🎄 Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cake Recipe 🎄
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cake Layers:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Red and silver edible ornaments or candy balls
- Edible glitter or powdered sugar (optional)
- A sparkly edible star or decorative topper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Red Velvet Cake Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, oil, buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla, and red food coloring until smooth and fully combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
3. Assemble the Christmas Tree Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
- Stack the second layer on top, trimming the edges slightly to create a tapered shape. Repeat for the third layer.
- Apply a thin “crumb coat” of frosting over the entire cake to seal in any loose crumbs. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set.
- Using a star-shaped piping tip, pipe swirls or stars of frosting all over the cake to create a “snowy” effect.
4. Decorate the Cake:
- Arrange the red and silver edible ornaments or candy balls around the cake to mimic Christmas tree decorations.
- Top the cake with a sparkly star and sprinkle with edible glitter or powdered sugar for a magical snowy touch.
Serving Tips:
- Serve slices starting from the bottom for a striking visual as the cake retains its tree shape.
- Pair with a glass of chilled eggnog or hot cocoa for the ultimate holiday treat!
Enjoy your festive centerpiece and impress your guests with this elegant dessert!