Little Debbie Christmas tree dip is a sweet, no-bake dessert dip made with softened cream cheese, half and half, vanilla, and crumbled Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, topped with sprinkles and one whole tree cake. Most versions call for Cool Whip, but this one doesn’t need it, and it takes about 10 minutes with five ingredients. It makes about 2 cups, enough for 16 people to dip into with gingerbread cookies, pretzels, or strawberries at a Christmas party.
My oldest son was obsessed with Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes from the time he was five years old. As soon as they came out at the grocery store, he asked me to buy a box or two to keep in the pantry, and it got to be almost a family joke. When he grew up and got out on his own, I thought it would be fun to keep the holiday tradition of buying them but make it a little more adult, so I turned them into this dip. It’s still one of our regular dips at every Christmas gathering.
Main Ingredients Needed For Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, jump to the recipe card.
- Cream cheese: This is the creamy base of the dip. Let it sit out until it’s fully softened to room temperature, or it won’t mix up smoothly.
- Half and half: This is what loosens the cream cheese into a soft, scoopable dip without a tub of Cool Whip. You only need a little, so a small carton from the dairy case is plenty.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the sweetness of the cream cheese and cakes.
- Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes: One box is all you need. Most of the box gets crumbled right into the dip, and one cake stays whole for the top, which is why you’ll also hear this called Little Debbie Christmas tree cake dip. They only show up in stores for the holidays, so grab a box when you see them.
- Christmas sprinkles: Red and green sprinkles make it look festive. Use any kind you like.
How To Make Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip
This Christmas tree cake dip tastes like the snack cakes themselves, sweet and creamy with bits of cake in every scoop, and all you need is a bowl and a spoon.
Tips for the Best Christmas Tree Cake Dip
I’ve made this one enough Christmases to learn a couple of things:
- Soften the cream cheese all the way: Set it on the counter well before you start. Cold cream cheese stays lumpy no matter how long you stir.
- Don’t stop at the first stir: Once the cakes are in, keep mixing. Big chunks of cake make it hard to scoop with a cookie.
And here’s what I set out around the bowl for dipping:
- Gingerbread cookies: Their warm spice goes right along with the sweet dip.
- Ginger snaps: Sturdy and crisp, so they don’t break off in the bowl.
- Milano cookies: A buttery cookie for anyone who wants it extra sweet.
- Vanilla wafers: The classic, and the kids always grab these first.
- Graham crackers: Break them into squares so they’re easy to dunk.
- Animal crackers: Little hands love these.
- Pretzels: For a salty bite against all that sweetness.
- Strawberries: Fresh fruit makes the tray look pretty and gives everyone a lighter option.
More Christmas Treats to Make and Share:
- Christmas Puppy Chow
- Grinch Cake Mix Cookies
- Christmas Chex Mix
- Christmas Pretzel Treats
- Free Printable Christmas Games
- Christmas Games Party Pack
Making Christmas Tree Dip Ahead for a Party
You can make this Christmas tree dip up to a day before your party, and it’s one of my favorite things to get done early. Mix it up, spoon it into your serving bowl, and cover it tightly so the top doesn’t dry out, then tuck it in the fridge overnight. Right before company comes, I add the sprinkles and the whole Christmas Tree Cake on top, so it looks its prettiest when it hits the table. If you’re taking it to someone else’s house, pack the sprinkles and the cake separately and decorate when you get there. Then all that’s left is setting out the dippers and visiting.
Questions When Making Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip
Yes, you do. There isn’t a store brand or another brand that makes a cake like the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, so this dip really only works with the real thing. Their white icing, creme filling, and red stripes are what flavor the dip and give it those festive flecks of color.
Did you make this Little Debbie Christmas tree dip for your holiday party? I’d love it if you’d leave a star rating in the recipe card below. It helps other families find it too.
Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, (block) softened to room temperature
- 3 tablespoons half and half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, (1 box), divided
- 1 tablespoon Christmas sprinkles
Instructions
Mix the Base
- In a medium size bowl, mix cream cheese, vanilla extract, and half and half until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or spoon.8 ounces cream cheese, 3 tablespoons half and half, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add the Cakes
- Crumble in 4 Christmas tree cakes by hand or with a food processor. Using a spoon, mix them into the cream cheese mixture.5 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes
- Keep mixing with a hand mixer or large spoon until the dip is smooth.
Decorate and Serve
- Place the mixture into a serving bowl. Top with sprinkles and the remaining whole Christmas tree cake.1 tablespoon Christmas sprinkles
Gina’s Notes and Tips
- Make the dip up to 1 day ahead, cover it tightly so it doesn’t dry out, and refrigerate. Add the sprinkles and the whole Christmas Tree Cake just before serving.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended.
- Gingerbread cookies, ginger snaps, Milano cookies, vanilla wafers, graham crackers, animal crackers, pretzels, and strawberries.
Equipment
Tried this recipe?
Please consider Leaving a Review!Showing Hospitality With Little Debbie Christmas Tree Dip
A Little Debbie Party is the most fun way I know to share this dip, with the bowl right in the middle of the table and a few boxes of everybody’s favorite Little Debbie snacks scattered around it. Invite the friends who still remember which snack cake was in their lunchbox, and let the stories start rolling while everyone grabs a ginger snap and scoops in. For a little extra fun, I’ve rounded up Little Debbie earrings, pajamas, and T-shirts in my Amazon shop, so you and your guests can dress the part. Laughing together over a snack cake you loved as a kid counts as real hospitality, and Proverbs 17:22 reminds us that a joyful heart is good medicine, which is exactly what a houseful of people needs in the busy weeks before Christmas. Open your door, set out the dip, and let everyone around your table feel how glad you are they came.
Gift Guide For Someone Obsessed with Little Debbie Christmas Trees
Do you think this will work with Ho-Ho’s ?
Lanette, My husband was all about Christmas Tree Cakes growing up, and I was a Ho Ho’s kid. I have not tested it but I have read Ho Ho’s work well in this dip with a slightly richer chocolate flavor.
A couple of small tips if using Ho Ho’s:
Use regular Ho Ho’s, not the jumbo ones.
Chill them for 10 minutes first so they crumble cleaner.
You may want one extra Ho Ho compared to the tree cakes since they are lighter and more airy.
Skip the holiday sprinkles or switch to chocolate sprinkles or crushed peppermint so the flavors match better.