Easy Christmas Tree Cake Decorating Idea

This Christmas tree cake recipe was sponsored by MARS, Pillsbury, and Ziploc.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This easy Christmas tree cake recipe is simple enough for even a novice baker to pull off!  Make this recipe for yourself or to give as a lovely edible gift.

Easy Christmas Tree Cake Decorating Idea

The holidays are coming!  Are you ready?  Don't worry.  Even if you're not quite ready, this festive Christmas tree cake decorating idea will put a jolly spring in your step.

I truly enjoy all the holiday baking that goes on during this time of year, whether I'm the one doing the baking, or I'm just partaking of what some other baker has kindly created.

However, I know that baking can seem really intimidating.  In fact, years ago, I was not a baker at all.  I didn't make cakes, or cookies, or anything that wasn't squarely in the category of "savory."

I took baby steps.  First, I baked my mom's recipe for oatmeal cookies.  Later, I tried a simple cookbook recipe for apple crumble.  Eventually, I graduated to simple vanilla or chocolate cakes.

The point is that anyone who is willing to give it a try can enjoy the fun of baking homemade treats, even if you've never baked anything before.

Using Pillsbury Moist Supreme Chocolate Premium Cake Mix and Pillsbury Funfetti Holiday Frosting makes the whole process easier.

Plus, adding lots of M&M's Holiday Minis is just plain fun.

You can find these products at Target in the baking aisle or in the special holiday aisle.

While you're there, pick up some Ziploc Holiday 3ct Medium Round Printed Containers, Ziploc Holiday 15ct Green Slider Storage Gallons, and Ziploc Holiday Bags on the food storage aisle to help you store and tote all your holiday goodies.

Save by using this Cartwheel offer!

When I make a Christmas tree cake like this one, I usually frost it in the pan to make it easy to transport, while using Ziploc containers or bags to hold paper plates, napkins, and disposable silverware.  It's the perfect way to give a cake as a gift or to serve it at a holiday party—ready to serve and enjoy!

Another idea is to use the Ziploc containers to hold your M&M's candies for transport.  Then, when you arrive, decorate the cake as a fun party activity.

Tips for Making & Decorating Your Christmas Tree Cake

• Very thoroughly coat your Christmas tree cake pan with nonstick baking spray, or butter the pan and flour it, before pouring your cake batter in.  This will help the cake release from the pan when it's done baking.
• Don't frost a cake while it's warm.  Wait until it's completely cool!
• Enlist helpers to arrange the M&M's Holiday Minis on the frosted cake.  Kids will enjoy helping, and it keeps little hands occupied!
• Pack small holiday-themed plates, holiday napkins, and some plastic silverware in your Ziploc bags or containers to take the holiday party on the go.

5 from 1 vote

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Easy Christmas Tree Cake Decorating Idea

This easy Christmas tree cake recipe is simple enough for even a novice baker to pull off! Make this recipe for yourself or to give as a lovely edible gift.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Servings 8

Calories 618 kcal

Author Katie Moseman

Ingredients

Special Equipment

• 1 Christmas tree cake pan

For the Cake

• 1 Pillsbury Moist Supreme Chocolate Premium Cake Mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup oil

For the Decorations

• 1 package Pillsbury Funfetti Holiday Frosting
• 1 package M&M's Holiday Minis

Instructions

1. Bake and cool cake in the Christmas tree pan according to the package directions.
2. When cake is completely cool, spread frosting on the cake almost (but not quite) to the edges, leaving the "trunk" portion clear.
   
3. Make a border around the edges with green M&M's.
   
4. Make lines of "tinsel" using red M&M's.
   
5. Sprinkle on the Funfetti sprinkles as a finishing touch.
   

Nutrition Facts

Easy Christmas Tree Cake Decorating Idea

Amount Per Serving

Calories 618 Calories from Fat 297

% Daily Value*

Fat 33g51%

Saturated Fat 5g31%

Cholesterol 61mg20%

Sodium 575mg25%

Potassium 220mg6%

Carbohydrates 78g26%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 56g62%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 90IU2%

Calcium 92mg9%

Iron 2.8mg16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Don't forget to shop at Target to pick up everything you need:

• Pillsbury Moist Supreme Chocolate Premium Cake Mix
• Pillsbury Funfetti Holiday Frosting
• M&M's Holiday Minis
• Ziploc Holiday 3ct Medium Round Printed Containers, Ziploc Holiday 15ct Green Slider Storage Gallons, Ziploc Holiday Bags

To save on the products featured in this post, use this Cartwheel offer the next time you shop at Target!