This Fruit Christmas Tree is the perfect edible centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. Crafted with fresh watermelon and green grapes, it's a nutritious treat that is sure to impress all your guests. Plus, it's a fun activity to get kids or friends involved in making.
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by The Watermelon Board. All opinions are my own; I never feature a brand that I don't love! ]
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Why you'll love it
The Christmas tree made with fruit is not only visually stunning but it's also a fresh addition to your holiday table. Serve this watermelon tree at weekend brunch or next to a game night charcuterie board as a colorful and refreshing addition. Plus, it's a nutritious and hydrating alternative to traditional holiday sweets.
Can you find watermelon in the winter?
You might associate watermelon with the sunny days of summer, but did you know that it's available year-round? Watermelon is grown in over 30 U.S. states several months out of the year. (Use this chart to see where watermelon comes from throughout the year). When domestic production of watermelon slows down in the colder months, it's imported from Central American countries within a few days of picking.
During the winter, you can find it in mini seedless form or "fresh cuts" which are pre-cut and ready to go.
For this recipe we are using a mini seedless watermelon, cutting it in half, and scooping into spheres. If you can't find mini watermelons, you can use the fresh cut cubes and place them on the toothpicks in the same manner.
So, whether it's a warm summer day or a chilly winter morning, you can savor the taste of watermelon and use it to create this Fruit Christmas Tree.
Is watermelon healthy?
Watermelon offers a wealth of vitamins and minerals. In fact, just two cups of watermelon has 80 calories alongside vitamins A (8% DV), B1 (8% DV), B6 (8% DV), and C (25% DV), and the minerals potassium (6% DV), magnesium (6% DV), and phosphorus (2% DV). With 80 calories per 2-cup serving, watermelon can be a smart option for those watching their weight.
With its high water content (92% water), watermelon is also an excellent choice for staying hydrated.
Can watermelon make you happy?
According to a 2022 survey from the National Watermelon Promotion Board, 82% of watermelon purchasers say eating watermelon boosts their mood! They also found that 100% of respondents said watermelon makes them feel either very happy (70%) or somewhat happy (30%).
This means during the holiday season, adding watermelon into the mix is the perfect way to boost the cheery spirit and make your celebrations even merrier.
What ingredients do you need?
Just gather 3 ingredients and a handful of craft supplies for this watermelon christmas tree.
- Mini Seedless Watermelon: Look for a watermelon with vibrant green skin and one that feels heavy for its size-that means it's extra juicy.
- Green Grapes: Choose a bag of plump, crunchy green grapes. Their crisp texture and sweet flavor will provide a delightful contrast to the watermelon. Ensure they are thoroughly washed and dried before use.
- Powdered Sugar: While this is an optional ingredient, it enhances the tree's holiday appeal with a touch of edible "snow".
- Foam Cone: This foam cone serves as the structural base for your Fruit Christmas Tree. You can typically find foam cones at craft stores or dollar stores.
- Cling Wrap: Cling wrap is typically recommended to cover the foam cone with so the food isn't directly in contact with it.
- Toothpicks: You'll need toothpicks to skewer the watermelon balls and grapes, helping you assemble the tree's colorful "ornaments" securely. Make sure to have enough toothpicks on hand to complete the entire tree.
- Star Stencil: This stencil or cookie cutter will help you achieve a crisp star shape. Simply lay it on your piece of rind, trace with a marker, and cut this out with a knife. You could also use a different topper such as cheese or a piece of foam.
How to make a fruit christmas tree
Gathering friends, family, and kiddos to create this Fruit Christmas Tree together not only adds to the enjoyment but also helps it come together quickly. Here's how to make it:
1. Skewer the fruit
Start with layering on the watermelon and then add over the green grapes. We like to add them in sporadic places until the whole cone is filled.
2. Fill in with mint
Fresh mint makes the tree smell super fresh and also gives it more of a tree look.
3. Add star topper
The watermelon rind makes a super fun and unique topper. Carefully at this to a toothpick on the top grape.
4. Dust with powdered sugar
Use a fine mesh strainer to lightly sift and dust the entire tree with powdered sugar. This gives it a snowy finish. Keep in mind, this powdered sugar may get a little messy and fall onto the areas around the tree.
Recipe tips and tricks
- Serving Tips: Display your Fruit Christmas Tree on a decorative plate or platter to elevate its presentation. Encourage guests to pluck their favorite fruits directly from the tree.
- Troubleshooting Tips: When skewering the watermelon balls and grapes, make sure to use toothpicks that are sturdy enough to hold the fruit securely. Also, the sharper the toothpick, the easier it will be to press it into the tough foam cone.
- Scaling Tips: You can adjust the size of your Fruit Christmas Tree by choosing a larger or smaller foam cone and using more or fewer watermelon balls and grapes.
Perfect for the holidays
The Fruit Christmas Tree is truly a showstopper at holiday gatherings. Its vibrant colors and creative design make it a fantastic addition to Christmas, New Year's, or any festive occasion. It's a centerpiece that's sure to spread joy to all who partake.
Customize it your way
Like all of my other recipes, this holiday tree is completely customizable. You get to choose what "snow dusting" you want to use.
- Snow dusting ingredient of your choice: We prefer using powdered sugar for the most genuine snow effect. However, if you don't have powdered sugar or want to limit added sugar, you could also use white edible glitter, a stevia-based confectioners sweetener, or shredded coconut.
Can you make this fruit tree ahead of time?
While you can wrap the cone, wash the fruit, and get all supplies gathered-we'd recommend waiting until the day of to assemble your tree with the fruit. This allows it to taste and look its best.
How do I store leftovers?
If you do end up with some extra fruit that hasn't been gobbled off the tree, you can remove it from the toothpick and store it in an airtight container for snacking on over the next few days.
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Fruit Christmas Tree
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Ingredients
- 1 mini seedless watermelon
- 1 -1.5 pound bag of green grapes
- 1 - 0.5 ounce package fresh mint leaves
- Snow dusting ingredient of your choice (We prefer using powdered sugar but if you're wanted to cut back on the added sugar, you could also use white edible glitter, a stevia-based confectioners sweetener, or shredded coconut)
Instructions
- Prepare watermelon balls by cutting the watermelon in half and using a melon baller to create balls from both sides of the watermelon. Then, cut off a thin piece of rind and use a star stencil as a guide to trace with a marker and cut the rind into the star "topper".
- Cover foam cone in cling wrap and add to plate or preferred serving base. We recommend doing this now as it's more difficult to transport once it's fully built.
- Push toothpicks halfway into the foam then add over watermelon balls. Continue in random places until about halfway filled, leaving space for the grapes.
- For the remaining open areas, push toothpicks halfway into the foam then add over green grapes. Add 3-5 green grapes to the top of the cone to create the full tree shape.
- For any remaining gaps, fill in with fresh mint leaves (no toothpicks needed here).
- Insert a toothpick into the top most grape and skewer the watermelon rind star on top.
- Right before serving, use a fine mesh strainer to lightly sift and dust the entire tree with powdered sugar or snow dusting ingredient of your choice. This gives it a festive snowy finish.
Notes
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Megan says
I made this for a family party and it was so beautiful! Thank you!
Mackenzie Burgess says
Yay! I've seen a lot of people making it for parties and it makes me happy. 🙂 Enjoy!
Chelsea says
Loved this appetizer idea! I used both green and red grapes because I had some extra ones to use up. The kids loved making and eating it. Great to have a change of pace with all of the sweets at the holidays. Thanks so much!
Mackenzie Burgess says
Great idea! It is one that's a little bit of a labor of love to build but SO perfect to get the kids involved. Hope you had a wonderful holiday season! ~Mackenzie