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Best Christmas Tree Brownie Cake Dip (Easy Holiday Dessert)

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A warm, fudgy brownie cake dip shaped like a Christmas tree, topped with green sanding sugar, sprinkles, and a star. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this easy dessert comes together in under 30 minutes and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup green sanding sugar or sparkling sugar
  • 1/4 cup festive sprinkles
  • 1/4 cup white chocolate chips, melted
  • 1 star-shaped cookie or candy
  • Assorted dippers: graham crackers, pretzels, vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, fresh strawberries, or marshmallows
  • Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish or skillet lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the melted butter (cooled for 5 minutes) and both sugars. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides. Add vanilla extract and peppermint extract (if using). Beat for another 30 seconds.
  5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
  6. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in two additions, using a rubber spatula. Do not overmix.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The edges should be set and slightly cracked, but the center should still jiggle.
  9. Let the dip cool for 5-10 minutes.
  10. Using a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon, gently spread the dip into a rough triangle shape (like a Christmas tree).
  11. Generously sprinkle the tree area with green sanding sugar. Tap off excess.
  12. Press festive sprinkles into the green sugar to look like ornaments. Drizzle melted white chocolate in zigzag patterns for garland. Place the star cookie or candy at the top.
  13. Serve warm with assorted dippers.

Notes

Don’t overbake; the center should still jiggle. Room temperature ingredients are key for a smooth batter. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter. The dip can be made ahead: prepare batter up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking, adding 3-5 minutes to baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas tree brownie cake dip, easy holiday dessert, brownie dip, Christmas dessert, party dip, chocolate dip

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