Try these once, and you’ll never go back to the store-bought version.
And of course, the Christmas tree variety puts the delightful treat over the top.
Equal partsfestive and delicious?
Credit: Southern Living
Yes, c’mon!
That’s whySouthern LivingTest Kitchen professional Ivy Odom created a homemade Little Debbie Christmas tree cakes recipe.
It’s easy, tasty, and (dare we say) better than the store-bought version.
Swiss meringue buttercreamsits between two luscious layers of vanilla sponge cake.
They’re garnished with green sprinkles and a drizzle of red icing.
They’ll defrost quickly at room temperature for serving.
Load your platters up with a variety of mini desserts, and everyone will find something they love.
Spray a 18- by 13-inch rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray; line with parchment paper.
Spray paper with cooking spray.
Increase speed to high, and beat until soft peaks form.
Add remaining 1/2 cup sugar gradually, beating on high speed until stiff peaks form.
Make batter:
Stir together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
Sift one-third of the flour mixture over egg mixture.
Fold gently until just blended, then fold in remaining two-thirds of flour mixture.
Spread batter gently in prepared pan, taking care not to deflate batter.
Run a small offset spatula around edges of pan to loosen; cool in pan 2 minutes.
Invert onto a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
Place sandwiches on a wire rack fitted into a rimmed baking sheet.
Coat trees in candy coating and decorations:
Melt candy wafers according to package directions.
Pour melted candy coating evenly over cakes, being sure to coat each cake evenly.
If needed, scrape any excess candy coating back into bowl and pour over cakes again to coat fully.
Sprinkle with green sanding sprinkles.
Place baking sheet in refrigerator and chill until candy melts are set, about 20 minutes.
Let sit until red garland is set, about 1 hour at room temperature.
Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
Chill and coat with any leftover melting wafers before decorating as desired.
With this shortcut, you’re able to even double up and make multiple flavors.
