I only recommend products I use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.

I know everyone is on summer vibes or maybe even Halloween mode as of July 5th, but for this recipe I want you to think Christmas in July. Save this recipe and as soon as the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes hit the shelves, you can make these delicious Christmas Tree Cake Cupcakes.

I know you are probably thinking end of summer events, back to school days, Halloween and Thanksgiving haven't even happened yet. Why Christmas now? I know y'all like to plan ahead so go pin this to your holiday party dessert boards 😉

Little Debbie inspired Christmas tree cake cupcakes

Christmas Tree Cake Cupcakes Ingredients

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes - 

¾ c unsalted butter, softened

1 ½ c sugar

½ c oil

3 t vanilla

4 eggs

1 ¼ c milk

2 ½ c flour

2 ½ t baking powder

½ t salt

For the frosting - 

½ c unsalted butter, softened

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 t salt

1 t vanilla

3 c powdered sugar

10 Little Debbie Christmas Trees 

2 T. milk

Green sanding sugar

Red food color

Christmas Tree Cake Cupcakes Directions

1. For the cupcakes - Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Line the cupcake pan(s) with liners, set aside. 
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter and sugar.  Cream until smooth. 
3. Add in the eggs, oil and vanilla.  Mix thoroughly.  
4. Add in the milk, mix again. The mixture will appear curdled, that’s normal.
5. Add in the flour, baking powder and salt.  
6. Divide the batter between the liners and fill until about ½-⅔ full. Bake for about 14-16 minutes or until edges are just slightly browned.  Allow to cool completely before decorating.  
7. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, cream cheese and salt.  Cream together until smooth. 
8. Add in the vanilla and powdered sugar.  Mix on low speed until combined. Set aside.
9. Using a food processor, crumble the Little Debbie Christmas Tree cakes.  
10. Add the crushed cakes to the frosting and switch to the paddle attachment.  Cream together until smooth. 
11. Scoop out about ½ c worth of the frosting and add in the milk and red food coloring.  Mix thoroughly.  Transfer the red frosting to a piping bag, set aside.  
12.  Transfer the remaining frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.  
13. Pipe a mound of frosting on each cupcake.  
14. Cut a small hole in the end of the piping bag with the red frosting.  Drizzle the frosting over the cupcakes.  
15. Sprinkle with a dusting of green sanding sugar.

Storage:  Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or frozen for 3 months.  

Welcome to this year’s #SummerDessertWeek event hosted by Angie from Big Bear’s Wife. We've got 15 spectacular bloggers creating summer-themed dessert recipes that we're going to be sharing with you all week! You can find them on our blogs (some of those recipe links posted in this post) and on social media with the hashtag #SummerDessertWeek.

Check out Monday's Recipes:

Shark Sugar Cookies from Hezzi-D's Recipes Box

Mixed Fruit Dump Cake from A Day in the Life on the Farm

S'mores Brownies from Jolene's Recipe Journal

Lemon Blueberry Semifreddo from Karen's Kitchen Stories

White Chocolate Raspberry Mousse from Blogghetti

Grape Popsicle Jello Mold from Sweet ReciPEAs

Strawberry Upside Down Cake from Cheese Curd In Paradise

Peanut Butter Banana Icebox Cake from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures

Peach Berry Fruit Salad from Jen Around the World

Christmas Tree Cake Cupcakes from It's Shanaka

Summer Rice Krispie Treat S'mores from For the Love of Food

Blueberry Corn Cookies from The Spiffy Cookie

The Best Oatmeal Cookies from Our Good Life