Cucumber Cream Cheese Trees

Delightfully fresh and visually charming, these whimsical finger sandwiches layer cool cucumber and herbed cream cheese in a festive tree shape—perfect for parties, afternoon teas, or kid-friendly gatherings.

I love making these for holiday parties because they always impress guests with their festive look and delicious flavor.

Ingredients

• Bread: 12 slices white or whole wheat sandwich bread
• Cream Cheese Mixture: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened, 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped, 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Vegetables: 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced into rounds
• Garnishes (optional): Red bell pepper, diced (for tree ornaments), Fresh dill fronds or chives (for tree trunks or branches)

Instructions

Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.

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Step 1:

In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, chives, dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth.

Step 2:

Using a tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut tree shapes out of each bread slice (save scraps for breadcrumbs).

Step 3:

Spread a generous layer of the herbed cream cheese mixture onto each bread tree.

Step 4:

Arrange cucumber slices in overlapping layers to mimic tree branches.

Step 5:

Garnish with diced red bell pepper as ornaments and use dill fronds or chive pieces as tree trunks or extra greenery.

Step 6:

Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

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This recipe always brings my family together for a fun afternoon tea where we laugh and share stories.

Notes

Use whole grain bread for added nutrition and color contrast. Substitute fresh herbs according to preference (parsley basil or mint work well). For a vegan version use plant-based cream cheese. Pairs nicely with sparkling water or light white wine.

Required Tools

Tree-shaped cookie cutter (approx 3 4 inches tall), Small mixing bowl, Spatula or butter knife, Sharp knife, Cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten) Milk (dairy). Check cream cheese and bread labels for additional allergens if necessary.

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Blend soups, smoothies, sauces, and baby food directly in pots for quick, smooth results.

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These tree stacks are a delightful addition to any celebration and sure to become a family favorite.

Recipe Questions

→ What type of bread works best for the stacks?

White or whole wheat sandwich bread cuts easily into the desired tree shapes and provides a soft base that complements the creamy filling.

→ Can I substitute the fresh herbs used in the cream cheese?

Yes, herbs like parsley, basil, or mint can be swapped in to vary the flavor and aroma according to your preference.

→ How do I create the tree shapes accurately?

Use a tree-shaped cookie cutter about 3–4 inches tall to cut each bread slice evenly for consistent, whimsical stacks.

→ What are some good garnish options for these stacks?

Diced red bell pepper and fresh dill or chive fronds work beautifully as colorful ornaments and greenery to enhance presentation.

→ How long can the stacks be stored before serving?

They can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 hours; beyond that, the bread may lose its freshness.