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Lighter Christmas Tree Snack Cake Dip with Whipped Cream

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This Lighter Christmas Tree Snack Cake Dip with Whipped Cream is a festive, fun, and surprisingly light dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. It’s made with a tender cake crumble base and topped with airy, green-tinted whipped cream and sprinkles, creating a scoopable treat that’s easy to enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) vanilla cake mix (e.g., Duncan Hines)
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, like almond milk)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Green food coloring (gel works best)
  • Red and green sprinkles or holiday jimmies
  • Optional: A star-shaped cookie or candy for the top
  • For dipping: graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, or fresh fruit like strawberries and apple slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir with a whisk until just combined (batter will be thick, like cookie dough). Do not overmix.
  3. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will be thin. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. Once the cake is completely cool, break it into small, bite-sized crumbles using your hands or a fork. Aim for a mix of fine crumbs and slightly larger pieces. Transfer crumbles to a serving dish or bowl.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric hand mixer, beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form (about 2-3 minutes). Be careful not to overbeat.
  6. Add a few drops of green food coloring to the whipped cream and gently fold it in with a spatula until you reach your desired shade (start with 2 drops).
  7. Spread the green whipped cream over the cake crumbles in a mound, shaping it into a rough cone or tree shape, or simply dollop on top. Sprinkle generously with red and green sprinkles, and top with a star-shaped cookie or candy if desired.
  8. Serve immediately, surrounded by your chosen dippers. Best enjoyed within an hour of assembly.

Notes

Don’t overbake the cake; a slightly underbaked texture is better for crumbling. Use cold cream for the best whipped cream. Let the cake cool completely before crumbling to avoid a gummy texture. Make the whipped cream just before serving for best results. A little food coloring goes a long way—start with 2 drops. The dip is best served within an hour of assembly. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; cake crumbles will soften.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas dessert, cake dip, snack cake, holiday dessert, light dessert, whipped cream, festive dip, easy dessert

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