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If you are looking for a healthy, low calorie Christmas treat these Watermelon Christmas Trees are it! Easy to make, adorable in a Christmas fruit platter and delicious!
The Christmas holidays are loaded with sweet calorie-dense treats that are both hard to resist and fun. These watermelon trees are a showstopping surprise! The unexpected Christmas tree shapes are enchanting to all AND a welcome refreshing healthy treat option.
The combination of juicy watermelon and tangy Greek yogurt is delicious and thirst quenching too.
A cut in the base of the tree allows them to stand vertically (or they can be laid down on their backs).
Watermelon. Choose a seedless watermelon if possible. You’ll need two slices of 1-inch thick watermelon. The size of the whole watermelon will determine the size of the watermelon trees. Choosing a large round watermelon allows cutting the best size trees from the watermelon rounds.
Greek yogurt. We recommend non-fat Greek yogurt and love Chobani brand. It’s thick and delicious.
How to cut watermelon into triangles (trees)
It’s easy to cut watermelon into fun Christmas trees! You don’t even need a Christmas tree cookie cutter. A sharp knife will do it.
STEP 1. Cutting watermelon triangles
Using a knife, divide the 1″ thick watermelon slices into 8 pieces of the same size (photo 2).
Cut the bottom of the Christmas trees and make sure to make a flat cut on the base of each one (photo 3).
STEP 2. Decorate watermelon
Fill a piping bag with a fine round tip or a Ziploc style plastic bag with Greek yogurt, snip the corner and use it to pipe yogurt onto the Christmas trees (photo 4).
STEP 3. Chill
Place the watermelon Christmas trees on a parchment lined tray or baking sheet in the refrigerator until serving. Enjoy this simple and healthy snack!
Variations
No yogurt. Watermelon and yogurt are a delicious combination but if you want to leave out the yogurt, enjoy the watermelon trees as is!
Using a Christmas tree cookie cutter. If you want to skip cutting the rind, using a Christmas tree cookie cutter to cut trees out of just the red fruit. They may not be strong enough to cut through the rind.
Pro Tips
Slice thickness is important. The thickness is important to get your Christmas trees to stand up and be stable. If you don’t cut them thick enough, the trees won’t be strong to stand up.
Make a flat cut on the watermelon rind. In order to have your trees stand up in a vertical position (if desired), you need to make a flat cut on the base of the Christmas tree (the rind) to provide a stable surface for the tree trunk.
Pat the watermelon dry. Before adding the yogurt pat the watermelon slice with a paper towel. This will help with the yogurt adhering to the fruit especially with a juicy watermelon.
How to Store
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If cutting the watermelon ahead, store the watermelon only and decorate a few hours before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy a watermelon in the northern hemisphere in December?
Most larger grocery stores carry them year round now. Try stores like Whole Foods that carry a wide variety of produce all year long if you can’t find one at your regular grocery store.
Do I have to use Greek yogurt?
Yes. The thickness of Greek yogurt allows it to stay in place. If you are standing the tree upright other yogurts may slide down the watermelon.
Using a knife, divide the 1″ thick watermelon slices into 8 pieces of the same size.
Cut the bottom of the Christmas trees and make sure to make a flat cut on the base of each one.
Fill a piping bag fitted with a fine round tip or a Ziploc bag with Greek yogurt, snip the corner and use it to pipe yogurt onto the Christmas trees.
Place the watermelon Christmas trees in the refrigerator or freezer for 1-2 hours until serving. Enjoy this simple and healthy snack!
Notes
Pro Tips
The watermelon slice thickness is important to ensure your Christmas trees will stand upright. If you don’t cut them thick enough, the trees won’t be able to stand up.
The cut on the bottom of the rind is also another essential step in the process. In order to have your trees in a vertical position, you need to make a flat cut on the bottom to provide a stable surface.
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