Make a Jolly Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cake Recipe Today

Crafting a delightful red velvet christmas tree cake brings festive magic to your holiday table.

Sweet memories bloom from every vibrant slice of this seasonal dessert.

Layers of crimson-hued cake create a stunning centerpiece that sparkles with winter charm.

Elegant chocolate decorations and cream cheese frosting transform this treat into a show-stopping celebration.

Rich, velvety textures mingle with classic holiday flavors that dance across your palate.

Delicate and whimsical, this cake captures the spirit of Christmas in each delectable bite.

Trust this recipe to become your new favorite seasonal tradition that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why This Red Velvet Cake Is Perfect for the Holidays

• Create a Festive Showstopper: This red velvet Christmas tree cake transforms an ordinary dessert into a spectacular holiday centerpiece that will impress guests and create memorable moments.
• Master Simple Holiday Baking: Crafting this cake requires basic baking skills, making it accessible for home bakers of all experience levels who want to create something special without overwhelming complexity.
• Capture Holiday Magic: The vibrant red cake with green frosting and snow-like decorations perfectly captures the essence of Christmas, bringing joy and warmth to your holiday table with its festive design.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily personalize the cake by adjusting frosting colors, adding different decorative elements, or experimenting with sprinkle patterns to match your unique holiday style.

Ingredients That Make Red Velvet Christmas Cake Shine

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structural base for the cake's texture and stability.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the red velvet cake.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cake.
• Buttermilk: Creates a tangy flavor and helps activate the baking soda for better rise.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Red Food Coloring: Provides the signature vibrant red color of red velvet cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cake's flavor.
• White Vinegar: Helps activate the baking soda and contributes to the cake's texture.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Form the creamy base of the frosting with rich, tangy flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the frosting's flavor.
• Green Food Coloring: Creates a festive tree-like color for the frosting.

• White Sprinkles, Edible Pearls: Add a snow-like decorative touch to the cake.

How to Make Your Tree-Shaped Cake a Showstopper

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Spray a tree-shaped or standard cake pan with cooking spray and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Break up any clumps to ensure a smooth batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Red food coloring
• Vanilla extract
• White vinegar

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and vibrant.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Stir carefully to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough.

Step 5: Add Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda into the batter. Mix thoroughly to activate and enhance the cake’s rich red color.

Step 6: Pour and Prepare for Baking

Transfer batter to the prepared pan. Spread evenly and tap the pan on the counter to remove air bubbles.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Slide the pan into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean with just a few crumbs.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.

Step 9: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for the frosting.

Step 10: Finish Frosting

Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until the frosting becomes creamy and spreadable.

Step 11: Color the Frosting

Blend green food coloring into the frosting. Adjust the shade to create a festive tree-like green.

Step 12: Frost the Cake

Cover the entire cake with the green cream cheese frosting. Use smooth, even strokes.

Step 13: Create Tree Texture

Use a piping bag or spatula to form layered branches. This gives the cake a realistic tree appearance.

Step 14: Add Festive Decorations

Sprinkle white edible pearls or sprinkles across the cake. This creates a snowy, winter wonderland effect.

Step 15: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour. This helps the frosting set and allows flavors to blend beautifully.

Red Velvet Cake Tips for Color and Flavor

• Master Color Contrast: Add extra cocoa powder for deeper red hue, creating striking visual appeal against green frosting.
• Prevent Cake Crumbling: Cool cake completely before frosting to ensure stable structure and clean decorative lines.
• Achieve Perfect Frosting Texture: Keep cream cheese and butter at room temperature for smooth, lump-free consistency that spreads easily.
• Create Realistic Tree Design: Use various piping tips to generate different branch textures, mimicking natural evergreen appearance.
• Boost Flavor Complexity: Add subtle almond extract to batter for unexpected depth that complements traditional red velvet taste.

Unique Twists on the Classic Red Velvet Tree Cake

• Chocolate Bark Edition: Transform the red velvet cake into a layered chocolate bark by spreading melted chocolate over the cake and topping with crushed candy canes and festive sprinkles.
• Nutty Forest Crunch: Incorporate chopped pecans or almonds into the batter and sprinkle toasted nuts between frosting layers to create a crunchy woodland texture.
• Peppermint Swirl Version: Mix crushed peppermint candies into the cream cheese frosting and drizzle white chocolate peppermint ganache over the decorated tree cake for an extra festive flavor profile.
• Gingerbread Fusion: Replace some cocoa powder with ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg to give the cake a warm, spiced gingerbread-inspired taste that complements the holiday theme.

Treats That Complement Red Velvet Cake

• Celebrate Festive Flavor Companions
• Pair Sparkling Cranberry Champagne: Light, bubbly champagne complements the rich red velvet cake's sweet and tangy profile, cutting through the cream cheese frosting's richness while enhancing the holiday spirit.
• Match Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Creamy, cool peppermint hot chocolate echoes the cake's festive theme, with mint notes balancing the cake's sweetness and providing a warming winter beverage experience.
• Create Spiced Mulled Wine Delight: Warm, aromatic mulled wine with cinnamon and orange hints perfectly accompanies the red velvet cake, offering a sophisticated adult pairing that highlights the dessert's depth and complexity.

How to Store Red Velvet Cake and Keep It Moist

• Store the red velvet Christmas tree cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain its moisture.
• Wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and decorating.
• Keep the frosted cake in a cool, dry place for up to 2 days. Place a cake dome or large bowl over it to protect from dust and maintain freshness. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas.
• Store individual cake slices in sealed containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.

Questions About This Festive Red Velvet Cake

• Why does the recipe use vinegar?

The white vinegar helps activate the baking soda, creating a lighter, more tender cake texture and enhancing the cake’s signature red color.

• Can I substitute buttermilk?

Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

• How do I prevent my cake from turning out dry?

Avoid overmixing the batter and be careful not to overbake. Check the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time and remove it from the oven when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Red Velvet Christmas Tree Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Red velvet Christmas tree cake weaves festive magic into a classic dessert, creating a showstopping centerpiece for holiday celebrations. Rich cocoa-infused layers draped in cream cheese frosting deliver delightful seasonal cheer you’ll treasure with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp red food coloring

Wet and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking soda

Frosting and Decoration:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Green food coloring
• White sprinkles or edible pearls
• Chocolate tree-shaped mold or piping bag for tree design

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a tree-shaped cake pan or standard cake pan with cooking spray and flour coating.
2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until smooth and evenly blended.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing.
5. Incorporate baking soda into the batter, mixing until fully integrated and creating a vibrant red color.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly and tapping the pan to release any air bubbles.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
8. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for thorough cooling.
9. Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
10. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.
11. Incorporate green food coloring into the frosting, adjusting the shade to achieve a festive tree-like color.
12. Once the cake is completely cooled, frost the entire surface with the green cream cheese mixture.
13. Create tree-like texture by using a piping bag or spatula to form textured, layered branches.
14. Decorate with white sprinkles or edible pearls to mimic snow and add a festive winter touch.
15. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow frosting to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Choose high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, deep flavor that enhances the red velvet’s signature taste.
• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to create a smoother, more uniform cake batter.
• Room-temperature eggs blend more easily and help create a lighter, more tender cake texture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cake – mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color that doesn’t water down the batter.
• Check cake doneness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back when touched.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Refrigerate cake for easier frosting and to help stabilize the cream cheese icing.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg