Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cake

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This Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cake is the ultimate festive centerpiece for your holiday celebrations! With its rich, velvety texture, creamy frosting, and dazzling decorations, it’s as much a delight to make as it is to eat. Perfect for family gatherings or impressing your holiday guests, this cake is guaranteed to spread the Christmas cheer!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Showstopper: A Christmas tree-shaped cake that looks as good as it tastes.
• Classic Flavor: Moist red velvet cake paired with creamy vanilla frosting.
• Fun to Decorate: Let your creativity shine with edible ornaments and glitter.
• Perfect for the Holidays: A stunning dessert to wow your guests.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 🌾
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 🍫
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 🥄
• ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
• 2 cups granulated sugar 🍭
• 2 large eggs 🥚
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring ❤️
• 1 cup buttermilk 🥛
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar 🥄

For the Frosting:

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened 🧈
• 4 cups powdered sugar 🍭
• 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream 🥛
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
• A pinch of salt 🧂

For Decoration:

• Mini ornaments or edible Christmas decorations (peppermint candies, chocolate balls, etc.)
• Edible glitter or powdered sugar ✨
• A star-shaped cookie or topper ⭐

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the red food coloring, buttermilk, and white vinegar.
6. Alternate Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1. Cream the Butter: Beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until fully incorporated.
3. Adjust Consistency: Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Christmas Tree

1. Slice the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, use a sharp knife to slice it into three even layers.
2. Layer with Frosting: Place the first layer on a cake stand or plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the remaining layers.
3. Shape the Tree: Carefully trim the edges of the cake layers to create a cone-like tree shape. Save the trimmings for cake pops or snacking!

Step 5: Decorate the Cake

1. Frost the Tree: Use the remaining frosting to cover the entire cake, smoothing it with a spatula for a snowy look.
2. Add Decorations:
   • Place mini ornaments, peppermint candies, or chocolate balls on the tree.
   • Sprinkle with edible glitter or dust with powdered sugar for a frosty effect.
   • Top with a star-shaped cookie or decoration.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice your stunning Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cake, serve, and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy!

Tips for Success

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all wet ingredients (butter, eggs, buttermilk) are at room temperature for the smoothest batter.
2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until combined.
3. Chill the Cake: Chill the cake layers before shaping to make trimming easier and reduce crumbs.
4. Creative Decorations: Use themed candies or sprinkles to match your holiday color scheme.
5. Use a Star Cutter: If you don’t have a star decoration, cut one out of sugar cookie dough or fondant.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Lovers: Substitute cocoa powder for melted chocolate in the batter for extra richness.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace buttercream with classic cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.
• Mini Trees: Bake the batter in cupcake molds and stack to make individual tree-shaped cakes.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make this cake celiac-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

• Festive Drinks: Pair with hot cocoa, mulled wine, or eggnog for the ultimate holiday treat.
• Holiday Party Centerpiece: Display your cake on a decorated cake stand surrounded by pinecones or fairy lights.
• Gift-Worthy: Wrap slices in festive boxes or cellophane for thoughtful edible gifts.

Why This Cake is Perfect for the Holidays

With its vibrant red hue, rich velvety texture, and whimsical Christmas tree design, this cake captures the magic of the season. The creamy, dreamy frosting and festive decorations make it a showstopper for any holiday table, while the easy-to-follow recipe ensures baking success.