The holiday season is all about creating joyful moments, and what could be more cheerful than a Christmas Tree Sheet Cake? This vibrant, festive dessert combines moist cake with creamy frosting, all decorated to resemble a beautifully adorned Christmas tree. It’s a centerpiece that doubles as dessert.
The first time I made this cake, I was drawn to its simplicity and creativity. A sheet cake transforms into a festive masterpiece with a little frosting and imagination. It was the highlight of our holiday table, and everyone loved the mix of buttery cake and colorful toppings.
What I adore most about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a party, baking with kids, or bringing dessert to a potluck, this Christmas Tree Sheet Cake is guaranteed to spread holiday cheer. Let’s bake this beauty and turn dessert into a celebration
The Christmas Tree Sheet Cake is a moist, buttery cake decorated to resemble a festive Christmas tree. A vibrant green frosting and colorful candy “ornaments” make this dessert the perfect holiday centerpiece.
Easy to make and fun to decorate, this cake is ideal for family gatherings, holiday parties, or a sweet seasonal gift.
An Exciting Story:
The first time I served this Christmas Tree Sheet Cake, it was the star of the dessert table. My husband loved its buttery flavor, and my kids couldn’t wait to help decorate with candy ornaments and sprinkles. It’s now a holiday tradition that brings the whole family together.
Why This Christmas Tree Sheet Cake?
- Festive and Fun: Perfect for the holidays with its Christmas tree design.
- Easy to Make: A simple sheet cake with creative decorations.
- Kid-Friendly: A great project for little helpers.
- Customizable: Add your own decorations and flavors.
- Holiday Showstopper: Doubles as a dessert and a table centerpiece.
What You Need for Christmas Tree Sheet Cake
- For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- For Decoration:
- Mini M&M’s, candy pearls, or gumdrops (for ornaments)
- Edible glitter or sanding sugar
- Pretzel sticks (for the trunk)
- Star-shaped candy or cookies (for the tree topper)
How to Make Christmas Tree Sheet Cake
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Make the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well. Add the vanilla extract and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Mix in green gel food coloring until you achieve the desired shade of green.
- Cut and Assemble the Tree:
- Once the cake has cooled, carefully cut it into the shape of a Christmas tree (triangle with a trunk at the bottom). Use the excess cake pieces for snacking or save for another use.
- Place the cake on a large serving platter or cake board.
- Frost the Cake:
- Spread a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake, then chill for 15 minutes. Add a second, thicker layer of green frosting, smoothing with a spatula.
- Decorate the Tree:
- Arrange mini M&M’s, candy pearls, or gumdrops as ornaments on the tree. Sprinkle with edible glitter or sanding sugar for a sparkling effect. Use pretzel sticks for the trunk and a star-shaped candy or cookie for the tree topper.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve your festive cake at your next holiday gathering!
Tips for Christmas Tree Sheet Cake
- Use a Template: Draw a triangle on parchment paper and place it over the cake as a guide for cutting.
- Chill Before Decorating: A cool cake is easier to frost and decorate.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Different Flavors: Use chocolate, red velvet, or gingerbread cake as the base.
- Alternative Frosting: Swap buttercream for cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.
- Use Cupcakes: Arrange frosted cupcakes in the shape of a Christmas tree for easy serving.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Use whole-wheat pastry flour for added fiber.
- Replace some sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Frost with Greek yogurt mixed with a little powdered sugar for a lighter option.
Closing for Christmas Tree Sheet Cake:
And there you have it—Christmas Tree Sheet Cake that’s as festive as it is delicious. Perfect for spreading holiday cheer, this cake will be the centerpiece of any dessert table. Let us know how yours turns out, and don’t forget to explore more of our holiday-inspired recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions for Christmas Tree Sheet Cake
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, bake and frost the cake up to a day in advance. Store covered at room temperature. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. - Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving. - What if I’m not good at cutting shapes?
Use a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut smaller cakes from the sheet cake. - What pairs well with this cake?
Serve with hot cocoa, mulled cider, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. - How do I make this cake extra festive?
Add edible glitter, colorful sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. - What if I don’t have green food coloring?
Use matcha powder or spinach puree for a natural green hue. - How do I prevent the cake from crumbling when cutting?
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting. - Can I use boxed cake mix?
Absolutely! Follow the box instructions and decorate as directed here. - What’s a fun serving idea?
Arrange the cake slices on a platter with small candy “presents” at the base for a festive display. - What if I don’t have candies for decorations?
Use dried fruit, nuts, or piped frosting designs as ornaments. - Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Little Debbie Christmas Tree Sheet Cake
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
2 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
3 large 3 eggs
1 tbsp 1 vanilla extract
1 cup 1 whole milk
- For the Frosting:
1 cup 1 unsalted butter, softened
4 cups 4 powdered sugar
2 2 -3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
1 tsp 1 vanilla extract
Green gel food coloring
- For Decoration:
Mini M&M’s, candy pearls, or gumdrops (for ornaments)
Edible glitter or sanding sugar
Pretzel sticks (for the trunk)
Star-shaped candy or cookies (for the tree topper)
Directions
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Make the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well. Add the vanilla extract and milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Mix in green gel food coloring until you achieve the desired shade of green.
- Cut and Assemble the Tree:
- Once the cake has cooled, carefully cut it into the shape of a Christmas tree (triangle with a trunk at the bottom). Use the excess cake pieces for snacking or save for another use.
- Place the cake on a large serving platter or cake board.
- Frost the Cake:
- Spread a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake, then chill for 15 minutes. Add a second, thicker layer of green frosting, smoothing with a spatula.
- Decorate the Tree:
- Arrange mini M&M’s, candy pearls, or gumdrops as ornaments on the tree. Sprinkle with edible glitter or sanding sugar for a sparkling effect. Use pretzel sticks for the trunk and a star-shaped candy or cookie for the tree topper.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve your festive cake at your next holiday gathering!
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