Best Christmas Tree Cake Dip – Easy Party Dessert
This Christmas tree cake dip is a creamy, fluffy dessert dip made with strawberry Christmas tree cakes, cream cheese, and whipped topping. It’s incredibly easy to make in just 10 minutes and is the perfect festive treat for holiday parties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including 30 minutes chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted if desired
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
- 6 strawberry Christmas tree cakes (e.g., Little Debbie)
- 1/4 cup green sanding sugar or green sprinkles
- Red and green nonpareils or festive sprinkles for garnish
- Graham crackers, for serving
- Vanilla wafers, for serving
- Pretzel sticks, for serving
- Fresh strawberries and apple slices, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese and butter: Take them out of the fridge about an hour before starting. They should be soft to the touch but not melted.
- Cream the base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through.
- Add the sugar and vanilla: With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the powdered sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, to prevent a sugar cloud. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined, about 1 minute more.
- Fold in the whipped topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula. Fold just until no white streaks remain, about 30 seconds. The dip should be fluffy and pillowy.
- Prepare the Christmas tree cakes: Take 4 of the 6 Christmas tree cakes and place them on a cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut them into small chunks, about 1/2 inch pieces. Reserve the remaining 2 cakes for topping.
- Fold in the cake chunks: Add the chopped cake pieces to the dip mixture. Gently fold them in with the spatula, being careful not to break them up further. This takes about 10 gentle folds.
- Add the green sprinkles: Sprinkle in about 2 tablespoons of the green sanding sugar or sprinkles. Fold once or twice to distribute, but don’t overmix — you want some green swirls.
- Assemble the dip: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl or platter. Use the spatula to spread it into an even layer. Create some swirls on top with the back of a spoon for presentation.
- Decorate the top: Take the remaining 2 Christmas tree cakes and cut them into larger chunks or halve them. Arrange them on top of the dip. Sprinkle the remaining green sanding sugar and red nonpareils over the top.
- Chill before serving: Cover the dip with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dip to firm up slightly. Can be made a day ahead.
Notes
Room temperature cream cheese and butter are crucial for a smooth dip. Don’t overmix the whipped topping to keep it light and fluffy. Use a sharp chef’s knife to chop the cakes to avoid crushing them. The dip can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping. For a peppermint variation, add crushed peppermint candies and a drop of peppermint extract.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/1
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Protein: 3.5
Keywords: Christmas tree cake dip, holiday dessert dip, strawberry cake dip, easy party dessert, no-bake dessert, Christmas dip