Christmas Tree Cake Milkshake (Sweet, Creamy & Over-the-Top Festive)
You know that one dessert that’s so over-the-top it should come with its own Christmas carol? Yeah, that’s this Christmas Tree Cake Milkshake. It’s sweet, creamy, loaded with holiday cheer, and 100% not diet-friendly — but honestly, who’s counting calories in December anyway?
🎅 This is your go-big-or-go-home milkshake moment, and yes, it’s made with those iconic Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
This isn’t just a milkshake — it’s a whole mood. Think childhood nostalgia, a sugar rush, and a milkshake walk into a blender. It’s thick, creamy, and has actual chunks of Christmas tree cake blended right in, giving it that perfect mix of vanilla, buttercream, and magic.
Even better? It takes five minutes, looks like something out of a holiday movie, and can double as dessert and decoration. It’s the kind of drink that makes people go, “Wait, you made that?” — even though you literally just tossed things into a blender.
Course: Dessert / Drink
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 2 large milkshakes (or 3 smaller ones if you’re feeling generous)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Calories: ~650 per serving
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes – the stars of the show (literally).
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream – the base that makes it creamy and dreamy.
- ¾ cup milk – whole milk works best for that thick, shake-shop texture.
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract – optional, but adds a little extra flavor punch.
- Whipped cream – for topping, obviously.
- Green and red sprinkles – because it’s Christmas, and subtlety is overrated.
- Optional toppings: crushed Christmas tree cakes, red/green M&Ms, or a cherry on top (because you’re fancy like that).
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Blend the base. Toss your ice cream, milk, vanilla extract, and one Christmas tree cake into the blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. (You can hum a Christmas tune while you do it for extra flavor.)
- Add the second cake. Crumble in your second cake and blend briefly — you want bits of cake swirled in, not a smoothie situation.
- Decorate like you mean it. Pour into tall glasses and top with whipped cream, sprinkles, and any extra cake crumbles. The more chaotic it looks, the better.
- Serve immediately. Grab a straw, take a sip, and prepare to feel your holiday spirit levels rise by 300%. 🎄
Pro Tip: Chill your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before pouring. It keeps the milkshake cold longer — and makes you look like you actually planned ahead.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overblending. Don’t turn your cake chunks into dust — those little bits of frosting and crumb are gold.
- Using low-fat milk or ice cream. This is not the time for restraint. Go full-fat or go home.
- Skipping the decorations. It’s Christmas! You’re required by law (okay, not really) to add sprinkles.
- Pouring before tasting. Always give it a quick taste test — some cakes are sweeter than others, and you might want to add more milk or ice cream to balance it.
- Letting it melt. Serve it right away. Melted milkshake is just sad.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- No Christmas Tree Cakes? Use vanilla snack cakes, Twinkies, or even leftover pound cake. Add a bit of frosting or sprinkles to make it festive.
- Want to make it chocolatey? Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder or a scoop of chocolate ice cream.
- Adults-only version: Add a shot of Baileys, Kahlua, or peppermint schnapps. You didn’t hear it from me. 😉
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk ice cream and almond milk — it’s still delicious, promise.
- Add peppermint: A drop or two of peppermint extract gives it a candy-cane twist.
Personal Tip: I once rimmed the glass with white chocolate and dipped it in crushed candy canes — it was messy but very worth it.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Not really — milkshakes are best fresh. But you can prep your ingredients and have them ready to go.
Do I need a fancy blender?
Nope! Any blender that can handle ice cream will work. If it’s struggling, add a splash more milk to help it along.
Can I use different flavors of ice cream?
Absolutely. Try white chocolate, birthday cake, or even peppermint for extra flair.
What if it’s too thick?
Add more milk a little at a time. You can always thin it out, but you can’t un-water it.
Can kids help make it?
Yes — and they’ll love it. Just be prepared for a sprinkle explosion.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers? You made a milkshake, not soup! But if somehow there’s extra, freeze it and blend again later.
Is this overly sweet?
It’s literally cake in milkshake form — yes, it’s sweet. But that’s the point. 😄
Final Thoughts
The Christmas Tree Cake Milkshake is the ultimate holiday indulgence — a dessert, a drink, and a nostalgia trip all in one. It’s rich, creamy, colorful, and guaranteed to make even the most Grinch-like guest smile.
So break out the blender, grab a couple of Little Debbie cakes, and get ready to sip your way into the sweetest kind of Christmas chaos. Trust me — one sip, and you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with plain old cookies and milk. 🎁🍰🥤