Name: Festive Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: For the Red Velvet Cake:; 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring; 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened; 1¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; For the Cream Cheese Frosting:; 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened; ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar, sifted; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; For Decoration:; Edible red pearls or candy ornaments; Crumbled red velvet cake scraps (for the base); Edible glitter or shimmer dust; Star-shaped topper (optional)

The festive season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a stunning and delicious Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cake? This delightful holiday dessert is not only visually striking, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser, thanks to its rich flavors and velvety texture. With layers of moist red velvet cake paired with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, this show-stopping creation will be the centerpiece of your holiday gatherings. The vibrant red color and whimsical tree shape embody the spirit of Christmas, making it perfect for any festive occasion.

What truly sets this cake apart, aside from its incredible flavor, is the ability to get creative with decorations. You can adorn it with edible ornaments, shimmering glitter, and even a star topper to capture the magic of the season. The process of making this cake is surprisingly straightforward, making it an accessible project for both seasoned bakers and novices alike. Imagine the joy of slicing into this masterpiece and revealing the luscious layers within—it’s sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Festive Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cake

Visual Appeal: The holiday shape and rich red color make this cake an eye-catching centerpiece.
Rich Flavor: The combination of red velvet and cream cheese creates indulgent flavors that everyone adores.
Customizable: Tailor decorations to suit your theme with edible ornaments and glitter.
Family Fun: Involve kids and family in decorating for a fun bonding experience.
Perfect for Any Occasion: This cake is versatile enough for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or as a special treat just because.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into baking your delightful Christmas tree cake, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all necessary tools. Start by ensuring that your workspace is clean and organized, as this will help streamline the process. You’ll need three 8-inch round cake pans, so make sure they are well-greased and lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Additionally, keep a whisk, mixing bowls for dry and wet ingredients, and a hand or stand mixer handy for blending the batter. A serrated knife will be useful for trimming the cake layers into shape, ensuring they stack nicely into the conical tree form. Don’t forget a spatula for spreading the frosting and a cake stand or serving platter for the final assembly. Having everything ready will make the preparation phase smoother and more enjoyable.

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cake:
2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
1 tablespoon white vinegar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red gel food coloring
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
1¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups (500g) powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For Decoration:
Edible red pearls or candy ornaments
Crumbled red velvet cake scraps (for the base)
Edible glitter or shimmer dust
Star-shaped topper (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pans

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prep your three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them generously with butter or non-stick spray, and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. This will ensure that your cakes release easily once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking thoroughly will help to aerate the flour, ensuring an even distribution of the leavening agents throughout the batter. Set this bowl aside, as it will be added to the wet ingredients later.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. The vinegar will react with the baking soda later to help your cake rise beautifully. Whisk these ingredients together until well-combined and set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a stand mixer or a hand mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy—this incorporates air into the batter, leading to a tender cake. Gradually add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Batter

Now, it’s time to combine your dry and wet ingredients with the butter mixture. Begin by adding one-third of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, followed by half of the wet mixture. Continue alternating until both the wet and dry ingredients are fully incorporated, making sure to start and end with the dry ingredients. This method ensures a consistent batter. Be careful not to over-mix; just mix until smooth.

Step 6: Bake

Evenly distribute the cake batter into the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, it’s the perfect time to prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until fully smooth. Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly after each addition until light and fluffy. Finally, incorporate the vanilla extract, which will enhance the flavor of your frosting.

Step 8: Assemble the Tree

Once the cakes are completely cool, it’s time to assemble your festive tree. Start by placing the largest layer on your serving platter, then spread an even layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top of this, followed by more frosting. For the top layer, you’ll want to trim the edges slightly smaller than the others to create a conical shape. You can use a serrated knife for precision. Once stacked, frost the sides and top of the entire cake to create a base for your decorations.

Step 9: Decorate

Get creative with the decorations! Use a spatula to swirl the frosting to mimic the texture of tree branches. Gently press edible red pearls or candy ornaments into the frosting. Sprinkle edible glitter to give it a magical, snowy effect. Complete the look with a star-shaped topper on the very top and scatter the crumbled red velvet cake scraps around the base for a rustic and festive presentation.

Variations

Protein: Add protein powder to the dry ingredients for a healthier twist or use Greek yogurt in the frosting for added creaminess.
Vegetables: Incorporate shredded carrots or zucchini into the batter for moisture and added nutrients.
Spices: Add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to compliment the flavors of the red velvet cake.

Cooking Notes

Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
If you have leftover cake scraps, crumble them over your finished cake for added decoration.
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy with a warm cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a comforting treat.
Serve as the centerpiece of your holiday dessert table to impress your guests.

Tips

If you don’t have gel food coloring, liquid food coloring can be used, but the color may be less vibrant.
For a fluffier cake, avoid over-mixing once you add the flour to the wet ingredients.
If you prefer a sweeter frosting, you can add more powdered sugar to taste.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 500 per slice
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 300mg

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to two months. Just allow them to cool fully before wrapping.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

Is it necessary to use gel food coloring?

While gel food coloring gives a vibrant hue, liquid food coloring can also work, though it may require more to achieve the same intensity.

How do I store the cake?

The cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Conclusion

This Festive Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cake is a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations. With its beautiful presentation, rich flavor, and creamy frosting, your family and friends will be impressed and begging for seconds. You can easily customize the decorations to match your holiday theme, making it a fun baking project for everyone involved. Don’t forget to share your cake-making experiences in the comments below, and let us know how your festive creation turns out. Enjoy this wonderful cake and the joy it brings to your holiday season!