🛒 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 🌾 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 🍬 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 🧂 1 tsp baking powder
- 🧂 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 🧂 1/4 tsp salt
- 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🥚 4 large eggs
- 🍦 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 🥛 1 cup whole milk
- 🌿 Optional: Green food coloring
For the Frosting:
- 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍬 4 cups powdered sugar
- 🥛 3–4 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 🍦 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 🌿 Green food coloring
For Decoration:
- 🍬 Sprinkles, edible stars, or candy for ornaments
- 🧂 Powdered sugar for a snowy effect
🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Cake
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a Christmas tree-shaped cake pan or two round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined. If desired, stir in green food coloring for a festive touch.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting
- Prepare the Buttercream:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, alternating with the milk. Beat until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and green food coloring.
Assemble and Decorate
- Frost the Cake:
- If using round cakes, stack them with frosting between the layers. Shape the cake into a tree form if needed. Frost the entire cake with green buttercream.
- Decorate:
- Use sprinkles, edible stars, and candies to create ornaments. Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🌟 Mini Trees: Use a muffin tin to make individual tree-shaped cakes for easy serving.
- 🍫 Chocolate Twist: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate tree cake.
- 🥥 Snowy Look: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the frosting for a winter wonderland vibe.
- 🎄 Flavor Options: Add peppermint or almond extract to the frosting for a festive flavor.
🍹 Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced mulled wine for a cozy holiday pairing. It’s perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a centerpiece for Christmas dinner.
What Makes This Recipe Special
The Festive Christmas Tree Cake is not only delicious but also a visual treat that captures the holiday spirit. Its soft, fluffy layers, creamy frosting, and creative decorations make it the ultimate showstopper dessert to impress your family and friends.
