Donut Hole Christmas Tree

The Donut Hole Christmas Tree is one of those whimsical desserts that brings out the inner child in all of us. I remember the first time I created it for a holiday gathering; the joy on everyone’s faces was priceless. As we huddled around the table, the tree stood tall, adorned with sweet donut holes and sprinkled with powdered sugar, resembling a snowy landscape. It was not just a dessert but a centerpiece that sparked joy and creativity. I can still hear the laughter as my niece tried to reach the top without knocking it over. This delightful treat is not only a feast for the eyes but also a fun activity for friends and family to enjoy together. Whether it’s for a Christmas party, a family brunch, or just a sweet surprise, this festive creation is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients to Make Donut Hole Christmas Tree

When it comes to the ingredients for the Donut Hole Christmas Tree, the focus is on simplicity and fun! Each element plays a vital role in not just the taste, but also in the visual appeal of this festive creation. The key players here are the donut holes, which form the bulk of the tree, and the confectioners’ sugar, which gives it that snowy finish. The mini marshmallows add a delightful touch, while the fresh rosemary offers a hint of aromatic greenery, enhancing the overall festive appearance.

• 3 (15-ounce) boxes donut holes, about 80-90 donut holes: The stars of the show! Choose your favorite flavor, preferably those coated in powdered sugar to add a snowy look.
• ½ cup mini marshmallows, or as desired: These little treats add a festive touch and can be used to fill gaps between the donut holes.
• 6 fresh rosemary sprigs, sliced into 1 to 2-inch segments, optional: Adds a lovely aromatic note and enhances the tree-like appearance.
• ½ cup confectioners’ sugar, or as necessary: This sweet dusting gives the entire tree a magical, snowy finish.

Directions for Donut Hole Christmas Tree

Creating the Donut Hole Christmas Tree is a delightful experience that you’ll cherish. With just a few simple steps, you can bring this festive masterpiece to life! Let’s dive into the fun process of building your very own sweet tree.

1. Unroll a 2-foot sheet of plastic wrap or saran wrap. This will serve as a barrier for the foam core, preventing the donut holes from directly touching it. Don’t worry about perfection; just cover the foam core.
2. Place the wrapped foam core onto a serving platter or cake stand of your choice. To ensure stability, I recommend taping down the foam core securely with tape underneath it.
3. Take a toothpick and insert it about ¾-inch above the base of the foam core, pushing it in halfway. This will hold your donut holes in place.
4. Press a donut hole onto the toothpick, making sure it fits snugly. Repeat this process around the perimeter of the foam core, creating a ring of sweetness.
5. Continue adding donut holes in a circular pattern as you move up the foam core. This layering effect will help build the height of your tree.
6. Once you reach the top, ensure the entire foam core is covered with donut holes. If there are any gaps, you can fill them in with additional donut holes.
7. For added creativity, insert about 12 toothpicks partially into the foam core to hold mini marshmallows. This will create a whimsical look reminiscent of ornaments.
8. Add a mini marshmallow to each of these toothpicks. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a delightful taste contrast.
9. Optionally, tuck small segments of fresh rosemary into the tree. This step is great for those who enjoy the aromatic touch of rosemary. However, if you prefer a pure sweet flavor, feel free to skip this.
10. Using a small sifter or fine mesh sieve, evenly dust the entire tree with confectioners’ sugar until it resembles a snowy wonderland.
11. Serve your Donut Hole Christmas Tree immediately! Keep in mind that donut holes tend to lose their freshness quickly, so it’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 hours.
12. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container to preserve their softness for a little while longer.

Make It Your Own

The Donut Hole Christmas Tree is a canvas for your creativity. Feel free to personalize it to make it uniquely yours!

• Storage: If you have leftover donut holes, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness, ideally for up to two days.
• Freezing: You can freeze donut holes before assembling the tree. Just make sure they are tightly wrapped.
• Variations: Experiment with different flavors of donut holes such as chocolate, strawberry, or even gluten-free options.
• Kids’ Activity: Let kids decorate the tree using various toppings such as sprinkles or edible glitter for extra fun!
• Serving Size: Adjust the number of donut holes depending on how large you want your tree to be.

Serving This Donut Hole Christmas Tree

When it comes to serving the delightful Donut Hole Christmas Tree, the presentation is key! Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:

• Festive Platter: Serve your tree on a decorative platter that complements your holiday decorations.
• Accompanying Treats: Pair it with hot cocoa or festive beverages to create a delightful spread.
• Occasions: This tree is perfect for Christmas brunches, holiday parties, or as a fun dessert for family gatherings.
• Storage Tips: If not consumed immediately, wrap the leftovers in plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
• Seasonal Pairings: Consider serving alongside seasonal fruits or a light fruit salad to balance the sweetness of the donut holes.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Donut Hole Christmas Tree is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings joy and creativity to any holiday gathering. It’s a delightful way to engage friends and family while indulging in sweet treats. So, gather your loved ones, and get ready to create this fun and festive centerpiece that’s sure to become a cherished tradition. I encourage you to try it out and add your own personal touch to make it uniquely yours!

Donut Hole Christmas Tree

The ultimate festive centerpiece for any holiday gathering, the Donut Hole Christmas Tree is a whimsical and sweet delight that will keep everyone smiling. Perfect for brunches, this edible decoration is not just tasty but also fun to assemble. Bring some cheer to your table with this easy and creative treat!

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 24 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 80

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 boxes donut holes about 80-90 donut holes
• ½ cup mini marshmallows or as desired
• 6 sprigs fresh rosemary sliced into 1 to 2-inch segments, optional and as desired
• ½ cup confectioners’ sugar or as necessary

Equipment

• Glad Cling Wrap – 300 sq ft
• Round Toothpicks – 800ct – up & up
• Cuisinart Set of 3 Mesh Strainers
• Juvale 4 Pack Craft Foam – Foam Cones for Crafts, Trees, Holiday Gnomes, Christmas Decorations, DIY Art Projects (13.5×5.5 In)

Method

 

1. Unroll a 2 foot sheet of plastic wrap or saran wrap. This will serve as a barrier for the foam core, preventing the donut holes from directly touching it. Don’t worry about perfection; just cover the foam core.
2. Place the wrapped foam core onto a serving platter or cake stand of your choice. To ensure stability, I recommend taping down the foam core securely with tape underneath it.
3. Take a toothpick and insert it about ¾-inch above the base of the foam core, pushing it in halfway. This will hold your donut holes in place.
4. Press a donut hole onto the toothpick, making sure it fits snugly. Repeat this process around the perimeter of the foam core, creating a ring of sweetness.
5. Continue adding donut holes in a circular pattern as you move up the foam core. This layering effect will help build the height of your tree.
6. Once you reach the top, ensure the entire foam core is covered with donut holes. If there are any gaps, you can fill them in with additional donut holes.
7. For added creativity, insert about 12 toothpicks partially into the foam core to hold mini marshmallows. This will create a whimsical look reminiscent of ornaments.
8. Add a mini marshmallow to each of these toothpicks. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a delightful taste contrast.
9. Optionally, tuck small segments of fresh rosemary into the tree. This step is great for those who enjoy the aromatic touch of rosemary. However, if you prefer a pure sweet flavor, feel free to skip this.
10. Using a small sifter or fine mesh sieve, evenly dust the entire tree with confectioners’ sugar until it resembles a snowy wonderland.
11. Serve your Donut Hole Christmas Tree immediately! Keep in mind that donut holes tend to lose their freshness quickly, so it's best enjoyed within 3 to 4 hours.
12. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container to preserve their softness for a little while longer.

Notes

• Tip 1: You can use any type or flavor of donut holes you like, such as plain, vanilla, chocolate, gluten free, etc. However, I recommend that they’re the type coated in powdered sugar already. Even so, due to handling them, you’ll still likely want to dust your finished tree with confectioners’ sugar for a nice and ‘snowy’ look.
• Tip 2: I recommend buying foam core online for absolute ease and convenience from either Amazon, Target, Walmart or your local craft store.
• Tip 3: I used a 12-inch green cone but if it’s a couple inches taller or shorter, that’s fine. Your donut hole quantity may increase or decrease as the size of your cone increases or decreases.
• Tip 4: It does not matter if it’s green or white – it’s getting covered up anyway with the donut holes and dusting of powdered sugar!

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Meet Blaire Holloway

Taking traditional feast recipes and giving them a modern, vibrant twist is what drives me. I want to keep your menu exciting and fresh. I handled the cooking and photography for this recipe, working to bridge the gap between classic comfort and contemporary flavor for your table.