Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Milkshake

Y’all, Christmas in Texas ain’t complete without a little bit of kitsch and a whole lot of sweet. And let me tell you, this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Milkshake captures that perfectly! I first whipped this up for my kiddos last year when they were begging for something festive, and it’s been a holiday tradition ever since. It’s creamy, dreamy, and tastes just like biting into one of those iconic Christmas Tree Cakes. I’ve made this milkshake at least half a dozen times, tweaking it each time to get it just right. Trust me, you’re about to make some holiday magic in your kitchen with a milkshake that’s pure joy in a glass!

Why This Recipe Works

Listen, as a busy momma, I need recipes that are quick, easy, and bring smiles to little faces. This Christmas Tree Cake Milkshake ticks all those boxes! Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Super Fast: From start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 5 minutes. That’s faster than Santa down a chimney!
• Kid-Approved: My kids practically do a happy dance when they see me pulling out the ingredients. The taste of the cakes combined with ice cream is a guaranteed hit.
• No-Fuss Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry and freezer. And those Little Debbie cakes? Easy peasy to find at any grocery store.

Ingredients

• 4 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, unwrapped
• 2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened slightly
• ½ cup milk (whole or 2% work best, but any will do)
• Whipped cream, for topping (optional, but highly recommended!)
• Sprinkles, for garnish (because, Christmas!)
• Maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes: These are the star of the show! The creamy filling and vanilla flavor are what make this milkshake so special. If you can’t find these (though they’re usually everywhere during the holidays!), you could try using other vanilla-flavored snack cakes as a substitute, but it won’t be quite the same.

Vanilla Ice Cream: I prefer vanilla because it lets the Christmas Tree Cake flavor shine. But you could also use a cake batter flavored ice cream for a boost in cake flavor!

Milk: I like using whole milk for the richest, creamiest texture, but 2% works great too. You can even use almond or soy milk if you prefer a dairy-free option.

Whipped Cream: Store-bought is perfectly fine for ease of use, but homemade whipped cream always elevates the experience. If using store-bought, I prefer the canned kind to the frozen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Cakes

Unwrap all four Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. I like to roughly chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the blender, just to help everything blend smoothly. It’s okay if there are a few bigger chunks; that just adds to the texture!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a blender, add the chopped Christmas Tree Cakes, softened vanilla ice cream, and milk. Make sure your ice cream is slightly softened – it’ll make blending much easier.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

Blend the mixture on medium speed until everything is well combined and smooth. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender a couple of times to make sure all the cake pieces are incorporated. The consistency should be thick but pourable.

Step 4: Pour and Garnish

Pour the milkshake into glasses. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of festive sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry, if desired. These little touches make it extra special. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

• Too Thick? If your milkshake is too thick, add a splash more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
• Too Thin? If it’s too thin, add a little more ice cream and blend again.
• Cake Distribution: For a more even distribution of cake flavor, try pulsing the blender a few times before blending continuously.
• Make it Extra Festive: Dip the rim of your glass in melted white chocolate and then into sprinkles for a super festive touch.
• Kid-Friendly: Let your kids help with unwrapping the cakes and adding the sprinkles. It makes it even more fun!
• Don’t Overblend: Overblending can result in a runny milkshake, so blend just until smooth.

Storage & Meal Prep

While this milkshake is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a day. However, be aware that the texture might change slightly.

To reheat, let it thaw slightly at room temperature for a few minutes and then blend again to restore its creamy consistency.

Substitutions & Variations

Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream and almond or soy milk. I haven’t personally tested it, but I’m sure it’ll be just as delicious!

Different Cake: If you can’t find Christmas Tree Cakes, try using other vanilla snack cakes, but keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different.

Chocolate Twist: Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder for a chocolate Christmas Tree Cake milkshake. Now that sounds decadent!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

While this milkshake is best enjoyed immediately, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the Christmas Tree Cakes and keep them in an airtight container until you’re ready to blend. That’ll save you a minute or two when the craving hits!

What if I don’t have a blender?

A blender is definitely the easiest way to make this milkshake, but you could try using an immersion blender or even mashing the ingredients together really well with a fork. It won’t be as smooth, but it’ll still be tasty!

Can I add alcohol to this?

Sure, if you’re looking for an adult version, a shot of vanilla vodka or peppermint schnapps would be a delicious addition. Just remember to drink responsibly!

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! This is a huge hit with kids. Just be mindful of the sugar content and maybe offer it as a special treat rather than an everyday thing.

Can I use a different flavor of ice cream?

Definitely! While vanilla lets the Christmas Tree Cake flavor shine, you could experiment with other flavors like cake batter, peppermint, or even chocolate. It’s all about what you enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Milkshake is a treat all on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special:

• Serve it with a side of Christmas cookies for dunking.
• Garnish with a mini candy cane for extra festive flair.
• Pour it into a mason jar and tie a ribbon around it for a cute presentation.

Y’all, this Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Milkshake is more than just a drink; it’s a little slice of holiday happiness. It’s the perfect way to make memories with your family and enjoy the simple joys of the season. So, go ahead and whip up a batch, and don’t forget to share your creations with me! I can’t wait to see your festive milkshakes! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other dessert recipes on FamiliesRecipes.com, and sign up for my newsletter to stay up-to-date on all the latest Texas-style cooking adventures!

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