Simple Brownie Christmas Trees

These brownie Christmas trees are so simple to make. They are fudgy, chocolatey and irresistible. They are the perfect recipe to make with your kids, and can be decorated in any way you like. The recipe can be adapted to make with either spelt flour or all-purpose (plain) flour.

These brownie Christmas trees are so easy to make and decorate. And how pretty do they look?

Are brownies the same as Swedish kladdkaka?

Let me tell you a secret: I use the same recipe for both my brownies and my Swedish kladdkakor. I know, right? Here’s how I prepare and bake my base recipe for both brownies and kladdkakor:

The only difference between the two is how long they are baked for. Kladdkaka is a well-loved Swedish cake that is no stranger to this blog. It is famously underbaked, leaving a decadent, molten centre. Of course, not all Swedes enjoy it this way. Some like to pop it in the fridge to give it a more-set texture, and this is when it is very similar to brownies.

I think the jury is still out on how brownies should be enjoyed, too. I used to think that they were a little on the dry side and not at all fudgy, but I now realise that’s somewhat of a generalisation, and Land O Lakes does a good job of delving into the “which one is your best” debate.

Many enjoy their brownies on the softer side. I like mine with a softer texture, but they still definitely firmer compared to my super gooey Swedish favourites, like white chocolate and lemon kladdkaka. Pure molten, gooey, deliciousness.

Make your brownies into Christmas trees

These brownie Christmas trees are so freakin’ cute. They are simple to make, cut nicely into wedges, and are a cinch to decorate. I bought ready made icing for these but in the past I have made my own royal icing.

If you don’t fancy icing, you could easily use melted white chocolate, which would work beautifully up against the dark brownie. Warm out of the oven, you insert a candy cane with its hook removed. Then, decorate with whatever you fancy. You could crush up the leftover candy cane hooks, or use Christmas-themed sprinkles that are readily available during the festive season, or anything else you like.

If your kids enjoy baking during the holidays, then this recipe is perfect to make with them.

More Christmas recipes

If you liked this recipe, you might like my other festive treats:

Five brownie Christmas trees on a wooden board

Print Pin

Spelt Brownie Christmas Trees

Course Snack

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Servings 8 Christmas trees

Ingredients

Brownies:

200g (¾ cup + 2 tbsp) butter (chopped into pieces)
100g (3½ oz) dark chocolate
100g (3½ oz) milk chocolate
100ml (¼ cup + 3 tbsp) brewed coffee (or milk)
3 eggs (medium)
120g (½ cup + 2 tbsp) brown sugar
120g (½ cup + 1 tbsp) white sugar
80g (⅔ cup) spelt flour (see notes)
30g (¼ cup) cocoa

Decoration (see note 2):

8 candy canes
icing (make your own or use store bought)
sprinkles or any other kind of decoration

Instructions

Brownies:

Grease and line a 9" (23cm) springform pan.
Pre-heat the oven to 175°C (350℉).
Add the butter and both chocolates to a pan and gently heat until everything has just melted.
Add the brewed coffee, stir, and set to one side.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugars together.
Pour in the melted chocolate/butter mixture and whisk quickly (just until combined).
Sift the flour and cocoa together, and stir into the wet ingredients (again, just until everything has come together - don't over-mix).
Pour into the prepared pan and bake for around 25 minutes.
When ready, the tops of the brownie will feel very firm but an inserted skewer will not be completely clean.
When ready, remove from the oven. Wait ten minutes and then remove the springform sides, then allow to cool completely (you may also find an hour or two in the fridge will make it easier to slice).

Decoration:

Slice into eight equal sized wedges (as you would a normal cake).
Chop the bottoms off the candy canes and stick them into the long side of the wedges.
Cover with whatever you are using to decorate. Enjoy!

Notes

Please note: I have converted grams to cups/ounces/tablespoons using online converters. Although I have no reason to believe they are inaccurate, please be aware that I have not made this recipe with imperial measurements.

You can use all-purpose in place of the spelt. Just use the same measurements as specified.
I haven't been specific about decorations because you can use whatever you like. A drizzle of white chocolate or a layer or frosting both work well. Then, sprinkle any other decoration you'd like to make the Christmas trees nice and festive.