The holiday season is all about warmth, togetherness, and, of course, delicious treats. Among the most festive desserts, the Christmas Tree Cake stands out with its layers of moist cake, sweet buttercream, and a colorful sprinkle topping.
Perfect for holiday parties, office gatherings, or just indulging in a bit of nostalgia, this cake adds a cheerful touch to any table. What makes this version special is the attention to detail—the vibrant red and green layers inside reflect the spirit of the season.
Imagine the scent of vanilla, a hint of almond, and the burst of fruity sprinkles in every bite. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a fun, homemade creation that brings the holiday magic straight to your kitchen.
Plus, you can customize the flavors or decorations to suit your taste, making it as unique as your celebration.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)
- The Homemade Touch: Nothing beats the satisfaction of baking from scratch—this recipe is fun and rewarding!
- Perfect for Sharing: It’s a showstopper at any holiday gathering, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends.
- Endless Customization: Feel free to swap out flavors, add fillings, or change the decorations. The possibilities are endless.
- Nostalgic and Festive: This cake brings back memories of past holidays and family traditions.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you’re making it for a party, gift, or just to indulge, it’s always a hit.
Christmas Tree Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring Cups
- Baking Pans
- Parchment Paper
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 2/3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt heaping, optional
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 3 egg whites
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract optional
For the Buttercream
- 1.5 lb confectioners sugar
- 1 lb unsalted butter
- 1-2 tbsp heavy whipping cream If needed for consistency
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 drops green food coloring for the trees
For the Assembly
- 12 ice cream cones
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Butter and flour three 6-inch pans and preheat the oven to 340°F.
- Sift the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat the wet ingredients together.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly into the pans (use a kitchen scale for even layers).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the centers are set and springy.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 4 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
For the Frosting:
- Cream the butter, then add sugar and mix on high.
- Add vanilla and salt, and milk as needed for smooth consistency.
- Divide the frosting into two batches and color one with green food coloring.
For the Assembly:
- Cut ice cream cones into various sizes and then cut them in half.
- Pipe star-shaped dollops onto the cones using a number 30 piping tip.
- Arrange the cone halves around the sides of the cake, then pipe more trees.
- Sift confectioners’ sugar on top and your Christmas Tree Cake is ready to serve!
