The Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle is a delightful dessert that captures the festive spirit of the holiday season. It brings together layers of sweet, creamy goodness combined with the iconic Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes and fresh strawberries. This trifle not only looks festive but also tastes heavenly, making it a perfect addition to your holiday gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic way to impress your family and friends during holiday parties. It is simple to make and requires minimal ingredients. The combination of cream cheese, whipped topping, and Little Debbie cakes creates a rich and creamy texture that everyone will love. Plus, it’s visually appealing, adding a beautiful centerpiece to your dessert table.
How to Make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces whipped topping (thawed)
- 12 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (2 ½ boxes)
- 1 ½ pounds strawberries (washed, hulled, and sliced)
- Coarse green sanding sugar (if desired)
Directions
- In a large bowl, add 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ⅓ cup of powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon of almond extract, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Fold in 8 ounces of thawed whipped topping until the mixture is smooth.
- Chop 12 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes into bite-sized pieces (about 8 pieces per cake) and layer half of them (6 cakes) in the bottom of a large trifle dish.
- Layer half of the 1 ½ pounds of sliced strawberries over the cakes, followed by half of the cream mixture. Smooth with an offset spatula.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining cakes and strawberries. Finish by smoothing the remaining cream over the top.
- Top with additional Mini Tree Cakes and coarse green sanding sugar, if desired.
- Serve within 24 hours of assembling.
How to Serve Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle
Serve this trifle in clear glass dishes or bowls to showcase the beautiful layers. Use a large spoon for easy serving, making sure to include a bit of each layer in every scoop. It pairs nicely with a hot cup of cocoa or a festive holiday drink.
How to Store Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or a lid. It is best enjoyed within 24 to 48 hours for optimal freshness. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for long periods.
Tips to Make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- You can use any type of fruit you like, such as blueberries or raspberries, in place of strawberries for different flavors.
- For a richer taste, include a layer of chocolate pudding or vanilla pudding in the trifle.
Variation
To make a chocolate version, swap out the almond extract for chocolate syrup and layer with chocolate cake pieces instead of the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes.
FAQs
1. Can I make this trifle a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the trifle a day in advance, but it’s best to serve it within 24 hours for the freshest taste.
2. What if I can’t find Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes?
You can substitute with any other similar snack cakes or even use sponge cake cut into squares.
3. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the trifle.
Little Debbie Christmas Tree Trifle
Ingredients
For the cream layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened) Ensure it is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon almond extract Can be swapped for chocolate syrup for a chocolate version.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces whipped topping (thawed)
For the trifle layers
- 12 pieces Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 ½ pounds strawberries (washed, hulled, and sliced) You can substitute with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries.
- Coarse green sanding sugar (if desired) For decoration.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, add softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Fold in thawed whipped topping until the mixture is smooth.
Layering
- Chop Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes into bite-sized pieces (about 8 pieces per cake) and layer half of them (6 cakes) in the bottom of a large trifle dish.
- Layer half of the sliced strawberries over the cakes, followed by half of the cream mixture. Smooth with an offset spatula.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining cakes and strawberries. Finish by smoothing the remaining cream over the top.
- Top with additional Mini Tree Cakes and coarse green sanding sugar, if desired.
