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Christmas Tree Cake Recipe

Christmas Tree Cake Recipe

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The holiday season is all about warmth, togetherness, and, of course, delicious treats. Among the most festive desserts, the Christmas Tree Cake stands out with its layers of moist cake, sweet buttercream, and a colorful sprinkle topping.

Perfect for holiday parties, office gatherings, or just indulging in a bit of nostalgia, this cake adds a cheerful touch to any table. What makes this version special is the attention to detail—the vibrant red and green layers inside reflect the spirit of the season.

Imagine the scent of vanilla, a hint of almond, and the burst of fruity sprinkles in every bite. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a fun, homemade creation that brings the holiday magic straight to your kitchen.

Plus, you can customize the flavors or decorations to suit your taste, making it as unique as your celebration.

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)

  • The Homemade Touch: Nothing beats the satisfaction of baking from scratch—this recipe is fun and rewarding!
  • Perfect for Sharing: It’s a showstopper at any holiday gathering, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends.
  • Endless Customization: Feel free to swap out flavors, add fillings, or change the decorations. The possibilities are endless.
  • Nostalgic and Festive: This cake brings back memories of past holidays and family traditions.
  • Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you’re making it for a party, gift, or just to indulge, it’s always a hit.
Christmas Tree Cake recipe

Christmas Tree Cake Recipe

This delightful Christmas Tree Cake features a soft vanilla sponge topped with smooth, creamy vanilla buttercream. Adorned with beautifully decorated Christmas tree designs, it transforms into a festive winter wonderland, perfect for holiday celebrations.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Calories: 330kcal
Author: Anne Carter
Servings: 8

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring Cups
  • Baking Pans
  • Parchment Paper
  • Cooling Rack

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 2/3 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt heaping, optional
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp peppermint extract optional

For the Buttercream

  • 1.5 lb confectioners sugar
  • 1 lb unsalted butter
  • 1-2 tbsp heavy whipping cream If needed for consistency
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 5 drops green food coloring for the trees

For the Assembly

  • 12 ice cream cones

Instructions

For the Cake:

  • Butter and flour three 6-inch pans and preheat the oven to 340°F.
    Butter and Flour Cake Pans
  • Sift the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
    Sifting Dry Ingredients
  • In a separate bowl, beat the wet ingredients together.
    Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
  • Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
    Beating Wet Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cake Batter
  • Divide the batter evenly into the pans (use a kitchen scale for even layers).
    Dividing Cake Batter into Pans for Christmas Tree Cake
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the centers are set and springy.
  • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 4 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
    Cooling the Cakes for Christmas Tree Cake

For the Frosting:

  • Cream the butter, then add sugar and mix on high.
    Creaming the Butter for Buttercream Frosting
  • Add vanilla and salt, and milk as needed for smooth consistency.
    Mixing Confectioners' Sugar and Vanilla for Buttercream Frosting
  • Divide the frosting into two batches and color one with green food coloring.
    Piping Trees onto Ice Cream Cones

For the Assembly:

  • Cut ice cream cones into various sizes and then cut them in half.
    Assembling the Christmas Tree Cake with Ice Cream Cone Trees
  • Pipe star-shaped dollops onto the cones using a number 30 piping tip.
    Finishing the Christmas Tree Cake with Confectioners' Sugar
  • Arrange the cone halves around the sides of the cake, then pipe more trees.
  • Sift confectioners’ sugar on top and your Christmas Tree Cake is ready to serve!
    Finishing the Christmas Tree Cake with Confectioners' Sugar

Nutrition

Calories: 330kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 250mg | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 0.7mg

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