This festive Christmas Tree Cake Dip is a fun and delicious treat that will bring holiday cheer to any celebration. With its creamy, sweet base and colorful toppings, this dip is the perfect way to indulge in a dessert-inspired dip. Easy to make and perfect for dipping, it’s a holiday treat everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup vanilla cake mix (no need to bake)
- 1/2 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
- Green food coloring (optional)
- Pretzel sticks or graham crackers for dipping
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the cake mix, vanilla extract, and whipped topping, mixing well until combined.
- If you want a festive green color, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until the dip is evenly colored.
- Stir in mini chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles for added texture and color.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and use pretzel sticks or graham crackers for dipping.
- For a decorative touch, you can top the dip with extra sprinkles and chocolate chips to resemble a Christmas tree shape.
- Chill the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend and the dip firm up slightly.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
Variations
- Flavor Variations: Swap out the vanilla cake mix for other flavors, such as chocolate or strawberry, to create a different taste profile.
- Use Different Dipping Items: Instead of pretzel sticks or graham crackers, try using cookies, fruit slices, or even mini waffles for dipping.
- Sugar-Free Version: Use sugar-free whipped topping and substitute the powdered sugar with a sugar substitute to make this dip lower in sugar.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This dip is best served chilled and does not require reheating.
10 FAQs
- Can I make this dip ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dip the night before and chill it overnight to save time on the day you plan to serve it.
- What if I don’t have whipped topping? If you don’t have whipped topping, you can use freshly whipped cream as a substitute.
- Can I add other mix-ins to the dip? Yes! Chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or small candy pieces would all make great additions.
- Can I make this dip without cake mix? You can leave out the cake mix, but it helps give the dip a cake batter flavor. If you skip it, consider adding a bit more powdered sugar for sweetness.
- Can I use cream cheese that isn’t softened? It’s best to soften the cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
- What if I don’t want to use green food coloring? You can skip the food coloring for a more neutral-colored dip or use other colors to fit the occasion.
- Can I make this dip dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese and whipped topping with dairy-free alternatives, and the dip will still turn out delicious.
- How can I make this dip less sweet? If you prefer a less sweet dip, reduce the amount of powdered sugar or cake mix to suit your taste.
- Can I freeze this dip? While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the dip for up to a month. Just make sure to allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Can I make this dip a bit more festive? Decorate the top with edible glitter, candy cane pieces, or small sugar decorations for extra holiday flair.
Conclusion
Christmas Tree Cake Dip is a fun, sweet treat that’s perfect for any holiday gathering. With its simple ingredients and colorful toppings, this dip is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Whether served with pretzel sticks or graham crackers, it’s sure to be a hit at your next holiday party or family celebration!
PrintChristmas Tree Cake Dip
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This fun and festive Christmas Tree Cake Dip is a creamy, sweet treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. With the flavor of vanilla cake mix, whipped topping, and mini chocolate chips, this dip is sure to be a hit. Decorate it to look like a Christmas tree for extra holiday cheer!
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup vanilla cake mix (no need to bake)
- 1/2 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
- Green food coloring (optional)
- Pretzel sticks or graham crackers for dipping
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add in the cake mix, vanilla extract, and whipped topping, mixing well until combined.
- If you want a festive green color, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until the dip is evenly colored.
- Stir in mini chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles for a fun texture and pop of color.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and use pretzel sticks or graham crackers for dipping.
- Decorate the top of the dip with extra sprinkles and chocolate chips to resemble a Christmas tree shape, if desired.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend and the dip firm up slightly.
Notes
- Add more food coloring for a deeper green if desired.
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top to mimic tree bark.
- If you prefer a lighter dip, use low-fat or fat-free whipped topping and cream cheese.
- Make this ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to serve for convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes