ADVERTISEMENT

Red Velvet Tree Cake

The holiday season calls for indulgence, creativity, and a touch of magic in the kitchen. What better way to celebrate than with a Red Velvet Tree Cake? This towering centerpiece combines the moist, velvety layers of classic red velvet cake with the tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting. Shaped like a Christmas tree and adorned with edible decorations, it’s the perfect blend of flavor and festive cheer.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Red Velvet Tree Cake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

🎄✨ A festive masterpiece! This Red Velvet Tree Cake is as stunning as it is delicious. ❤️🍰 Layers of velvety red cake and creamy frosting are shaped into a gorgeous tree, making it the ultimate holiday centerpiece. 🎅 Perfect for sharing sweet cheer! ❄️

#RedVelvetTreeCake #HolidayDesserts #FestiveTreats #ChristmasBaking #VelvetyGoodness #DessertArt #SeasonalSweets #HolidayVibes #SweetCelebration #ChristmasCakeMagic 🎄🍰✨

  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder
  • 1½ cups (360ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) red food coloring
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration:

  • Edible silver and red baubles
  • Small edible glitter stars
  • White chocolate shavings
  • A star-shaped topper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

  • Preheat the Oven:
    • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line multiple round cake pans in decreasing sizes (e.g., 9-inch, 7-inch, 5-inch, and 3-inch).
  • Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
  • Combine Wet Ingredients:
    • In a separate bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  • Combine Wet and Dry:
    • Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth and lump-free.

2. Bake the Cakes

  • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each layer comes out clean.
  • Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fluffy and light.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

4. Assemble the Tree Cake

  • Layer the Cake:
    • Place the largest cake layer on a serving plate or cake board. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
    • Stack the next largest layer on top, repeating the frosting process.
    • Continue layering until all the cakes are stacked.
  • Shape the Tree:
    • Use a serrated knife to trim the edges of the stacked cake, shaping it into a conical tree form.
    • Apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) to lock in the crumbs. Chill for 30 minutes.

5. Decorate the Tree Cake

  • Frost the Cake:
    • Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe swirls of frosting all around the cake for a textured, tree-like effect.
  • Add Decorations:
    • Gently place edible baubles and glitter stars on the frosting swirls.
    • Sprinkle white chocolate shavings over the cake to mimic freshly fallen snow.
    • Top the cake with a star-shaped topper for a festive finish.

Notes

Cake Tips:

  • Use room-temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
  • Sift your dry ingredients to avoid lumps and achieve a finer crumb.

Frosting Tips:

  • For a sturdier frosting, chill it briefly if it becomes too soft during decorating.
  • Keep a steady hand when piping to create even, tree-like swirls.

Decorating Tips:

  • Handle edible decorations with care; tweezers can help with precision placement.
  • Add a dusting of edible glitter for extra sparkle and holiday magic.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or looking for a jaw-dropping dessert to impress your loved ones, this cake is the ultimate holiday treat. Its deep red hue, complemented by snowy white frosting and sparkling decorations, makes it as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder
  • 1½ cups (360ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) red food coloring
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration:

  • Edible silver and red baubles
  • Small edible glitter stars
  • White chocolate shavings
  • A star-shaped topper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

  • Preheat the Oven:
    • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line multiple round cake pans in decreasing sizes (e.g., 9-inch, 7-inch, 5-inch, and 3-inch).
  • Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
  • Combine Wet Ingredients:
    • In a separate bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  • Combine Wet and Dry:
    • Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth and lump-free.

2. Bake the Cakes

  • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each layer comes out clean.
  • Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

  • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fluffy and light.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

4. Assemble the Tree Cake

  • Layer the Cake:
    • Place the largest cake layer on a serving plate or cake board. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
    • Stack the next largest layer on top, repeating the frosting process.
    • Continue layering until all the cakes are stacked.
  • Shape the Tree:
    • Use a serrated knife to trim the edges of the stacked cake, shaping it into a conical tree form.
    • Apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) to lock in the crumbs. Chill for 30 minutes.

5. Decorate the Tree Cake

  • Frost the Cake:
    • Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe swirls of frosting all around the cake for a textured, tree-like effect.
  • Add Decorations:
    • Gently place edible baubles and glitter stars on the frosting swirls.
    • Sprinkle white chocolate shavings over the cake to mimic freshly fallen snow.
    • Top the cake with a star-shaped topper for a festive finish.

Flavors, Textures, and Aromas

Every slice of this Red Velvet Tree Cake is a journey into decadence. The cake layers are incredibly moist, with a subtle cocoa undertone that complements the tangy cream cheese frosting. The red velvet base has a delicate crumb, while the frosting adds a creamy richness. The decorations not only enhance the visual appeal but also add delightful textures, from the crunch of baubles to the melt-in-your-mouth white chocolate shavings.

Aromatic notes of vanilla and chocolate fill the room as the cake bakes, setting the stage for the warm, joyful moments this dessert promises to create.

Tips for Success

Cake Tips:

  • Use room-temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
  • Sift your dry ingredients to avoid lumps and achieve a finer crumb.

Frosting Tips:

  • For a sturdier frosting, chill it briefly if it becomes too soft during decorating.
  • Keep a steady hand when piping to create even, tree-like swirls.

Decorating Tips:

  • Handle edible decorations with care; tweezers can help with precision placement.
  • Add a dusting of edible glitter for extra sparkle and holiday magic.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Flavor Variations:

  • Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the frosting for a nutty twist.
  • Incorporate crushed peppermint candies into the frosting for a minty, festive flavor.

Serving Ideas:

  • Pair with hot cocoa or spiced mulled wine to complete your holiday table.
  • Serve on a cake stand adorned with holly or fairy lights for maximum impact.

This Red Velvet Tree Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a holiday masterpiece. Perfect for creating cherished memories with family and friends, this cake combines stunning visuals with irresistible flavors. Whether you’re making it for Christmas dinner or gifting it to a loved one, its festive charm and indulgent taste will leave everyone in awe.

ADVERTISEMENT

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

ADVERTISEMENT