Easy Fruit Christmas Tree

This Fruit Christmas Tree is a healthy and beautiful centerpiece at your holiday table or can be the perfect grab-and-go appetizer for a party! Elegant and classy, this fruit tree can be made in under 30 minutes.

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I always want to bring something unique to a gathering. My only two requirements are usually that the food is absolutely delicious (that's a given) and the food is presented in a unique or exceptionally pretty way. I like making an entrance, what can I say?! This "recipe" takes a beautiful Christmas fruit platter up a whole other notch. If you're having a gathering in the months of November or December, I've got the perfect plan for you. Let's get a little crafty.

There's also another bonus: your kids can be put to work. The Christmas fruit tree is so easy to make!

Equipment Needed

I've seen people use a pineapple core with a pear on top to make the Christmas tree shape, but I prefer using a non-edible styrofoam cone. You don't need much but you will need:

• 12" foam cone - I got this foam cone from Michaels. You can buy on Amazon but you have to buy in bulk. Also, be mindful of the size. You probably don't want to go larger than 12" because placing the fruit might try your patience. I used the 12" cone this year, and it was perfect enough to be a centerpiece and small enough where I wasn't placing fruit for hours
• plastic wrap - This is to wrap the foam cone so you don't have any foam getting on your fruit.
• toothpicks - You'll want to cut or tear these in half because you'll go through a lot of them!
• star cookie cutter - The star cookie cutter should be no more than 2" in size if you're using a 12" foam cone Christmas tree. I also used a smaller star cookie cutter for the very top of the tree. I like these cookie cutters because I use the different-sized stars year round for other holidays like 4th of July.

Mix and Match the Fruit You Love

The only important part here is that you use a variety of sizes of your fruit for visual interest. Pineapple and strawberries can be cut larger while blueberries and kiwi and grapes fill in the holes nicely.

I used pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, red and green grapes, and kiwi for this fruit Christmas tree, but you could certainly add blackberries, oranges wedges, raspberries, and any other fruit that won't brown (i.e., don't use bananas).

How to Make a Fruit Tree

This edible fruit Christmas tree can be made in about 20 minutes if you follow the step-by-step directions. The hardest part is cutting the fruit.

Step 1: Prepare your foam cone by wrapping in plastic wrap.

Step 2: Cut the top, bottom, and sides off of a whole pineapple. Cut a ¾" slice down one of the sides of the pineapple so you have a flat, long piece of pineapple. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to make a star for the top of the Christmas tree.

Step 3: Use toothpicks cut in half to secure pieces of fruit all around the tree. I start with the bottom and work my way up the top. I also start iwth the larger fruit (pineapple and strawberries) and fill the gaps at the end with the smaller fruit like blueberries.

Step 4: Top the tree with the star using a toothpick right on top of the foam cone, move to the platter of your choice, and garnish with sprigs of fresh rosemary at the bottom (optional but totally cute). Put this fruit Christmas tree on display!

Tips on Making a Gorgeous Fruit Christmas Tree

Below are some tips to help you successfully make a beautiful fruit Christmas tree that will look wonderful as a centerpiece:

• If you're in a pinch for time, buy pre-cut fruit. Don't be a hero. You can even buy a cored, cut pineapple so you can still cut out a star.
• Start from the bottom and work your way to the top. You'll need to do this to ensure you create a heavy base so the tree doesn't become top-heavy and fall over.
• Garnish the Christmas tree skirt area with whatever you have on hand. I used rosemary sprigs at the bottom. This covers the base in case there are any gaps at the bottom and just looks nice. You could also lay mini marshmallows.
• Use cookie cutters to cut fruit in pretty shapes like bells, mini stars, or ornaments. This works nicely with cantaloupe, watermelon, honey dew, or pineapple.

Making a Fruit Christmas Tree in Advance

You can make the fruit Christmas tree one day in advance. Just cover loosely withe plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

To store leftovers, cover loosely with plastic wrap. The fruit Christmas tree will last 2-3 days. Any longer, the fruit tree will dry out.

Easy Fruit Dip

I served the fruit Christmas tree platter with an easy fruit dip: 1 cup sour cream, 2 Tablespoons of brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla. Just whisk these ingredients together and serve with the fruit tree.

Other Holiday Recipes

Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread

Easy Charcuterie Board with Pomegranates

Polar Bear Oreos

Santa Sugar Cookies

Crescent Roll Breakfast Ring - it looks like a pretty wreath, and I use red and green bell peppers.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

xox,

kathryn