Description
This Christmas Tree Cake is a festive and delightful vanilla cake layered with creamy vanilla buttercream, decorated with charming Christmas tree-shaped cones.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 2/3 cups all purpose flour (213g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1/4 tsp baking soda (1g)
- 1 tsp baking powder (3g)
- 1/4 tsp salt (1g, heaping, optional)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (176g, room temperature)
- 3 egg whites
- 1/2 cup sour cream (120g)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (15mL)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (120mL)
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract (optional, 2.5mL)
- 1.5 lb confectioners sugar (680g)
- 1 lb unsalted butter (454g)
- 1–2 tbsp heavy whipping cream (if needed for consistency)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (5mL)
- 5 drops green food coloring (for decorating the trees)
- 12 ice cream cones (for Christmas tree shapes)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Combine the sour cream, vanilla extract, peppermint extract (if using), and milk; gradually add this mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the dry ingredients until well incorporated.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans. Pour the batter evenly into the pans and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on wire racks.
- In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Add the vanilla extract and continue to beat on medium-high speed until fluffy and smooth. If the consistency is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream to reach the desired consistency.
- Separate a small portion of the buttercream and mix in the green food coloring thoroughly to create the frosting for the Christmas tree decorations.
- Level the cooled cake layers if needed. Spread a layer of vanilla buttercream on the bottom layer, then place the next cake layer on top and repeat until all layers are stacked. Cover the entire cake with a thin crumb coat of frosting and chill for 15-20 minutes. Then apply a smooth layer of vanilla buttercream all over the cake for the final finish.
- Frost the 12 ice cream cones with the green-colored buttercream, piping in a zigzag or leaf pattern to mimic the look of pine trees. Arrange the decorated cones around the cake or on top to form a beautiful display resembling a Christmas forest.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the buttercream to set. Serve slices and enjoy your festive Christmas Tree Cake!
Notes
- This cake makes a great centerpiece for holiday celebrations.
- You can adjust the peppermint extract to your taste.
- Use your favorite cake pan sizes for different shapes.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg