Description
This Christmas Tree Cake is a festive and delightful vanilla cake layered with creamy vanilla buttercream, decorated with charming Christmas tree-shaped cones to create a winter wonderland centerpiece for your holiday celebrations. The moist cake combined with the smooth, rich frosting and the peppermint hint makes it a perfect holiday treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 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)
Buttercream Frosting Ingredients
- 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
- Prepare the Cake Batter: 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.
- Bake the Cake: 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.
- Make the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting: 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.
- Color the Frosting: Separate a small portion of the buttercream and mix in the green food coloring thoroughly to create the frosting for the Christmas tree decorations.
- Assemble the Cake: 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.
- Decorate with Christmas Tree Cones: 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.
- Final Touches: 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
- A delicious vanilla Christmas tree cake with creamy, dreamy vanilla buttercream, covered with beautiful Christmas trees that turn this cake into a winter wonderland.
- You can adjust the peppermint extract to taste or omit it for a pure vanilla flavor.
- If frosting is too stiff, adjust with heavy cream one tablespoon at a time to get the perfect consistency for decorating.
- Make sure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Ice cream cones can be substituted with sugar cones if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
