Christmas Tree Cake Trifle is a festive and delightful dessert that can brighten up any holiday gathering. This layered dessert features moist cake and a creamy filling, making it a perfect showstopper for your Christmas table. Imagine the joy of serving a trifle that not only looks like a Christmas tree but also tastes heavenly. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that will surely become a holiday favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Cake Trifle
This Christmas Tree Cake Trifle is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a visual delight as well. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore it:
- It combines two delicious cake flavors, making it a versatile choice.
- The vibrant green and white layers create a festive appearance.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser at holiday parties, sure to impress your guests.
- Perfect for family gatherings and celebrations, ensuring smiles all around.
- Easy to prepare, even for novice bakers.
- Can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the festivities.
- Offers a delightful mix of textures with creamy layers and cake pieces.
- Great for fitting into your list of easy festive dessert recipes.
As an American dessert, it caters to all taste preferences, making it a must-try!
Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cake Trifle
Gather these items:
- 1 box white cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- a few drops green gel food coloring
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 12 oz whipped topping
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
- 1 star decoration (sprinkle, cookie, or chocolate)
How to Make Christmas Tree Cake Trifle Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Prepare cake mix according to package instructions using eggs, oil, and water. Divide batter in half, tint one half green, and leave the other white.
- Step 2: Bake each color separately in 8×8 pans until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Step 3: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mix well. Fold in whipped topping and stir in milk until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Cut both cakes into 1-inch cubes for layering.
- Step 5: In a clear trifle bowl, layer green cake cubes, cream mixture, and sprinkles. Follow with white cake, more cream, and sprinkles. Repeat layers until full.
- Step 6: Top with whipped topping, additional sprinkles, and place a star decoration on top.
- Step 7: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Tree Cake Trifle
Keep these in mind:
- Use any star decoration you prefer to top off your trifle.
- Adjust the amount of sprinkles to your liking for a more festive look.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding chocolate layers for a Chocolate Christmas Trifle.
- This trifle dessert recipe works well as a no-bake option if you use store-bought cake.
Best Ways to Serve Christmas Tree Cake Trifle
This holiday cake trifle can be served in individual glasses for an elegant touch. Alternatively, serve it in a large trifle bowl for a family-style presentation. Pair with a warm cup of cocoa for a cozy feel, or enjoy it alongside other Christmas dessert ideas.
How to Store and Reheat Christmas Tree Cake Trifle
To store, keep your trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors blend beautifully over time, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Avoid freezing, as the cream layer may separate upon thawing. Remember, this dessert is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to make it ahead of time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Tree Cake Trifle
What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Tree Cake Trifle?
The key to a perfect layered cake trifle is ensuring that all layers are balanced and well-chilled before serving. This enhances the flavor and texture, making each bite delightful.
Can I make Christmas Tree Cake Trifle ahead of time?
Yes! This trifle can be prepared a day in advance. Just ensure you cover it well to keep it fresh. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Tree Cake Trifle?
Ensure cakes are completely cool before layering to prevent the cream from melting. Also, be gentle when layering to maintain the beautiful visual appeal characteristic of a layered dessert with cake and cream.
Variations of Christmas Tree Cake Trifle You Can Try
Get creative with your trifle by trying these variations:
- Incorporate chocolate cake layers for a Chocolate Christmas Trifle.
- Use different holiday-themed sprinkles for a unique look.
- Substitute cream cheese with flavored whipped cream for a lighter version.
- Experiment with adding fruit layers between cake layers for a fruity twist.
These variations will keep your festive cake trifle exciting and delicious!
Christmas Tree Cake Trifle: 7 Layers of Joyful Delight
A festive and delightful Christmas Tree Cake Trifle that layers delicious cake and creamy filling for a perfect holiday dessert.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- a few drops green gel food coloring
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 12 oz whipped topping
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles
- 1 star decoration (sprinkle, cookie, or chocolate)
Instructions
- Prepare cake mix according to package instructions using eggs, oil, and water. Divide batter in half, tint one half green, and leave the other white.
- Bake each color separately in 8×8 pans until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mix well. Fold in whipped topping and stir in milk until smooth and creamy.
- Cut both cakes into 1-inch cubes for layering.
- In a clear trifle bowl, layer green cake cubes, cream mixture, and sprinkles. Follow with white cake, more cream, and sprinkles. Repeat layers until full.
- Top with whipped topping, additional sprinkles, and place a star decoration on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Notes
- Use any star decoration you prefer.
- Adjust the amount of sprinkles to your liking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg

