Cu-Ni-Pt dendrites were obtained via a facile, rapid two-step electrodeposited route in air. The pre-deposited Cu-Ni dendrites acted as heterogeneous seeds for the growth of Pt nanoflakes. Cu-Ni-Pt dendrites presented higher catalytic activity for methanol electro-oxidation. Cu-Ni-Pt dendrites exhibited outstanding catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-NP to 4-AP.