Last December, snow covered the streets and holiday lights sparkled everywhere. The kitchen was filled with laughter and joy as family members made a festive dessert: the Christmas Tree Cake. This tradition began a few years ago, inspired by a recipe online with a 5-star rating.
The cake’s taste and tree-like appearance were irresistible. As the cake baked, its aroma mixed with buttercream frosting. Everyone couldn’t wait to try this special treat.
The Christmas Tree Cake became a holiday favorite. It combined creativity and taste into one amazing dessert. Using ice cream cones and mastering frosting techniques made it a fun holiday tradition. Let’s explore how to make this festive dessert for your holiday celebrations.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- A highly-rated Christmas Tree Cake recipe perfect for holiday baking.
- Fun and creative dessert project ideal for family gatherings and festive celebrations.
- Step-by-step instructions to help you craft a stunning and flavorful cake.
- Pro tips on decorating and adding extra flavors to enhance your holiday dessert.
- Useful storage and serving suggestions to keep your cake fresh and delicious.
Introduction to the Christmas Tree Cake
The Christmas Tree Cake is a delightful treat for the holiday season. Introduced in 1985, it has become a favorite in festive celebrations. You can choose from classic flavors like Chocolate & Vanilla or try something new like red velvet with green chocolate.
This festive cake recipe is not only tasty but also a fun project. It combines flavors and decorations to capture the holiday spirit. The recipe makes 12 servings and includes ingredients like egg whites, sugar, and butter. It also uses marshmallow fluff, green sugar, and almond bark for a festive touch.
Making the cake is a mix of traditional baking and creative decorating. Bake it at 375 degrees Fahrenheit and then freeze it for two hours. Add vanilla melting wafers, red cookie icing garland, and green sanding sugar for a stunning look.
For more holiday baking ideas, try using gingerbread cake or peppermint in the coating. These ideas make your homemade Christmas cake special and memorable.
For a creative twist, make a Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes dip. It’s a simple dessert made with cream cheese, milk, and vanilla. It’s perfect for parties and adds fun to your holiday table.
Ingredients Needed for Your Christmas Tree Cake
Making a Christmas Tree Cake is a fun way to enjoy holiday treats. You’ll need a few ingredients to make it happen. These easy recipes and special occasion recipes will guide you through the process.
For the Cake
The cake starts with simple pantry items:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 10 large egg whites
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint or orange extracts for festive flavors
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Buttercream
The buttercream is creamy and delicious. You’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring (optional for festive touch)
For the Assembly
For the tree shapes, you’ll need:
- Ice cream cones to form the trees
- Approximately 2.5 lbs of high-quality white chocolate for dipping
- Mini M&M’s candies for decorations
- Star-shaped candies or sprinkles
- Serrated knife for splitting cake layers
- Frosting bag with a fine tip
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a stunning Christmas Tree Cake. It’s perfect for any special occasion recipes.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Main cake batter |
| Granulated sugar | 1 1/2 cups | Sweetener |
| Large egg whites | 10 | Cake texture & structure |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup + 1 cup | Cake & buttercream |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon | Flavoring for cake & buttercream |
| Confectioners’ sugar | 4 cups | Buttercream sweetness |
| Milk | 2 tablespoons | Buttercream consistency |
| Peppermint or orange extract | 1/2 teaspoon | Festive cake flavor |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | Leavening agent for cake |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Enhances flavors |
| Green food coloring | Optional | Buttercream coloring |
| White chocolate | 2.5 lbs | For dipping trees |
Step-by-Step Instructions
To make amazing baking for the holidays treats, follow these steps on how to make a Christmas tree cake. These detailed instructions will guide you to create stunning diy Christmas treats. They will impress everyone at your holiday parties.
- Prepare Your Tools
- Serrated knife
- Spinning cake stand
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Piping bags and multiple piping tips (such as open star and French tips)
- Mixing the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line baking pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix 375g of all-purpose flour, 300g granulated sugar, 300g packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and spices (like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg). Mix well.
- Add 6 eggs, ½ cup water, and ¼ cup vegetable oil. Beat until smooth.
- Baking the Cakes
- Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake for about 32 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
- While cakes bake, make the buttercream frosting. Beat 678g unsalted butter until soft. Add 1250g powdered sugar, 12g vanilla extract, 3g fine salt, and 120g heavy cream. Mix until smooth.
- Assembling and Decorating
- Let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Trim the tops to make them even. This is key for stacking.
- Prepare green, yellow, and red gel food coloring. Divide the buttercream and color it. Save some white frosting for the crumb coat.
- Use a serrated knife to level each cake. Place the first cake layer on the spinning cake stand and apply an even layer of buttercream using a piping bag. Repeat with the remaining layers.
- Apply a crumb coat and chill the cake for at least 1 hour.
- Once chilled, use colored frosting to create the Christmas tree effect. For a professional look, use an open star and French tips with your piping bags.
- Finish by sprinkling green sanding sugar and decorating with red cookie icing.
Making these diy Christmas treats is fun and rewarding. Whether you’re new to baking for the holidays or experienced, these steps for how to make a Christmas tree cake will help you make a perfect festive dessert.
| Preparation Time | 2 hours |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 12 minutes |
| Freeze Time | 2 hours |
| Servings | 12 Christmas Tree Cakes |
| Calories Per Serving | 788 |
| Total Fat | 43g |
| Saturated Fat | 23g |
| Trans Fat | 1g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 17g |
| Cholesterol | 136mg |
| Sodium | 523mg |
| Carbohydrates | 93g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 74g |
| Protein | 9g |
Pro Tips for an Amazing Christmas Tree Cake Recipe
Making a Christmas tree cake is both fun and rewarding. Here are some pro tips to help you perfect your cake. Impress your friends and family with your creative baking ideas.
Using Ice Cream Cones for the Trees
Using ice cream cones as trees is a creative idea. Cover them with green buttercream using a piping bag with a star tip. This creates a textured, tree-like surface. It adds a whimsical and edible element to your cake.
Two-Tone Frosting Technique
To make your Christmas tree cake look more real, learn the two-tone frosting technique. Start by mixing gel food coloring to get different shades of green. Use two piping bags: one for a lighter green and one for a darker shade.
Gradually switch colors as you pipe, blending them at the edges. This technique gives your cake a striking and professional finish.
Adding Extra Flavors
Want to add unique flavors to your cake? Try adding peppermint, almond, or citrus extracts to the batter or buttercream. These flavors can give your traditional recipe a delightful twist. Make your homemade holiday treats even more memorable.
Decorating Your Christmas Tree Cake
Decorating your Christmas Tree Cake is a fun adventure. You can go for simple or go all out. These tips will help you make your cake look like it came from a winter wonderland.
- Powdered Sugar Snow: A light dusting of powdered sugar can make your cake look snowy. Just sift it gently over the top for a festive look.
- Fondant Decorations: Use fondant to make little Christmas decorations like gifts and stars. It’s easy to shape and adds bright colors to your cake.
- Colorful Sprinkles: Use festive sprinkles like white pearls and gold stars to look like ornaments. Red hot candies and silver dragees also add to the Christmas feel.
- Piping Techniques: Try piping different designs with Wilton Color Gels. You can make tree branches, lights, or even names for a personal touch.
| Ingredient | Brand | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| White Frosting | Pillsbury Funfetti Holiday | Base layer for the cake |
| Chocolate Frosting | Pillsbury | Tree trunks and branches |
| Green Color Gel | Wilton | Coloring for tree branches |
| Black Color Gel | Wilton | Details and outlines |
With these tips, your Christmas Tree Cake will be a hit at any holiday party. The secret to a great cake is in the details. Let your creativity run wild and turn a simple cake into a festive masterpiece that will wow your guests!
Common Substitutes and Alternatives
Finding the right substitutes and alternatives can make your holiday treats inclusive for everyone. Whether you’re accommodating gluten sensitivities or plant-based diets, these easy swaps ensure everyone enjoys your Christmas tree cake.
One of the easiest swaps is replacing regular flour with gluten-free flour. This lets those with gluten intolerance enjoy the cake without worry. Choose a high-quality brand that measures cup-for-cup with regular flour, so your cake stays the right texture.
For plant-based options, substituting dairy products is simple. Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of butter, and almond milk or soy milk instead of dairy milk. These alternatives are easy to find and keep your cake rich.
If you’re changing the chocolate ganache filling, try using coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This swap is great for dairy-free diets and adds a unique flavor. Make sure the coconut cream is full-fat for the best texture.
Sweeteners are another area where you can be flexible. Replace coconut sugar with granulated sugar or use apple sauce for natural sweetness. This can cut down sugar content without losing flavor.
| Original Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | Gluten-free flour | Cup-for-cup replacement |
| Butter | Vegan butter or coconut oil | Use same quantity |
| Heavy cream | Coconut cream | Use full-fat variety |
| Coconut sugar | Granulated sugar or apple sauce | Adjust quantity based on preference |
| Milk | Almond milk or soy milk | Unsweetened options preferred |
Remember, these substitutions not only meet dietary needs but also bring new flavors to your desserts. Try different combinations to find the perfect treats for your holiday gatherings.
Storing and Serving Tips
Storing and serving your Christmas Tree Cake right is key. It makes your winter baking shine and impresses your guests. Here’s the best advice for both.
Storage Tips
Keeping desserts fresh is crucial, whether for later or before the holidays. For short-term, cover your cake loosely with plastic wrap or use a cake dome. This stops it from drying out.
If you need to store it longer, refrigerate it. Wrap it tightly in plastic and foil. This keeps moisture in and flavors strong. For even longer, freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped and in an airtight container.
Optimal Serving Suggestions
Serving desserts should be as fun as eating them. Let refrigerated cakes warm up at room temperature for 30 minutes. This enhances flavor and texture.
Decorate your plates with holiday themes like cranberries or mint. Serve with hot cocoa, mulled wine, or eggnog for a festive touch.
Want to try something different? Check out these delicious s’mores cookies. They’re perfect for any holiday dessert table.
The best part of serving holiday desserts is seeing the joy they bring to your guests. Presentation and pairing with comforting beverages make every bite a memorable experience.
User Reviews and Success Stories
Home bakers across the country have found success with the Christmas Tree Cake recipe. They love its festive look, delicious taste, and how easy it is to make. Many have shared their stories, saying it’s a key part of their holiday traditions.
In 2017, Little Debbie’s Christmas Tree Cakes faced a scare when fans worried they might be discontinued. But, a huge 7,400 tweets showed how much people loved the cakes. This showed how important festive treats are for holiday memories.
Bakers from different places have also shared their own versions of the recipe. They’ve added Canadian Christmas Fruit Cake touches like bourbon-soaked fruit and colorful candied fruits. These changes make the cake even tastier and honor old traditions. The recipe gets top marks from users, with many giving it a full five-star rating. These stories and reviews encourage new bakers, promising a fun and rewarding experience.
F.A.Q
What ingredients do I need for the Christmas Tree Cake?
You’ll need flour, sugar, egg whites, and butter for the cake. For the frosting, use butter, sugar, vanilla, and green food coloring if you like. Ice cream cones are needed for the tree shapes.
Can I customize the flavors of the cake?
Yes, you can add flavors like peppermint, almond, or citrus. This will give your cake a special twist for the holidays.
How do I use ice cream cones to create the tree shapes?
Place ice cream cones upside down around the cake to make tree shapes. Decorate them with green frosting and other decorations for a magical forest look.
What is the two-tone frosting technique?
This technique uses two greens to make the trees look real. It adds depth and beauty to your cake.
What are some tips for storing the cake?
Store the cake at room temperature for fresh taste. Or refrigerate it to keep it longer. Always cover it to keep it moist.
How can I make the cake suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Swap ingredients for gluten-free or plant-based options. This way, everyone can enjoy the cake.
What are some decorating tips for the Christmas Tree Cake?
Use powdered sugar for snow, fondant for color, and try different piping for a lively look. Let your creativity guide your design.
What are some serving suggestions for the cake?
Serve with hot chocolate or mulled wine for a festive touch. Present it as a centerpiece to wow your guests.
Are there any reviews or success stories from people who have tried this recipe?
Yes, many have made the cake and loved it. Their stories inspire and encourage others to try it.
