Cucumber Cream Cheese Tree

Featured in: Fresh Everyday Bowls

These charming stacks combine thinly sliced cucumber and a smooth, herbed cream cheese blend. Cut into festive tree shapes, each stack layers fresh cucumber rounds with a creamy mixture flavored by chives, dill, lemon zest, and seasoning. Garnished with vibrant red bell pepper and fresh herbs, they offer a visually delightful, fresh bite. Ideal for afternoon teas, parties, or kid-friendly events, they require no cooking and come together quickly.

Try using whole grain bread for added texture and nutrition or substitute herbs for varied flavors. Perfectly light and vegetarian-friendly, these stacks offer a refreshing, elegant option for your next gathering.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:28:00 GMT
Cucumber and Cream Cheese Tree Stacks: cool cucumber rounds layered atop creamy, herbed cream cheese in festive tree shapes. Save to Pinterest
Cucumber and Cream Cheese Tree Stacks: cool cucumber rounds layered atop creamy, herbed cream cheese in festive tree shapes. | citrushearth.com

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.

This recipe brings a festive touch to any occasion and is always a hit with family and friends especially during the holidays.

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

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.
Festive Cucumber and Cream Cheese Tree Stacks appetizer, featuring vibrant green cucumber and creamy, herbed filling for a holiday treat. Save to Pinterest
Festive Cucumber and Cream Cheese Tree Stacks appetizer, featuring vibrant green cucumber and creamy, herbed filling for a holiday treat. | citrushearth.com

Our family always looks forward to these sandwiches at holiday gatherings filling the table with smiles and festive cheer.

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.

Nutritional Information

Calories 110 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 11 g Protein 3 g per sandwich

Get ready for delightful Cucumber and Cream Cheese Tree Stacks, visually stunning sandwiches perfect for your next party. Save to Pinterest
Get ready for delightful Cucumber and Cream Cheese Tree Stacks, visually stunning sandwiches perfect for your next party. | citrushearth.com

These tree stacks are a fresh and festive finger food that can brighten any party table.

Recipe FAQs

What type of bread works best for these stacks?

White or whole wheat sandwich bread works well, but whole grain can add extra texture and nutrition.

Can I use other herbs besides chives and dill?

Yes, herbs like parsley, basil, or mint can be substituted to suit your flavor preferences.

How should I store these stacks before serving?

Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours to keep them fresh without sogginess.

Are there vegan alternatives for the cream cheese blend?

Plant-based cream cheese can be used as a vegan-friendly substitute without compromising flavor.

What tools are needed to create the tree shapes?

A tree-shaped cookie cutter (about 3–4 inches tall) is ideal for shaping the bread.

Cucumber Cream Cheese Tree

Layered cucumber and herbed cream cheese stacks shaped like festive trees, ideal for light occasions.

Prep duration
20 minutes
Time to cook
1 minutes
Overall time
21 minutes
Created by Elise Porter


Skill level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 12 Number of servings

Dietary details Meat-Free

What Goes In

Bread

01 12 slices white or whole wheat sandwich bread

Cream Cheese Mixture

01 225 grams (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
02 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
03 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
04 1 teaspoon lemon zest
05 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables

01 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced into rounds

Garnishes (optional)

01 Red bell pepper, diced
02 Fresh dill fronds or chives

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare herbed cream cheese: Combine cream cheese, chives, dill, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper in a bowl and blend until smooth.

Step 02

Cut bread into tree shapes: Using a tree-shaped cookie cutter, cut tree forms from each bread slice; reserve the scraps for breadcrumbs.

Step 03

Layer cream cheese: Spread a generous layer of the herbed cream cheese evenly on each bread tree shape.

Step 04

Add cucumber branches: Arrange cucumber slices in overlapping layers atop the cream cheese to resemble tree branches.

Step 05

Apply garnishes: Decorate with diced red bell pepper as ornaments and use dill fronds or chives to depict tree trunks and branches.

Step 06

Serve or store: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving.

What You’ll Need

  • Tree-shaped cookie cutter (approximately 3 to 4 inches tall)
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Spatula or butter knife
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Double-check ingredients for allergens; talk with your doctor if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and milk (dairy). Verify labels for additional allergens.

Nutrition info (for each serving)

Nutrition data is for reference and isn’t meant as health advice.
  • Calorie count: 110
  • Fat content: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 11 grams
  • Protein amount: 3 grams