Name: Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 13.25 ounce box yellow cake mix; 3 large eggs; 1 large egg yolk; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup melted butter; 7 ounces marshmallow fluff; ¾ cup butter, room temperature; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons whole milk; 1 pound white almond bark; 1 cup red candy melts; Green sanding sugar

There’s just something so fun and nostalgic about these festive treats. The Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe brings back holiday joy with its soft cake, fluffy filling, and that perfect sweet coating. It’s truly worth making to recreate that childhood delight right in your own kitchen.

The image shows three triangular cookies stacked on one another on a white plate, each cookie is covered in white icing with green sugar sprinkles scattered all over. Red icing in wavy lines runs across the surface of each cookie, creating a festive contrast. The cookies have a slightly rough texture visible under the icing. The background is a white marbled texture, and there is a blurry white cup behind the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these little tree cakes more times than I can count during the holidays, and each time they bring the same excitement—both from the baking process and the smiles when they’re eaten. This recipe feels festive but is surprisingly easy, making it a go-to for holiday celebrations.

Authentic Flavor & Texture: It perfectly mimics the original, with moist cake, sweet marshmallow filling, and a smooth coating.
Simple Ingredients: Using common pantry staples means you can whip these up without a special trip to the store.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping with the decorating, especially piping on those cute red stripes.
Great Make-Ahead Treat: You can prep them in advance and freeze, making holiday hosting less hectic.

A close-up view of a small, square-shaped cake piece held by a woman's hand showing two layers of soft yellow sponge with a thick layer of white cream filling in the middle. The cake is fully covered in a smooth white icing with a thin layer of shiny red icing on the top edge. Few tiny green sprinkles are visible on the white icing around the sides. The background features a white marbled texture with blurred hints of red, white, and green colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe come together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each plays a role to build that cherished classic taste and feel, plus they’re easy to source at most grocery stores.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of yellow cake mix powder, three whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl with melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of fluffy marshmallow fluff, a small white ceramic bowl of softened butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with green sanding sugar crystals, a small white ceramic bowl containing smooth white almond bark, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth red candy melts, all arranged in perfect symmetry, ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Yellow Cake Mix: The base of the treat, it keeps things quick and consistent without sacrificing moistness.
Eggs and Milk: Adding richness and tenderness to the cake batter.
Melted Butter: Gives the cake more depth of flavor than oil and contributes to a tender crumb.
Marshmallow Fluff: Vital for that light, sweet, and creamy filling that feels nostalgic.
Butter (for Filling): Adds creaminess and helps the filling hold its shape well for easy assembly.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling without grittiness.
White Almond Bark: This melts smoothly for an easy-to-dip coating that hardens perfectly with a nice sheen.
Red Candy Melts: Great for the festive decorative stripes — melts easily and holds color well.
Green Sanding Sugar: Adds sparkle and texture to mimic “green needles” on the trees.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about making the Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you prefer a richer filling or want to try different colors for decorating, it’s fun to put your own spin on it.

Variation: I sometimes swap the yellow cake mix for a funfetti version to add sprinkles inside the cake—kids absolutely love that twist!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 16×12 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, giving it a light spritz of nonstick spray. Pro tip: I use binder clips to hold the parchment in place so it doesn’t slip around when pouring the batter. Then whisk together the yellow cake mix, eggs, egg yolk, milk, and melted butter until super smooth—no lumps! Pour and spread the batter evenly, then bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the cake is done when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool completely—this is key before layering the filling.

Step 2: Whip Up the Fluffy Filling

While the cake cools, beat the marshmallow fluff, softened butter, and powdered sugar together until you get a silky smooth mixture. Then add the milk and crank the mixer on high for a couple of minutes—this gives you that light, airy texture that makes the filling so dreamy and spreadable.

Step 3: Assemble and Cut Out Tree Shapes

Carefully slice your cake in half horizontally and spread the filling evenly over one half. Top it with the other half and gently press to sandwich the filling. To make cutting easier, pop the layered cake into the freezer for about 30 minutes. Then use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out individual cakes. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets and freeze again for about 30 minutes to firm up before the coating step.

Step 4: Coat the Cakes and Decorate

Melt the white almond bark in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring in between, until silky smooth. Dip each tree cake into the melted coating, gently tapping off the excess, then sprinkle with green sanding sugar right away before the coating sets. For the red stripes, melt the candy melts similarly and transfer to a piping bag or sandwich bag with a tiny corner cut off. Pipe wavy red lines over the dried coating for that classic look.

Top Tip

From my many attempts making this Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference in the end result.

Binder Clips for Parchment: Using binder clips to secure parchment paper is a simple hack that prevents slipping and ensures even baking.
Chill Before Cutting: Freezing the filled cake makes cutting clean, neat tree shapes so you aren't left with crumbled edges.
Work Quickly When Coating: The almond bark sets fast, so have your green sanding sugar ready to sprinkle immediately for the best stick.
Thin Candy Melts If Needed: Adding a tiny bit of coconut oil can help prevent thick, clumpy piping lines—practice on parchment before decorating all your trees.

How to Serve Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe

Christmas Tree Cakes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple here—a sprinkle of extra green sanding sugar on the serving plate adds a bit of sparkle, and sometimes little edible pearl candies mimic tiny ornaments. These little details elevate the presentation without complicating things.

Side Dishes

Since this recipe is a sweet treat, I usually serve it as part of a holiday dessert spread—think classic hot cocoa, a bowl of fresh berries, or even spiced nuts alongside. They’re perfect bite-sized options that complement the richness without overwhelming.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these tree cakes standing upright on a bed of shredded coconut dyed green for “grass.” Or you can place them on tiered trays with string lights to create a whimsical holiday display that’s sure to wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once decorated, store your Christmas tree cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or pop them in the fridge for up to 5 days to keep them fresh. I usually layer parchment paper between cakes to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate coating.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing these cakes individually wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container. They keep well for a couple of months, which is a lifesaver for busy holiday schedules. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Since these are best served cool, I don’t recommend reheating. But if the coating loses some shine after thawing, a quick brush with a bit of melted almond bark can bring back that lovely glossy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade yellow cake works just as well and adds an extra touch of love. Just make sure it’s baked in a similar-sized sheet pan for even layers.

What if I can’t find almond bark for the coating?

You can substitute white chocolate chips or wafers, but be careful to melt them gently and stir often to avoid burning. Adding a small amount of shortening helps create a smoother coating.

How do I prevent the filling from oozing out when I cut the trees?

Chilling the filled cake in the freezer before cutting really helps keep the filling in place by firming it up. Use a sharp cookie cutter and gently press straight down without twisting.

Can I make these in advance for a holiday party?

Yes! These are perfect for making a day or two ahead. Store covered in the fridge or freeze and thaw the day before serving for a fresh, festive treat.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Recipe has become a holiday staple in my kitchen. It’s simple enough to bake with kids yet elegant enough to impress guests. Making these little trees is like catching a glimpse of holiday magic — and I’m pretty sure you’ll love them just as much as I do!