Christmas Tree Cake Trifle
The holiday season is all about whimsical cheer, enchanting aromas, and festive gatherings. Imagine your kitchen filled with the sweet scent of vanilla and cream cheese, mingling with the joyful sounds of laughter and chatter. As the oven works its magic, golden cake layers emerge, interspersed with vibrant green and white, reminiscent of a twinkling Christmas tree. This lovely Christmas Tree Cake Trifle doesn’t just look stunning; it tastes like a delightful slice of holiday spirit.
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Growing up, my family had a tradition of creating elaborate desserts that filled our home with warmth and excitement. There was something unmatched about watching my mom layer colorful cakes with fluffy cream, creating a masterpiece we couldn’t wait to dive into. This Christmas Tree Cake Trifle not only brings back those cherished memories but also makes new ones with every spoonful. I can’t wait for you to gather your loved ones and whip up this delightful treat, perfect for any festive table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 30 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of bake time, you can have this stunning trifle ready in no time!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and whipped topping creates a smooth texture that perfectly balances the fluffy cake.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Its vibrant colors and festive sprinkles bring a playful touch to any holiday gathering.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for parties, family gatherings, or even as a make-ahead Christmas morning treat!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Substitutions can easily be made to accommodate dietary preferences, like gluten-free cake mix!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- White Cake Mix: Opt for your favorite brand for that fluffy texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, there are excellent gluten-free cake mixes available.
- Eggs: Fresh large eggs are best for richness and structure. Ensure they’re at room temperature for an even batter.
- Vegetable Oil: This adds moisture to the cake. If you prefer, you can use melted coconut oil for a subtle flavor twist.
- Water: Use filtered water for the best possible flavor.
- Green Gel Food Coloring: A few drops transform one layer into festive green. Feel free to use natural food coloring if that’s your preference.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for a smooth and creamy filling. Bring it to room temperature to ensure easy mixing.
- Powdered Sugar: This adds sweetness and gives the frosting that smooth finish. If you want a less sweet version, just reduce the amount.
- Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla for a richer flavor; imitation vanilla works too in a pinch.
- Whipped Topping: A store-bought version simplifies the process, but homemade whipped cream is fantastic if you have the time!
- Milk: Full-fat milk ensures creaminess in your layered filling. Non-dairy milk alternatives like almond or oat milk can be substituted if needed.
- Holiday Sprinkles: These add a festive touch! Mix and match to suit your color scheme.
- Star Decoration: Use a cookie, sprinkle, or chocolate star to crown your trifle, making it even more appealing.
How to Make Christmas Tree Cake Trifle
Prepare and Bake Cake: Begin by following the instructions on the box of white cake mix, incorporating the eggs, oil, and water until smooth. Once blended, divide the batter in half. Tint one half with green gel food coloring, leaving the other half white. Bake in two separate 8×8 pans at 350°F until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, which usually takes 25-30 minutes. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Make Cream Filling: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s silky smooth. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until well combined. Gently fold in the whipped topping to add a lightness to the cream. Finally, stir in the milk until everything is evenly combined and creamy.
Cube the Cakes: Once the cakes have cooled, cut them into 1-inch cubes. This step is essential, as these little pieces will create the layers in your trifle. Keep one bowl for the green cake and one for the white cake—you’ll alternate between them for a festive look!
Layer the Trifle: Grab a clear trifle bowl (or a glass dish works too) to begin layering! Start with a layer of green cake cubes at the bottom. Then, add a generous layer of cream filling and sprinkle some holiday sprinkles for that festive flair. Next, add a layer of white cake cubes followed by more cream and a sprinkle layer. Repeat the layering process until the bowl is full, finishing with the cream topping.
Decorate and Chill: Top the trifle with a generous mound of whipped topping, followed by a sprinkling of holiday sprinkles. To crown your masterpiece, place a star decoration on top. Finally, cover your trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
To store your Christmas Tree Cake Trifle, keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in an airtight container, lasting up to 3 months. Although refrigerating and freezing can change the texture slightly, simply let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. For the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy the trifle fresh.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Cutting the cakes while they’re slightly warm helps them retain moisture, but don’t cut them too early or they may crumble too easily.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the filling to ensure it’s smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Timing is important—letting the trifle chill for at least 4 hours (or preferably overnight) is key for melding the flavors and achieving the best texture.
- For a fun twist, add layers of fruit between the cake and cream layers, like strawberries or blueberries, for added flavor and freshness.
- Try experimenting with different flavored cake mixes for unique variations that can surprise your guests!
The Christmas Tree Cake Trifle is not only a delightful dessert but also a sweet centerpiece that brings joy to any holiday table. With its layers of vibrant color and luscious flavor, it’s sure to impress your family and friends—and maybe even become a part of your family’s traditions! As you gather with loved ones, encourage everyone to dive in and savor each delicious bite.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making the trifle ahead allows the flavors to blend beautifully. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember, the longer it sits, the softer the cake layers will become!
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Definitely! While the classic flavor is lovely, feel free to experiment with different cake mixes, such as chocolate or red velvet. Just ensure that the colors remain festive when preparing the layers.
What kind of alternative for the whipped topping can I use?
You can easily swap out the whipped topping for homemade whipped cream. Simply whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, adding a touch of powdered sugar and vanilla for sweetness. This will give you a fresh taste that complements the trifle beautifully.
How should I serve this trifle?
Serving your Christmas Tree Cake Trifle is simple! Use a large serving spoon to scoop the layers into individual bowls, and for a more casual get-together, you can provide small dessert cups for everyone to enjoy their servings.
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📖 Recipe Card
Christmas Tree Cake Trifle
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate the holiday spirit with this Christmas Tree Cake Trifle! With its fluffy cake layers, creamy filling, and vibrant colors, it’s perfect for festive gatherings or as a sweet centerpiece for your table.
Ingredients
- White Cake Mix
- Eggs
- Vegetable Oil
- Water
- Green Gel Food Coloring
- Cream Cheese
- Powdered Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- Whipped Topping
- Milk
- Holiday Sprinkles
- Star Decoration
Instructions
- Prepare and bake the cake according to the instructions on the cake mix box.
- Divide the batter, tint half green, and bake in two 8×8 pans until done.
- Cool the cakes, then make the cream filling by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, folding in whipped topping and milk.
- Cut the cooled cakes into 1-inch cubes, separating them into green and white.
- Layer green cake cubes, cream filling, and sprinkles in a trifle bowl, alternating with white cake cubes.
- Top with whipped topping and sprinkles, then chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Notes
Room temperature ingredients yield a smoother filling.
Allow enough time for chilling to meld the flavors beautifully.
Experiment with different cake mixes for unique twists.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
