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Soft golden cake layers filled with a fluffy marshmallow buttercream and dipped in rich white chocolate! A Little Debbie holiday favorite made from scratch!

Christmas Tree Snack Cakes

Soft golden cake layers filled with a fluffy marshmallow buttercream and dipped in rich white chocolate! A Little Debbie holiday favorite made from scratch!
Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 17 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 3 hours 17 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 28 Cakes

Ingredients
  

Cakes:

  • 2 ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 18 Tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1 ½ cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup + 2 Tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • ¾ cup buttermilk

Filling:

  • 2 Tablespoons hot water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 (7 oz) jars marshmallow creme
  • ¾ cup (115g) shortening
  • ½ cup salted butter
  • 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Candy Coating:

  • 2 (12 oz) bags white chocolate chips
  • 6-10 Tablespoons coconut oil*

For Decorating:

  • Green sugar sprinkles
  • 3 ounces red candy melts

Instructions
 

Make the Cakes:

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line two 12x16-inch baking pans with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined; set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed until lightened and creamy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until combined, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Beat in the sour cream and vanilla on medium speed.
  • Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until combined. Add the buttermilk and mix until just combined, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
  • Divide batter evenly among the two pans, and spread out evenly with a knife or offset spatula. Bake for 15-17 minutes. Allow to cool in the pan for cool completely.

Make the Filling:

  • Combine the hot water and salt in a small bowl and stir until dissolved. Let mixture cool.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat together the marshmallow creme, shortening, and butter until combined. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla and mix on high speed until fluffy--about 2 minutes. Add the salt solution to the mixture and mix until combined.

To Assemble:

  • Flip one of the cooled cakes onto a large cutting board and remove the parchment paper. Repeat with the other cake. Flip both cakes back over so that the smooth side is facing up once again. Spread the filling evenly over one of the cakes. Top with the second cake.** Place cake sandwich in freezer for at least 1 hour.
  • Once chilled, use a thick christmas tree cookie stencil to punch out individual cakes. If you don't have a cookie stencil, cut into squares or triangles with a sharp knife. Once cut, freeze cakes for another 30 minutes.
  • In large microwave-safe bowl, heat the white chocolate and coconut oil together until smooth and melted. Using a fork to lift the individual cakes, gently dip the bottom of the cakes into the melted chocolate (not all the way under), then use a spoon to ladle the chocolate over the top and sides. Place onto wax paper-lined baking sheet. Immediately top with green sugar sprinkles. Repeat with the rest of the cakes.
  • Melt candy melts according to package instructions, and transfer to a small ziploc bag. Cut off the tip/corner and drizzle on top of each cake. Refrigerate for about 5 minutes to allow chocolate to set up. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

*Start with 6 Tablespoons and add more if you want a thinner coating.
**If you're nervous about breaking the cake while trying to place it on top of the other cake, cut it in half first, then place each half on individually. 
***If properly wrapped and sealed, these snack cakes freeze really well!