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This holiday favorite gets a fun makeover as a smooth, creamy dip that brings all the charm of those iconic Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. The playful sweet treat blends soft vanilla cake chunks, whipped cream, and colorful sprinkles into a party-ready dessert that'll make grown-ups feel like kids again.
I came up with this dip for my kid's Christmas classroom party, and it was such a smash hit that I got requests to bring it to every school celebration after that. Kids got excited seeing their favorite snack cake in dip form, while parents couldn't get enough of those nostalgic flavors.
Key Components
- Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes: Make sure they're totally defrosted if frozen - cold ones won't mix right
- Cream Cheese: Go for the full-fat version for extra richness. Leave it out to soften completely
- Whipped Topping: Store in freezer until you need it - slightly thawed gives the perfect texture
- Vanilla Extract: Splurge on real vanilla instead of artificial for way better flavor
- Milk: Full-fat adds the most creaminess, but any kind works fine
- Christmas Sprinkles: Try to find ones similar to what's on the original cakes
Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1:
- Let your cream cheese sit out for at least 2 hours - soft cream cheese won't leave any annoying lumps
- Step 2:
- Gently open each Christmas Tree Cake so you don't mangle their shape before you break them up
- Step 3:
- Tear the cakes into small chunks about an inch big, getting a good mix of both cake and the frosted coating
- Step 4:
- Start by whipping the cream cheese in your bowl until it's super smooth and airy
- Step 5:
- Slowly pour in milk while mixing so everything blends together nicely
- Step 6:
- Mix in the vanilla until you can't see it anymore
- Step 7:
- Throw in the cake bits a little at a time, mixing between each handful
- Step 8:
- Take breaks to wipe down the sides of your bowl so nothing gets left out
- Step 9:
- Use a light touch to fold the whipped topping in with gentle motions to keep it fluffy
- Step 10:
- Scoop everything into your serving dish and smooth the top with a spoon
Putting Together Your Holiday Display
Set your dippers in a circle around the bowl like a wreath. Mix up crunchy and soft cookies with different colors to make it look amazing and taste even better.
Party Prep Ideas
This dip looks fantastic on a sweets platter with fresh berries, cookies and other treats. Its snowy white color fits perfectly with winter celebrations.
In our house, making this dip is part of our tree decorating ritual. There's something magical about munching on this familiar taste while Christmas music plays and we hang ornaments on the tree together.
This sweet dip has turned into one of my go-to holiday treats. It shows how taking childhood favorites and turning them into something new can create the tastiest memories. Whenever I bring it out, people start sharing their favorite Christmas stories and family traditions.
Recipe Q&A
- → How long can I keep this dip refrigerated?
- You can pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days if kept covered.
- → What foods go well for dipping?
- Try graham crackers, vanilla cookies, salty pretzels, or slices of fresh fruit.
- → Can I fix this dip before my party?
- Sure, make it a day early, but wait to add the sprinkles and cake pieces until you're ready to serve.
- → Will other Little Debbie treats work too?
- Absolutely, swap in Valentine Hearts or Halloween Pumpkins when those seasons roll around.
- → Why soften the cream cheese first?
- Soft cream cheese mixes way better and won't leave annoying lumps in your dip.