Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cake

The holidays are here! And what better way to spread the cheer than with a showstopping, deliciously moist, and eye-catching Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cake? This festive centerpiece is as delightful to eat as it is to admire, and trust me, the aroma of red velvet paired with luscious cream cheese frosting will have your family gathered in the kitchen before you can say “Merry Christmas!”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. It’s visually stunning. This cake is shaped and decorated like a Christmas tree, complete with edible ornaments and a sparkling “snow” effect.
2. Irresistible flavor. The combination of tangy buttermilk, cocoa-infused red velvet, and rich cream cheese frosting is unbeatable.
3. A fun holiday activity. Baking and decorating this cake is a creative and heartwarming way to spend time with loved ones.
4. Perfect for all skill levels. With step-by-step instructions and simple tools, anyone can recreate this masterpiece.

What Does It Taste Like?

Picture a moist, fluffy red velvet cake with subtle cocoa undertones, perfectly balanced by the tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting. The decorations add a hint of whimsy and holiday joy to every bite. This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience that brings comfort and warmth to any holiday gathering.

Benefits of Making This Cake

• A centerpiece-worthy dessert: This cake doubles as edible art, guaranteed to impress your guests.
• Customizable decorations: You can tailor the ornaments and toppings to match your holiday theme.
• Deliciously festive flavor: Red velvet is a classic, and its festive hue makes it perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cake

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 2 packages (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

And For Decoration

• Green food coloring
• Red and green fondant balls
• Gold edible beads
• Small edible glitter or sugar crystals (optional)
• A small edible gold star

Tools You’ll Need

• Three 6-inch round cake pans
• Piping bags and star tips
• Offset spatula for frosting
• Mixing bowls
• Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Red Velvet Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 6-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, combine oil, eggs, buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
4. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly into the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until smooth.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.

3. Assemble the Tree

1. Trim the cake layers for a flat surface.
2. Stack the layers, adding a thin layer of frosting between each. Taper the edges for a tree-like shape.

4. Decorate the Cake

1. Cover the tree with a base layer of cream cheese frosting.
2. Tint some frosting green and pipe tree-like patterns using a star tip.
3. Add fondant balls, edible beads, and sprinkles for ornaments.
4. Top with a golden star and a dusting of edible glitter for a snowy effect.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this cake with a warm cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for an indulgent holiday treat.
• Place it as the centerpiece on your dessert table, surrounded by mini gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark.

Tips for Success

1. Taper with care: Use a sharp knife to trim the layers gradually, ensuring a neat and even tree shape.
2. Frosting consistency: Keep the green frosting slightly thicker for better piping results.
3. Chill between steps: Refrigerating the cake during assembly helps keep the layers stable.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

FAQ

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cake layers a day in advance, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them at room temperature. Decorate the next day for best results.

Can I use a different frosting?

Yes! While cream cheese frosting complements red velvet perfectly, you can try a classic buttercream if you prefer.

What if I don’t have food coloring?

You can skip the red food coloring for a natural cocoa cake, but the festive color is part of the charm!

Wrapping It All Up

This Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cake is a delightful way to bring festive cheer to your table. It’s easy to make, fun to decorate, and oh-so-delicious to eat! Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing for a holiday party, this cake is bound to be a memorable part of your celebration.

More Holiday Recipes

Looking for more holiday magic? Try these festive delights:

• Christmas Stocking Sugar Cookies
• Gingerbread Cake
• Christmas Cake – A Festive Masterpiece

Happy holidays and happy baking! ❤️

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