Homemade Tree Cakes: A Nostalgic Holiday Treat
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about Little Debbie’s Tree Cakes. These festive treats, often tucked into school lunchboxes, bring back childhood memories of holiday seasons filled with joy and sweet indulgence. However, while they’re undeniably delicious, store-bought versions contain preservatives and additives that many home bakers prefer to avoid. That’s where this homemade tree cake recipe comes in—a from-scratch recreation that delivers the same fluffy cake, creamy filling, and festive coating, all made with simple ingredients right in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Tree Cakes
- No Preservatives or Additives – Unlike store-bought snacks, these cakes are made with whole ingredients.
- Perfect for the Holidays – Whether you’re making them for your family, gifting them to friends, or serving them at a festive gathering, they’re a crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable – Change up the colors, sprinkles, and fillings to make them your own.
Ingredients You Need
For the Cake:
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup) – Provides richness and moisture.
- White Sugar (1 cup) – Adds sweetness and structure.
- Baking Powder (2 teaspoons) – Helps the cake rise.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) – Enhances flavors.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon) – Adds depth to the cake’s flavor.
- Almond Extract (½ teaspoon) – Optional, but gives the cake a distinct nostalgic taste.
- Egg Yolks (4) – Adds richness and structure to the cake.
- Flour (1 ½ cups) – The foundation of the cake.
- Milk (⅔ cup) – Keeps the cake soft and moist.
For the Frosting:
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup) – Creates a smooth, creamy texture.
- Marshmallow Fluff (1 cup) – Adds lightness to the filling.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon) – Complements the sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar (3 cups) – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
For the Topping:
- White Candy Melts (12 ounces) – Creates the signature glossy coating.
- Festive Sprinkles – For a fun, decorative touch.
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together butter, sugar, baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing after each addition.
- Alternate adding flour and milk, mixing until a smooth batter forms.
- Spread the batter thinly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting by beating butter, marshmallow fluff, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until well combined and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Cakes
- Once the cake is completely cool, use a tree-shaped cookie cutter to cut out individual tree shapes.
- Spread a thin layer of frosting on half of the tree-shaped cakes.
- Place a second tree-shaped cake on top of each frosted one to create a sandwich.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the cakes.
Step 4: Coat with Chocolate & Decorate
- Melt white candy melts according to package instructions.
- Dip each tree into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coverage, or drizzle the chocolate over the cakes.
- Immediately sprinkle with festive sprinkles before the coating sets.
- Allow the chocolate to fully set before serving.
Tips for the Best Homemade Tree Cakes
- Work with Cold Cakes: Chilling the cakes before dipping makes them easier to handle.
- Use a Fork for Dipping: This helps you achieve an even chocolate coating without fingerprints.
- Experiment with Colors: Add food coloring to the white chocolate to match different festive themes.
- Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
How to Store & Freeze Homemade Tree Cakes
Storing at Room Temperature:
These cakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerating:
If you prefer a firmer texture, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing for Later:
To freeze, arrange the fully coated and decorated cakes on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Customizing Your Tree Cakes
Homemade tree cakes are perfect for creative customization. Here are a few fun ways to switch them up:
- Flavor Variations: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate version.
- Alternative Fillings: Swap marshmallow fluff for cream cheese frosting or Nutella.
- Decorating Ideas: Use colored sprinkles, crushed peppermint, or edible glitter for extra festive flair.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix.
While store-bought versions are convenient, making your own tree cakes allows you to control the ingredients and customize them to your liking. Whether you want to enjoy a nostalgic treat, create homemade gifts, or start a new holiday baking tradition, these homemade tree cakes are a festive and delicious choice!
Would you try making these at home? Let us know in the comments below!
This Recipe is in my Cookbook, From Scratch!
I’m excited to share my cookbook with you, created with sustainability and flavor in mind! From Scratch is packed with delicious, eco-conscious recipes designed to nourish both you and the planet. Every dish is carefully crafted to use fresh, local ingredients, and focuses on minimizing waste while maximizing taste.
From wholesome breakfasts to hearty dinners, my cookbook offers a variety of plant-based meals that are easy to prepare and full of nutrients. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or simply enjoy meals that are better for you and the Earth, this cookbook is your guide to eating in a way that’s both kind to the planet and satisfying to your taste buds. You can grab your copy here:
Check Out The Pantry Labels
In 2024, I released a set of Pantry Labels with recipes that are dishwasher-safe and fit the lids of mason jars perfectly.
Each labels has the recipe to refill the dry mix jar, as well as the recipe to make the item if applicable.
Tree Cakes
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 ½ cups flour
- ⅔ cup milk
Frosting & Topping
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 12 ounces white candy melts
- Festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In your stand mixer bowl or a bowl, mix together room temperature butter, sugar, baking powder, salt, extract and almost extract.
- Add four egg yolks, one at a time.
- Add flour and milk, and mix until a batter forms.
- Spread batter thinly on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the fork comes out clean. Let it cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
- While the cake is baking, mix the frosting. Combine room temp butter, marshmallow fluff, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add powdered sugar and beat frosting until smooth.
- Once cakes are cooled enough to handle, use a tree cookie cutter and cut tree shapes.
- Spread a thin layer of frosting on half of the trees and assemble the cakes by adding another on top of the frosting. Each cake should have two trees and a frosting layer in between.
- Refrigerate the cakes for 30 minutes.
- Melt white chocolate candle melts in the microwave according to package instructions.
- Dip the trees into the chocolate, or pour the chocolate over the trees.
- Decorate and let the chocolate set.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
