored cream.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Layer in or drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate syrup between the cake and whipped cream layers for an extra decadent touch.
- Chocolate Sprinkles: Use red, green, and chocolate sprinkles or a dusting of cocoa for a festive yet cocoa-themed finish.
- Chocolate and Strawberry Combo: Keep the strawberries, but add chocolate chunks or mini chocolate chips for the best of both worlds.
How To Make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Trifle
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Make the Whipped Cream
Start by whipping up the star of this trifle—the whipped cream! In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, whip it until you see stiff peaks form. This should take just a few minutes, so keep an eye on it. You want it fluffy and firm but not overmixed.
Step 2 | Layer the First Half
Next, grab your Little Debbie Christmas cakes—12 of them, to be exact. Break them up with your hands or a large fork until they’re a crumbly mix of cake and cream.
Spread half of this mixture into the bottom of your trifle dish to create the first layer.
Top this with about a third of your whipped cream, and spread it out nice and evenly.
Step 3 | Add the Strawberries
Now it’s time for the fruit! Take your sliced strawberries and layer them evenly over the whipped cream. If you want to get fancy, you can line the slices up around the edges for a decorative touch. If not, just toss them in—this dessert is forgiving, and it’ll look beautiful either way!
Step 4 | Build the Final Layers
Spread another third of your whipped cream over the strawberries, followed by the remaining Christmas cake mixture. Finish off with the last of the whipped cream, spreading it smoothly over the top.
Step 5 | Decorate and Serve
For the grand finale, sprinkle on your red and green sugar sprinkles, adding a festive touch. Then, place the last three Little Debbie cakes on top as a garnish.
If you’re not serving the trifle right away, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Save the sprinkles and final cakes for just before serving to keep them looking fresh. Now, dig in and enjoy this holiday masterpiece!
Recipe Tips
- You can line your strawberries up around the trifle to give the dish a little extra decoration or just throw them in if you’re in a hurry. You can also chop your strawberries instead of slicing them if you want smaller pieces.
- Whipped Cream: Be sure the whipped cream reaches stiff peaks for a firmer hold and better layering.
- My trifle dish is about 10 inches in diameter, so you can adjust the amount of whipped cream and cake depending on how big your dish is. Most trifle dishes are about 10 inches wide.
Shortcut Ideas
- Use store-bought, thawed frozen whipped topping instead of the homemade whipped cream for even quicker assembly.
- Pre-sliced or frozen strawberries can save time; just thaw and pat them dry before using.
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Recipe FAQs
While these cakes give the trifle its signature holiday charm, you can substitute with other snack cakes or pound cake if needed. Just be sure to stick to something soft and flavorful.
Mashing the cakes adds texture and helps them blend into the layers, but you can also slice them for a neater presentation if you prefer
Most trifle dishes are about 10 inches in diameter, which works perfectly for this recipe. If yours is smaller or larger, you can adjust the amount of cake or whipped cream as needed.
Storage for Little Debbie Snack Cake Dessert
Storage: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Make Ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance, but keep the final garnish and sprinkles for right before serving.
Freezer: Not ideal for freezing as the whipped cream and fresh fruit may lose texture.
What to Serve with a Christmas Trifle Dessert
For a magical holiday dessert spread to pair with your Christmas Cake Trifle, add some Grinch-inspired fun and festive treats from my blog! My Grinch Red Velvet Oreo Balls, bring a playful, whimsical touch, while the Christmas Popcorn Snack Mix is a sweet-and-salty crowd-pleaser.
Add a classic holiday flavor with creamy Peppermint Fudge, and don’t forget my Easy Creamy Eggnog Dessert Dip—perfect for dipping cookies or fruit. These festive treats are sure to bring joy to everyone and make your dessert table the star of the season!
More Holiday Recipes
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Christmas Tree Trifle Dessert
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups sliced strawberries
- 15 little Debbie Christmas cakes, (3 boxes)
- 1 tablespoon green sugar sprinkles
- 1 tablespoon red sugar sprinkles
Instructions
- Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl. Use an electric hand mixer on medium speed to whip the cream into stiff peaks. This should take 3-5 minutes.If you want this layer a little sweet, add in ¼ to ½ cup powdered sugar when whipping the heavy cream.
- Use a large fork or your hands to mash 12 Christmas tree cakes. Add half of the mashed cake mixture to the bottom of a large trifle dish, and then top it with 1/3 of your whipped cream.
- Cover the whipped cream with all of the sliced strawberries. Top the fruit with another layer of whipped cream followed by the remaining cake and whipped cream.
- Top the trifle with the sprinkles and last three Christmas tree cakes.
- Serve and enjoy!
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Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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